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How high is high enough with a saddle?

Amccormick said:
All of that is irrelevant to the original question, and part of the other issue here that the OP just addressed. Who cares how many years he has been hunting or how many deer he has killed. He didn’t ask how to kill more deer. He asked how high do you think you need to be to get away with the movements that HAVE to be made when bow hunting. You have to take your bow off the hook and draw. No question about it. When a buck sneaks in on you and you don’t have time to prepare before it’s too late, how high do you think you should be so when that buck is standing in your shooting lane can you grab your bow and draw without him catching you?
Click to expand...
THANK YOU!!!

So it seems that SH is a mix of personalities and responses....not a surprise as I've been around websites for a lot of years. Some read my thread topic question at face value and offered their experienced opinions....which I sincerely appreciate. Others seem bent upon vetting or maybe psychoanalyzing me and/or the question....as if there is some hidden agenda.....or it is a conundrum.....or too lame to bother with. If that is the way you see it, please move along to another topic. I don't want to counter your "abrassive" with my "abrassive".

So let me try to reframe the inquiry in a different manner. Height isn't easy or free......you need something to get you up to a desired height and that costs money, effort and most of all weight. Reading through a bunch of past threads the past week or two, it seems guys are working hard to reduce weight. One fellow noted his complete saddle setup with pack weighed 23#.....which the LWCG mobile hunters with their postage stamp ultralight stands and sticks can easily beat. My woods-ready Cougar Claw climber is 19# and goes up really well.....it's just a bit bulky for the weight and requires a specific type of tree.

So one alternative to weight is lighter sticks that get significantly more expensive as the scale numbers drop. But there is still the issue of hauling them and setting them up to reach a specific height. How many are you going to purchase and carry out to reach that unknown height that several posters pointed out? Clearly not everyone is going in with sufficient climbing devices to reach X height on really good sign. So the question was posted.....How high is high enough? How do you pre-plan and have some latitude for a given scenario with a saddle?

Their are a host of aider options, if the individual feels comfortable using them....especially in the dark....either going up or coming down. There is one-sticking......but are most guys going to use that method to reach 25 or 30'? I've read about various rope techniques, but that adds some bulk, specialty equipment and subsequentky more cost. Have I missed any other methods?

It all sounds good on a keyboard....but what are folks really DOING on a daily hunt? Maybe 20-25' is optimal for movement and such, but are you bringing along the gear to get to 25'? If not.....is it then a matter of finding the best alternate for the circumstances? How high is high enough?
 
Alaska at Heart said:
THANK YOU!!!

So it seems that SH is a mix of personalities and responses....not a surprise as I've been around websites for a lot of years. Some read my thread topic question at face value and offered their experienced opinions....which I sincerely appreciate. Others seem bent upon vetting or maybe psychoanalyzing me and/or the question....as if there is some hidden agenda.....or it is a conundrum.....or too lame to bother with. If that is the way you see it, please move along to another topic. I don't want to counter your "abrassive" with my "abrassive".

So let me try to reframe the inquiry in a different manner. Height isn't easy or free......you need something to get you up to a desired height and that costs money, effort and most of all weight. Reading through a bunch of past threads the past week or two, it seems guys are working hard to reduce weight. One fellow noted his complete saddle setup with pack weighed 23#.....which the LWCG mobile hunters with their postage stamp ultralight stands and sticks can easily beat. My woods-ready Cougar Claw climber is 19# and goes up really well.....it's just a bit bulky for the weight and requires a specific type of tree.

So one alternative to weight is lighter sticks that get significantly more expensive as the scale numbers drop. But there is still the issue of hauling them and setting them up to reach a specific height. How many are you going to purchase and carry out to reach that unknown height that several posters pointed out? Clearly not everyone is going in with sufficient climbing devices to reach X height on really good sign. So the question was posted.....How high is high enough? How do you pre-plan and have some latitude for a given scenario with a saddle?

Their are a host of aider options, if the individual feels comfortable using them....especially in the dark....either going up or coming down. There is one-sticking......but are most guys going to use that method to reach 25 or 30'? I've read about various rope techniques, but that adds some bulk, specialty equipment and subsequentky more cost. Have I missed any other methods?

