Well, after 4 years of saddle hunting, I’ve decided to switch back to hunting out of a hang on next season. I have a sewing machine, and plan on sewing up a saddle at some point in the future, but for the moment I am making a change.
I have to say, it’s a weird thing. It seems so easy to allow your identity to become wrapped up in things you do. Even though all the opportunities I’ve had at deer the last 4 years has been from the ground, I’ve been a “saddlehunter”. It’s become dogma. I don’t like being dogmatic.
So, after lots of thought and analysis, I’ve decided to go back using a hang on. However, I will be taking with me lots that I’ve learned as a mobile hunter. I’ll be modifying a rch, probably sewing up a sitdrag, using my squirrel steps, and dreaming of ways to become more efficient.
I will say what has influenced my decision the most is my perceived movement in a saddle and having 2 blind spots at all times. I hunt public land exclusively, and don’t always have the luxury of knowing where deer are coming from. Having no eyes in the back of my head and a tree in front of me, I feel like I have likely missed deer walking past me. In no way am I blaming the saddle for my lack of success, but not seeing deer that are within eyesight is a huge factor. It broke my confidence and that is invaluable.
With that said, I’ll end this disparate rambling by saying I’ll still be around on this forum seeking knowledge, supporting the membership initiative, and lending my 2 cents wherever applicable.
I have to say, it’s a weird thing. It seems so easy to allow your identity to become wrapped up in things you do. Even though all the opportunities I’ve had at deer the last 4 years has been from the ground, I’ve been a “saddlehunter”. It’s become dogma. I don’t like being dogmatic.
So, after lots of thought and analysis, I’ve decided to go back using a hang on. However, I will be taking with me lots that I’ve learned as a mobile hunter. I’ll be modifying a rch, probably sewing up a sitdrag, using my squirrel steps, and dreaming of ways to become more efficient.
I will say what has influenced my decision the most is my perceived movement in a saddle and having 2 blind spots at all times. I hunt public land exclusively, and don’t always have the luxury of knowing where deer are coming from. Having no eyes in the back of my head and a tree in front of me, I feel like I have likely missed deer walking past me. In no way am I blaming the saddle for my lack of success, but not seeing deer that are within eyesight is a huge factor. It broke my confidence and that is invaluable.
With that said, I’ll end this disparate rambling by saying I’ll still be around on this forum seeking knowledge, supporting the membership initiative, and lending my 2 cents wherever applicable.
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