Some years ago, a scheme using 2 helium-filled baloons was
floated. The idea was to have one baloon above the tree on
the north side of the
desired tree, another balloon on the south side. Theory being
that they would eventually intermingle and have the support
lines tangled allowing progressively higher strength lines to be
pulled over the tree.
I've used the "Robin Hood meets Izzak Walton" technique
which uses a nose weighted arrow trailing 10 pound line from an
open-faced fishing reel. The line is attached to the arrow by
laying the line along the arrow behind the quill and holding it
in place with a wrap of electical tape. This provides enough
strength for the arrow to carry the line but allows the line to
separate should the arrow get hung up in branches. Use about
an ounce of solder wrapped on the tip in a single row coil and
cover it with electrical tape.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and eye protection. Use a
"weak" bow, 40 pounds is plenty to reach 100 feet. Use an
aluminum, fiberglas or carbon fiber arrow (a real "good" one)
and be sure it is straight. If you use a cheap, junk "target"
arrow, it may shatter upon departing the drawn bow. (if you
care to learn more about this phenomenon, check a decent
physics text for "the archer's paradox.")
Paint the shaft of the arrow flourescent yellow or orange so you
can find it when it goes astray.
I've used this system for over 25 years. The slingshot
approach is fine but if the weight wraps itself around a branch,
it will be there, twisting, twisting in the wind for the duration.
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