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How old before letting my son saddle hunt?

Mlcatfish

Mlcatfish

New Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2014
Messages
8
Location
Arkansas
I believe my son is enjoying my saddle more than me. When I set up in the yard to practice with my bow he will stay out there until dark just hanging out. Of course it’s just a foot off the ground! I’m excited to maybe hang in a tree with him to film him as he grows into a young man! Just wondering what you guys think about size and age to start him out?4A9AB4F1-DF5D-4D1A-B813-9641A943B668.jpeg004B4831-88C6-4064-929D-DCC71DDD61F5.jpeg
 
How old is he ?
Just have some presets for him so he can climb
And best to hang next to him first handful of times
My boys are 12/13 and playing with wild edge stepps as they ascend too


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I don't think you put an age limit on using saddles it is more of responsibility and attention to details and safety. I agree that you start him off a few feet off the ground and let him get the feel of it and then gradually move him up. He will feel confident and you can observe what he is doing at a safe height. Never be in a hurry and he can practice shooting out of one as well. Good luck you just doubled or tripled your investments but well worth
it.
 
He is only 9. He still has to get to pulling 40 pounds to hunt in Arkansas. I’m in no hurry but planning on getting a new saddle soon and will be in the same tree with him for sure when that time comes. Just trying to keep my hunting partner with me and love the saddle but have put it to the side to site in blinds and tripods with him.
 
Mlcatfish said:
He is only 9. He still has to get to pulling 40 pounds to hunt in Arkansas. I’m in no hurry but planning on getting a new saddle soon and will be in the same tree with him for sure when that time comes. Just trying to keep my hunting partner with me and love the saddle but have put it to the side to site in blinds and tripods with him.
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My thought is that if/when he's ready to hunt, there's no reason why it couldn't be in a saddle - unless he e.g. struggles with shot execution in a saddle, fidgets and scares away all the deer or something else that you'll know when you see.
 
I'm new to saddles myself so my son hasn't had much time time messing with a saddles but when he was younger and we would treestand hunt together I always went up first and put up a safety rope so he could slide a prussic up which was hooked to his harness while he climbed and got into the stand. I suppose it's possible to do the same with a saddle and just encase something happened he's not going far before the prussic bites
 
Personally, I think if they are old enough to be in a treestand, they are old enough to be in a saddle. Especially with practice. But then again, that's on a case by case basis and no one knows your kid better then you.
 
NATHAN said:
My daughter is 9 and I think I will start her that direction now. This season or next if she sticks with it. Nathan
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That’s awesome! Nothing better than spending time in the deer woods with the young ones! My son loves shooting his bow from my saddle and is getting very comfortable. Good luck to y’all this season!
 
doriangable said:
Personally, I think if they are old enough to be in a treestand, they are old enough to be in a saddle. Especially with practice. But then again, that's on a case by case basis and no one knows your kid better then you.
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Yes sir! He is getting very comfortable in it at ground level. He has harvested several deer over last few years and truly enjoys it. We will definitely be starting out slowly and safety is number one! Good luck this season and thanks for the input!
 
Mlcatfish said:
I believe my son is enjoying my saddle more than me. When I set up in the yard to practice with my bow he will stay out there until dark just hanging out. Of course it’s just a foot off the ground! I’m excited to maybe hang in a tree with him to film him as he grows into a young man! Just wondering what you guys think about size and age to start him out?View attachment 36982View attachment 36981
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My youngest boy starting hunting out of a saddle at age 8. But I would either set up above him in the same tree or find a double butted tree so I could hunt right next to him. I'd climb up & make sure he was connected good. He got his first bow kill out of a saddle at 12; he's now 15. Him and his brother both have also had various gun kills out of saddles. Even now I help my 15 year old get set up, but now I usually hunt a ridge or two away from him. The boys preferred the comfort of the Guidos Web, but if we had a long walk they would use my old 2004 model Trophyline.
 
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