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Just a swing'n

Todd Brown

New Member
Joined
Jul 2, 2021
Messages
36
Location
East Central Indiana
Funny problem I have noticed as someone new to saddle hunting. I catch myself swinging back forth after about a half hour. I am sure it is a nervous twitch kind of thing, but the saddle almost encourages it. It is like a swing.

A big part of deer hunting to me is remembering something Fred Bear said, "Don't look for deer; look for movement (and remember, it's what they're looking for, too)."

So as I hang in the tree with a saddle and catch myself swinging back and forth I cringe.
 
I don’t think I swing(maybe a little for practice), but I frequently change positions…..too much I’m sure. The last few times in my saddle, it’s been very windy and I’ve been getting tossed around like a tether ball! My behind might have been a little puckered up, but I was grinning ear to ear! What a blast!
 
Shot a black bear in the saddle 2 years ago at maybe 15- 20 yards.

It was last light, I had literally just packed my pack with no ****s given- binoculars in, range finder in, extra gloves, water bottle, whatever else hangs in my nest.

So I reach over to pull my pack off it's hook and in doing so look past the tree I'm hanging in, and there's the bear- just a big black blob completely oblivious waddling towards me.


My point here is, and this depends on your location, I think the gentle swaying is probably ok- not only do trees sway naturally, but I don't think as a rule deer look that high.

I do think there are places in the country where they do, but certainly not near me.
 
I'm a leaner and like to sway slowly side to side just a few inches. If its really winding and grass, branches, and small trees are moving quite a bit, I don't worry too much about it because I'm just one more thing swaying in the wind. If its really calm, I try to be a bit more mindful and limit movement.
 
I've been saddle hunting for about four years, I still find myself gently swaying in the tree. I think as long as it isn't a quick movement we are ok.
 
I watched a video today and the guy was discussing hunting while hanging from a saddle. While he was talking he was swaying. LOL
 
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