I sold 3 alpha ll's after getting my kestral, won't be back on a hang on don't think. So i look for different trees, a straight 1 works in a saddle, but a leaning tree u can sleep inI been hunting hang ons for several years now. my question is how long does it take to get the hunting from a saddle down? Is all day hunts doable ?I'm needing another setup i was going to get another lone wolf or a saddle.
Obviously, there are pros and cons of every hunting system out there. @elk yinzer makes a good point that most people on this site rave about the pros of saddle hunting vs the cons. However, I don't think that happens because we're dishonest or brainwashed (not that you said that Elk Yinzer).
Keep in mind most of us have been hunting with, and perfecting this system for many years. Most of us have worked out the kinks to the point where there aren't any real cons to us any longer. I know I've spent countless hours and untold amounts of money working through every little detail to get my system perfect for me.
Sure there are times when a traditional tree stand could be a better choice. It's always been my position that I'd rather do an all day sit in a climber. You can do all day sits in a saddle for sure. IMO a big comfy climber is a better choice for that particular scenario. But they're a tons of guys here that do all day sits regularly with a saddle.
The real difference is the effort it takes to get in saddle shape vs treestand shape. Treestands are kind of plug and play, especially ladder stands. However, saddle hunting requires practice and a willingness to learn. But to me, that's half the fun of it anyway.
Sent from my Galaxy S8.
How many times have you hunted out of a saddle?I think the honest answer depends way too much on your personal preferences, style, body type, and a whole lot more than anyone can answer for you. And this forum tends to be an echo chamber, certainly more likely to hear the pros than the cons. I've been practicing in the saddle but still hedging and don't think I'll totally abandon my treestands this season. Or as I see it now, my grande roomy spacious saddle platforms.
So I think the real answer to your post is think outside the box and come up with a solution that works for you. This whole saddle vs. treestand thing is bogus. It's not always an either/or. There are plenty of hybrid systems that function very well.
Welcome to the site!I been hunting hang ons for several years now. my question is how long does it take to get the hunting from a saddle down? Is all day hunts doable ?I'm needing another setup i was going to get another lone wolf or a saddle.
That's a smart position to take...use the tool that best fits the scenario.I’m just saying I see saddles/slings vs. treestands as more of a spectrum than a binary distinction. I don't mean to be abrasive or put anyone on the defensive but I’ve invested a heck of a lot of time and money tweaking my setup and found that for most of my hunts where going ultralight isn’t a concern of mine, I like a bigger platform than most, to the point I am running what I consider a hybrid system. Essentially I just removed the seat from my treestand with my saddle replacing the seat. I have a smaller platform for my hunts way in deep but it’s less comfortable. I’ll still bust out my Summit Climber for all day hunts when I can. Check back in another 5 years and some of that may change, I don't know. I’m just choosing the tools I find do the job the best. Do whatever floats your boat but that’s what I’ve found I like and feel comfortable in. I spend a few hundred hours every year in the trees and I am glad to have found the time and means to tweak my system to perfection.
I still have a Chippewa. That's a pretty good system for a hang on.great thread and points guys. I'm new to saddle hunting and looking forward to it. The hang on stands I've had have been uncomfortable after a couple of hours so I basically stand most of the time. I figure I'll be doing a lot of leaning with some sitting thrown in. I've never used a real ladder stand or a climber since it isn't feasible to where I hunt. I have a Chippewa wedgelock since I liked the mobility and not leaving a stand in my spots. With my Kestrel I'm hoping this will take that to the next level and I don't see why not.