It all sounds good on a keyboard....but what are folks really DOING on a daily hunt? Maybe 20-25' is optimal for movement and such, but are you bringing along the gear to get to 25'? If not.....is it then a matter of finding the best alternate for the circumstances? How high is high enough?
Click to expand...

I’ll admit it, I’ve gotten more confused the more you’ve posted on the topic/question.

It’s exciting! I don’t get stumped often.

It started out like you wanted help. Then it seemed like you wanted to troll everyone or pick a fight. Now it seems like you want to offer insight.

It’s like a saddle hunter pick up artist negging us…I feel this compulsion to stick around the thread, and I can’t explain it
 
I think you need to do some more reading about the various climbing options. People that one stick can climb to any height they want, limited by rappel rope length unless they one stick back down. Same with 2 tether climbing (2tc). People that rope climb can climb as high as the anchor point, likely limited by throwing a throwball over a limb or presetting and pulling rope up, therefore also limited by rope length. People that climb with sticks and aiders have options as well, whether it's a moveable multi step aider -ive seen people that space sticks out almost 6-7 feet and use 5 step aiders in between. or ones attached to sticks require that you carry more sticks.Then there's the crew that climbs with tree steps, and a crew that uses wild edge steps, knaider/swaider users, and a whole host of other spin offs.

Again, I will repeat that I (and likely most people) generally set up within 15-25 feet.

What are you trying to prove/get help with? Do you have a climbing system you're interested in or want to learn more about?
 
I never set up above about 14 foot with a recurve due to shot angle. That said, I am concentrating on background cover mostly. Ive killed a pile of deer with platform below 12 feet. Don't move when they are looking and they are always looking. I like to have trees between stand and trail and draw when their head is behind the tree. If you hunt long enough and pay attention to what doesn't work you will find what does work.
 
Alaska at Heart said:
THANK YOU!!!

So it seems that SH is a mix of personalities and responses....not a surprise as I've been around websites for a lot of years. Some read my thread topic question at face value and offered their experienced opinions....which I sincerely appreciate. Others seem bent upon vetting or maybe psychoanalyzing me and/or the question....as if there is some hidden agenda.....or it is a conundrum.....or too lame to bother with. If that is the way you see it, please move along to another topic. I don't want to counter your "abrassive" with my "abrassive".

So let me try to reframe the inquiry in a different manner. Height isn't easy or free......you need something to get you up to a desired height and that costs money, effort and most of all weight. Reading through a bunch of past threads the past week or two, it seems guys are working hard to reduce weight. One fellow noted his complete saddle setup with pack weighed 23#.....which the LWCG mobile hunters with their postage stamp ultralight stands and sticks can easily beat. My woods-ready Cougar Claw climber is 19# and goes up really well.....it's just a bit bulky for the weight and requires a specific type of tree.

So one alternative to weight is lighter sticks that get significantly more expensive as the scale numbers drop. But there is still the issue of hauling them and setting them up to reach a specific height. How many are you going to purchase and carry out to reach that unknown height that several posters pointed out? Clearly not everyone is going in with sufficient climbing devices to reach X height on really good sign. So the question was posted.....How high is high enough? How do you pre-plan and have some latitude for a given scenario with a saddle?

Their are a host of aider options, if the individual feels comfortable using them....especially in the dark....either going up or coming down. There is one-sticking......but are most guys going to use that method to reach 25 or 30'? I've read about various rope techniques, but that adds some bulk, specialty equipment and subsequentky more cost. Have I missed any other methods?

It all sounds good on a keyboard....but what are folks really DOING on a daily hunt? Maybe 20-25' is optimal for movement and such, but are you bringing along the gear to get to 25'? If not.....is it then a matter of finding the best alternate for the circumstances? How high is high enough?
Click to expand...
I saddle hunt for freedom or movement in the tree AND because I feel it's safer. Weight was never a factor for me.

I know for a fact my damn pack itself weighs more than a LWCG setup. I carry spare ropes, spare carabiners, a spare descender, onestick, throwball, batteries , water.
 
