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First Saddle

R

run_to_hunt

New Member
Joined
Dec 26, 2019
Messages
19
Location
Ohio
Hi saddle hunters I have been throwing around the idea of buying a saddle for about a year now. I finally pulled the trigger. I received my Tethrd mantis from ups today. I’ve watched hundreds of videos and will be trying it out tomorrow. I’m open to suggestions for my first go with the new style of hunting. Muzzleloader season is this weekend in Ohio. It would be nice to be comfortable enough with it to do an evening sit with it. Any advice to help would be much appreciated. Thanks
 
Practice at ground level to get acquainted with it. Then practice at ground level with an unloaded weapon. Simulate all the possible shot angles with a “dry” run. And if you’re not feeling safe and comfortable with any of it, fiddle with it until you are. Safety safety safety. If it’s not safe, don’t do it.
 
I’ll mention safety just once more for good measure. As I’m sure the more seasoned saddle hunters will chime in any minute
 
That is my plan to use it at ground level tomorrow after work. I figured I could try and become comfortable with its. Then maybe shoot my bow and my gamo to get a feel for thing before I get off the ground.
 
If it help you feel comfortable about using it at ground level, I use mine at ground level all turkey season run and gun hunting turkeys. I just tie in where I think I need to be and can use the tree to hide behind and as a rest. It works great.

I recommend practicing with your saddle at low height until you get comfortable with it.
 
I've only hunted one season with a saddle. I started practicing in August and started as @Guff Dawg said at the ground. You didn't state what climbing system you were using. I started out with we stepps. Took about 4 practice runs before I got up 18-20 feet. Take your time practicing, moving around as you would be hunting at 3 feet up. You have to be comfortable low before you go higher. I screwed up with my we stepps at about 3 feet and came down quick, better at 3 feet than 15. Totally my fault and I had to figure out what I did wrong before going any farther. Safety can't be stressed enough. Go slow and constantly check yourself out. There's a lot of more experienced saddle hunters out there than me and all will stress safety. You will enjoy your saddle and hunting from it. Hunting here in NY is over for the year and I'll be practicing again when the weather gets better.
 
I plan on using my hawk helium sticks to start. I figure stick with something I’m familiar with. I’m off work Wednesday and Friday so it will give me some time to practice.
 
I just got hawk helium sticks for Christmas and will probably switch over to that method. Have to practice with them for a while before making that choice.
 
I’ve been using them for about 2 years now and really like them. I’ve done rope mods to get rid of the buckles. I just ordered the Versa straps and am going to try them out. I’ll let you know what I think after I get them
 
I am waiting for the Tethrd Predator platform to come in it should be here on January 2. I thought a platform would be easier to start out over a ring style at the top of the steps
 
Welcome aboard! Like mentioned above stay safe & get comfortable at ground level. It’s really not as intimidating as it seems initially. If you already are comfortable w/ sticks just make sure you’re still connected w/ LB & hook up tether to bridge before removing LB to hunt......... I’m sure you’re gonna come up w/ some questions as you get dialed in.
 
Thanks for all the help I will stay safe and I’m sure I will be back on here with questions. Happy New Year
 
Well I took everyone’s advice and messed around with my saddle at ground level. It wasn’t bad it was fun but I have a lot to learn. After a I started feeling comfortable I put some tree steps up and just sat / leaned for a while. I’m looking forward to the next chance I get to use it and maybe bring the bow along to see how position myself on the platform to get shots off around the tree
 
run_to_hunt said:
Well I took everyone’s advice and messed around with my saddle at ground level. It wasn’t bad it was fun but I have a lot to learn. After a I started feeling comfortable I put some tree steps up and just sat / leaned for a while. I’m looking forward to the next chance I get to use it and maybe bring the bow along to see how position myself on the platform to get shots off around the tree
Click to expand...
Yes get your bow out and see how it feels to move left and right with it. Try any angle that you might shoot from. If any angle doesn't feel comfortable try adjusting bridge length. Now is the time to make adjustments before hunting.
 
run_to_hunt said:
Well I took everyone’s advice and messed around with my saddle at ground level. It wasn’t bad it was fun but I have a lot to learn. After a I started feeling comfortable I put some tree steps up and just sat / leaned for a while. I’m looking forward to the next chance I get to use it and maybe bring the bow along to see how position myself on the platform to get shots off around the tree
Click to expand...
Try a few different trees, you'll find some trees are much louder (pines) than others which allow you to move more or less depending on how quiet it is, I avoid pines at all costs personally, good luck in Ohio!
 
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