MNFarmHunter
Well-Known Member
Long time deer hunter but new to saddle hunting this year.
Due to various back issues, I could never sit in a stand for more than 30 minutes and thought I'd give a saddle a try and so far really like it. I'm usually up in a tree 1-3 times a week testing out various climbing techniques, tether positioning, etc. Last week I also dragged the bow up with me and did some target practice at 20-30-40 yards.
I'm also a tinkerer by nature and have changed several things around already as I find a ways to "improve" to my style and limitations. This forum and the DIY Sportsman channel has definitely helped with various ideas.
My current setup:
Aero Merlin saddle
-Tethrd saddle bags
-Swapped the fixed (adjustable) bridge for a 8mm bridge with carabiners. I didn't like stepping into the saddle, especially once thicker clothes and muddy boots come into play. I did find that I needed to lower my tether height to eliminate hip pinch when I did this
-Various other small s-biners to clip things onto the saddle
Tethrd Predator platform
-Painted flat dark earth with paracord cobra weaves around the outside to eliminate noise. Took 3 hours, 60' of paracord, many blisters and a promise to myself that I'd never do that again
-Currently secured with 1/8" amsteel daisy chain, 7' long but not completely happy with it
Hawk Helium 30" sticks
-Stealthstrips on order
-1/8' amsteel daisy chain straps, 7' long
-Used glow-in-the-dark paint on each end of the step to aid in climbing down in the dark
-Depending on configuration (and effort), I've been able to get between 12'-17' measured from my feet. I have one with a fixed 2-step aider and have a single moveable aider if I need to go higher
Ropes, etc.
-Oplux tether with kong ascender
-Oplux linemans belt with ropeman 1 using a thicker carabiner
-30' Paracord for bow hoist
All carabiners wrapped in hockey tape for noise
-All amsteel aiders and daisy chains homemade
Due to various back issues, I could never sit in a stand for more than 30 minutes and thought I'd give a saddle a try and so far really like it. I'm usually up in a tree 1-3 times a week testing out various climbing techniques, tether positioning, etc. Last week I also dragged the bow up with me and did some target practice at 20-30-40 yards.
I'm also a tinkerer by nature and have changed several things around already as I find a ways to "improve" to my style and limitations. This forum and the DIY Sportsman channel has definitely helped with various ideas.
My current setup:
Aero Merlin saddle
-Tethrd saddle bags
-Swapped the fixed (adjustable) bridge for a 8mm bridge with carabiners. I didn't like stepping into the saddle, especially once thicker clothes and muddy boots come into play. I did find that I needed to lower my tether height to eliminate hip pinch when I did this
-Various other small s-biners to clip things onto the saddle
Tethrd Predator platform
-Painted flat dark earth with paracord cobra weaves around the outside to eliminate noise. Took 3 hours, 60' of paracord, many blisters and a promise to myself that I'd never do that again
-Currently secured with 1/8" amsteel daisy chain, 7' long but not completely happy with it
Hawk Helium 30" sticks
-Stealthstrips on order
-1/8' amsteel daisy chain straps, 7' long
-Used glow-in-the-dark paint on each end of the step to aid in climbing down in the dark
-Depending on configuration (and effort), I've been able to get between 12'-17' measured from my feet. I have one with a fixed 2-step aider and have a single moveable aider if I need to go higher
Ropes, etc.
-Oplux tether with kong ascender
-Oplux linemans belt with ropeman 1 using a thicker carabiner
-30' Paracord for bow hoist
All carabiners wrapped in hockey tape for noise
-All amsteel aiders and daisy chains homemade