Alaska at Heart said:
THANK YOU!!!

So it seems that SH is a mix of personalities and responses....not a surprise as I've been around websites for a lot of years. Some read my thread topic question at face value and offered their experienced opinions....which I sincerely appreciate. Others seem bent upon vetting or maybe psychoanalyzing me and/or the question....as if there is some hidden agenda.....or it is a conundrum.....or too lame to bother with. If that is the way you see it, please move along to another topic. I don't want to counter your "abrassive" with my "abrassive".

So let me try to reframe the inquiry in a different manner. Height isn't easy or free......you need something to get you up to a desired height and that costs money, effort and most of all weight. Reading through a bunch of past threads the past week or two, it seems guys are working hard to reduce weight. One fellow noted his complete saddle setup with pack weighed 23#.....which the LWCG mobile hunters with their postage stamp ultralight stands and sticks can easily beat. My woods-ready Cougar Claw climber is 19# and goes up really well.....it's just a bit bulky for the weight and requires a specific type of tree.

So one alternative to weight is lighter sticks that get significantly more expensive as the scale numbers drop. But there is still the issue of hauling them and setting them up to reach a specific height. How many are you going to purchase and carry out to reach that unknown height that several posters pointed out? Clearly not everyone is going in with sufficient climbing devices to reach X height on really good sign. So the question was posted.....How high is high enough? How do you pre-plan and have some latitude for a given scenario with a saddle?

Their are a host of aider options, if the individual feels comfortable using them....especially in the dark....either going up or coming down. There is one-sticking......but are most guys going to use that method to reach 25 or 30'? I've read about various rope techniques, but that adds some bulk, specialty equipment and subsequentky more cost. Have I missed any other methods?

It all sounds good on a keyboard....but what are folks really DOING on a daily hunt? Maybe 20-25' is optimal for movement and such, but are you bringing along the gear to get to 25'? If not.....is it then a matter of finding the best alternate for the circumstances? How high is high enough?
Click to expand...
I routinely climb to 25 feet with my one stick when it is necessary for the situation. I have done 30 many times, again only when necessary for sufficient cover or to get above sight line depending on terrain. My rappell rope is 40 feet long. Making height essentially a non issue. I prefer somewhere in the 20ft range give or take a few feet either way, regardless of it's from my saddle, climbers or hang ons to keep shot angle decent. I actually believe I move around less in the saddle than I do in a hang on or a climber.
 
You need to go the same height as any other time. If you'd get busted in your whatever you're going to get busted in a saddle.

If you know more than one method up and down there is no limit. More or less convenient or physically demanding , sure. But you can go until the tree breaks from your wieght if that's what you want to do. If you only want to carry 2 sticks, climb 2 sticks and one stick up a move or two. At a measly 4' per move/ stick 20' isn't that hard.
 
Oooh, this thread is the perfect opportunity to show you (OP) the benefits of learning 2TC as a start with saddle hunting. It's one of the cheapest methods(cost is important to you) (rappel rope is optional), can help you get up high 25'+ or just a few feet. It's (one of) the safest as you're always connected to two tethers. This way you can experiment with height requirements for the given spot/tree of the day. You don't need a longer or shorter rope, more or less sticks. Its incredibly light weight, beside the given saddle and/or platform/ROS.
 
Alaska at Heart said:
THANK YOU!!!

So it seems that SH is a mix of personalities and responses....not a surprise as I've been around websites for a lot of years. Some read my thread topic question at face value and offered their experienced opinions....which I sincerely appreciate. Others seem bent upon vetting or maybe psychoanalyzing me and/or the question....as if there is some hidden agenda.....or it is a conundrum.....or too lame to bother with. If that is the way you see it, please move along to another topic. I don't want to counter your "abrassive" with my "abrassive".

