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Arkansas Newbie

Jordan121787

Jordan121787

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2018
Messages
287
Looking to get into saddle hunting. I'm a big public land hunter here in central Arkansas. I'm getting tired of hauling a heavy pack for miles. Can't wait to lighten up the load and learn a new way of hunting. Still on the search for my first saddle. I'd really like a Kite in a size 2, but also looking at the Mantis. I've seen several mediums for sale, but no larges. Seems that most people are switching from medium to large. I'd easily fit a medium though being 5'9" and 165lbs, just seen people complain about the medium not being as comfortable as the large. Maybe someone in central Arkansas can lead me in the right direction! Seems like this board is super friendly. Can't wait to spend all of my money on this new set up :tearsofjoy:
 
Welcome from MA. I own a large Mantis, and it is very comfortable. I did 4 or 5 back to back all day sits this season.
 
Welcome from Cato, I’m just outside Mayflower. I hunt from a SitDrag but I’m more than happy to help ya out
 
Jordan121787 said:
Looking to get into saddle hunting. I'm a big public land hunter here in central Arkansas. I'm getting tired of hauling a heavy pack for miles. Can't wait to lighten up the load and learn a new way of hunting. Still on the search for my first saddle. I'd really like a Kite in a size 2, but also looking at the Mantis. I've seen several mediums for sale, but no larges. Seems that most people are switching from medium to large. I'd easily fit a medium though being 5'9" and 165lbs, just seen people complain about the medium not being as comfortable as the large. Maybe someone in central Arkansas can lead me in the right direction! Seems like this board is super friendly. Can't wait to spend all of my money on this new set up :tearsofjoy:
Click to expand...

I live in Bryant, AR. Give me a shout and you can check out my medium mantis and predator platform if you want


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Welcome from central Mississippi!! I too am looking forward to being able to walk in lighter.

@Kurt how long you been saddle hunting? I got the large mantis as well. I haven’t hunted yet, but been practicing. Any pointers on using mantis?
 
Bro A Mo said:
Welcome from central Mississippi!! I too am looking forward to being able to walk in lighter.

@Kurt how long you been saddle hunting? I got the large mantis as well. I haven’t hunted yet, but been practicing. Any pointers on using mantis?
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I just got done with my first year. Got my stuff sprinkled through the beginning of the MA bow season. My order was completed before mid-season. Predator platform included. I've worked in saddles since college. Part of my job still requires me to climb trees. I bought the party pack. Everything tethered, and WE steps, I like the knaider/swaider climbing method, although, I've been working on the knaider/5 step aider method. Jury's still out on that. The biggest Mantis related change I made was to take off the adjusters, and hook the leg straps in there instead of where they were originally designed to attach.(recommended by someone on this site). For me the comfort was night and day. I have the ability to practice a lot, so I'm out doing multiple reps of one sort or another, trying to iron in a good solid, safe system. I'm addicted to saddlehunter.com!! I used to think I was the only one who sat in a tree all season thinking of things to tweak, and weaknesses to work on. I'm an information whore. If it's hunting related I want to know. Come to find out I am not the sickest man in the room. My wife calls me her idea guy. Man, I'm like a novice compared to some of the creative brains on this site. So if you want to be a better saddle hunter faster, log in daily and ask questions. This guys on this site are awesome, and their good sharers. Lots of good videos on line of folks showing their climbing methods, and modifications. I do a lot of set ups at ground level, which lets me change things up quicker , and safer than if I did full climbs. So I guess my best advice is to, practice, practice, practice. Find out what feels safe to you. Oh, and focus on quiet rather than quick, quick will come with reps. You have to spend some hours in the saddle to know what's going to be comfortable for you. I can't tell you how high your tether needs to be, or if your a leaner or a sitter. I tend to lean more than sit. I bought arcteryx knee pads. They were recommended on here. I'm glad I did. I find them super comfortable, and easy to pack in, or wear in . Well you asked for it, and I went and rambled on. If there's anything specific I can help you with, fire away. If I don't know( and trust me I don't know a lot) your in the right place.
 
Abishai said:
Woo Pig Sooie! Where in central? I'm from Russellville. I have a Mantis. Still learning the system. Would be down for a CentrArk saddle hunt sometime if I'm home on leave ever again.
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I'm from Conway! I've been wanting to go up to Ed Gordon! I'd be down for a central Arkansas hunt!
 
Thanks @Kurt I read about swapping the leg strap position. I like the lower position as well. Hopefully the rain will stop here and I’ll get in some practice tomorrow. Got till the end of January to hunt here, so I’m hoping to at least get a few real hunts in this year.
 
Searcy Arkansas area I'm testing with a sit drag to see how I am gonna like it. I've sat at ground level a few times already changed my bridge to longer for hip punch. Just getting a feel before my first hunt.
 
Welcome! I’m originally from the Russellville area too. I’ve hunted Ed Gordon several times (duck and deer), but I live in the western part of the state now (Ft. Smith), so I don’t get to get in there near as much as I would like.

There’s a few of us hoping to get a small Arkansas member meet-n-greet together after the season wraps up. Figured it would be a good opportunity to show and tell, and see different setups and stuff.

PM if anyone is interested.


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I'd be down! Any Ed Gordon spots I need to look at? I'm actually going to go out there and scout for next season. I have no clue where to start
 
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