So let me try to reframe the inquiry in a different manner. Height isn't easy or free......you need something to get you up to a desired height and that costs money, effort and most of all weight. Reading through a bunch of past threads the past week or two, it seems guys are working hard to reduce weight. One fellow noted his complete saddle setup with pack weighed 23#.....which the LWCG mobile hunters with their postage stamp ultralight stands and sticks can easily beat. My woods-ready Cougar Claw climber is 19# and goes up really well.....it's just a bit bulky for the weight and requires a specific type of tree.

So one alternative to weight is lighter sticks that get significantly more expensive as the scale numbers drop. But there is still the issue of hauling them and setting them up to reach a specific height. How many are you going to purchase and carry out to reach that unknown height that several posters pointed out? Clearly not everyone is going in with sufficient climbing devices to reach X height on really good sign. So the question was posted.....How high is high enough? How do you pre-plan and have some latitude for a given scenario with a saddle?

Their are a host of aider options, if the individual feels comfortable using them....especially in the dark....either going up or coming down. There is one-sticking......but are most guys going to use that method to reach 25 or 30'? I've read about various rope techniques, but that adds some bulk, specialty equipment and subsequentky more cost. Have I missed any other methods?

It all sounds good on a keyboard....but what are folks really DOING on a daily hunt? Maybe 20-25' is optimal for movement and such, but are you bringing along the gear to get to 25'? If not.....is it then a matter of finding the best alternate for the circumstances? How high is high enough?
Click to expand...

what am i doing on a daily hunt? Im bringing 2 sticks and a shorter stick with a platform as my top step. This setup covers any height i need (only limited by my 32' rappel line. 98% of the time im going to setup at 20', even with the one stick method (that i can still do with my 2 sticks). How do i know im always at 20'? my pull rope is marked. have i been busted at 20'? yeap. have i been busted at 25'? also yes. how high is high enough? I have to agree with most in that its too much of an open ended question and is dictated largely by the amount of cover, nobody can say 20' in general will be the height you need or 25'...i personally just like to always be at least 20'. Movement is mentioned and i dont think theres a magic height that hides your movement, its again the amount of cover...i can recall a hunt just last year where i couldnt have been more than 12-14' but i had excellent cover. i had deer come in and stayed in the 10 yards or less range. As i watched them i grabbed my bow and i shifted my feet on my platform trying to figure out i would get the shot off...i was moving,not jumping jacks movment, but i was definitely making movement but these deer had no idea i was there because of the cover i had.
 
Samcirrus said:
Oooh, this thread is the perfect opportunity to show you (OP) the benefits of learning 2TC as a start with saddle hunting. It's one of the cheapest methods(cost is important to you) (rappel rope is optional), can help you get up high 25'+ or just a few feet. It's (one of) the safest as you're always connected to two tethers. This way you can experiment with height requirements for the given spot/tree of the day. You don't need a longer or shorter rope, more or less sticks. Its incredibly light weight, beside the given saddle and/or platform/ROS.
Click to expand...
Few could roll hunts ive already done this year..ive been almost to 30 feet and start feeling some weight on my climb line( 2Tether on halfline system) look down and and my pack is starting to come up and realize im a bit higher than i thought lol.
 
kyler1945 said:
I’ll admit it, I’ve gotten more confused the more you’ve posted on the topic/question.

It’s exciting! I don’t get stumped often.

It started out like you wanted help. Then it seemed like you wanted to troll everyone or pick a fight. Now it seems like you want to offer insight.

It’s like a saddle hunter pick up artist negging us…I feel this compulsion to stick around the thread, and I can’t explain it
Click to expand...
He has over 30K posts on AT so buckle up.
 
There is no wrong or right answer here. I'm confused. Every area needs to be hunted a little different. Either a little higher, little lower, or on the ground. Just go hunt!
 
I usually hunt between 15' - 25' when getting off the ground at all. Most of the deer I have killed in the past 30 years have been closer to 15'. If I'm below 15' I feel "exposed". It's probably more cognitive conditioning of how I was reared and trained to hunt than scientific. I have been in the saddle for 3 years. I probably move around more (transitioning from sitting to standing/leaning) than I did in my climbers or lockons. I'll take cover over height, but if there is no cover, the higher the better. I've only ever been busted by a deer visually that I couldn't see (meaning they saw me before I saw them). I've been winded by plenty who came from a direction that I didn't predict.

Some of the members on here may come across as cynical or critical of your questions. In my experience, I have found that most intentions are benign and without malice. It helps challenge my perspective sometimes and reminds me to apply my critical thinking skills to my problems. There is much lost in written communication (tone, body language, timber) and humans - in general - tend to err on the side of negativity. I try to give the benefit of the doubt unless someone is being a candid @$$hole. Overall this is a great source of information for saddle and deer hunting in general.

I wish you the best and please don't hesitate to reach out directly if I can help answer any questions.
 
Last edited:
In my experience and opinion, anything above 20' with a compound the shot angles get too iffy.

It really depends on terrain and how you prefer to set up.

Where I am at 3 sticks with single step aider or 10 bolts/screw ins is plenty or unnecessary. Regardless if I use a hang on or saddle.

Multi trunk trees, ground cover blocking deers eye sight, and back cover. If I don't have two of the three I plan on being still and being uncomfortable.
 
Alaska at Heart said:
THANK YOU!!!

So it seems that SH is a mix of personalities and responses....not a surprise as I've been around websites for a lot of years. Some read my thread topic question at face value and offered their experienced opinions....which I sincerely appreciate. Others seem bent upon vetting or maybe psychoanalyzing me and/or the question....as if there is some hidden agenda.....or it is a conundrum.....or too lame to bother with. If that is the way you see it, please move along to another topic. I don't want to counter your "abrassive" with my "abrassive".

So let me try to reframe the inquiry in a different manner. Height isn't easy or free......you need something to get you up to a desired height and that costs money, effort and most of all weight. Reading through a bunch of past threads the past week or two, it seems guys are working hard to reduce weight. One fellow noted his complete saddle setup with pack weighed 23#.....which the LWCG mobile hunters with their postage stamp ultralight stands and sticks can easily beat. My woods-ready Cougar Claw climber is 19# and goes up really well.....it's just a bit bulky for the weight and requires a specific type of tree.

So one alternative to weight is lighter sticks that get significantly more expensive as the scale numbers drop. But there is still the issue of hauling them and setting them up to reach a specific height. How many are you going to purchase and carry out to reach that unknown height that several posters pointed out? Clearly not everyone is going in with sufficient climbing devices to reach X height on really good sign. So the question was posted.....How high is high enough? How do you pre-plan and have some latitude for a given scenario with a saddle?

Their are a host of aider options, if the individual feels comfortable using them....especially in the dark....either going up or coming down. There is one-sticking......but are most guys going to use that method to reach 25 or 30'? I've read about various rope techniques, but that adds some bulk, specialty equipment and subsequentky more cost. Have I missed any other methods?

It all sounds good on a keyboard....but what are folks really DOING on a daily hunt? Maybe 20-25' is optimal for movement and such, but are you bringing along the gear to get to 25'? If not.....is it then a matter of finding the best alternate for the circumstances? How high is high enough?
Click to expand...
Personally I’ve found the regular contributors on this site to be a collection of the most generous, kind, Thoughtful and interesting people on any forum on the web. If we all lived in the same area I’d have a pig roast, get a keg and invite the whole lot over for the weekend. What these folks aren’t is preposterously validating; for better or worse, most everyone here will tell you what they think. And while I don’t always like what people say, they are genuine, intelligent and direct. That’s what’s kept me around. Really, these folks are the best.
 
AtH,
Daily? I am more of a JE style hunter than some of the other guys on here. I Have been for years before I even heard of JE. Most of my trees are pre-prepped w/ bolts, spikes or Re-bar. However that's not an option for some guys. If I was going in cold to an area and setting up? My pack, my bow, my platform and a fanny pack of screw-ins. If I couldn't use screw-ins? I have used sticks in the past so I'd probably use multiple sticks. One sticking ain't for me. I'm too old. The method that intrigues me is SRT. Very mobile system. Whatever method I'd choose, I would still try to get as high as possible. For some guys on here 8' is enough. For me, I'd rather be at least 18'. Preferably 22'.
 
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