New Saddle Hunters in Maine and New England

[Pathfinder]

So I finally dove into the saddle hunting game after researching for almost 2yrs. One of my biggest issues however was not being able to 1st in person see or try different gear to see just what I would possibly want as there are so many different options. We don’t have any mobile hunter get togethers like they do closer to the middle parts of the country. I get it we are known for being “Big Woods Buck Trackers” and I truly enjoy that type of hunting and with my gun it’s my primary form of hunting, but I do enjoy bow hunting a bunch so this will be a great option I believe. I only waited this long cuz it’s quite a commitment $$$ wise so tried to be as informed as possible watching hours of YouTube videos and reviews, but it would have been nice to be able to try a viriety of different saddles. I hemmed and hawed over single panel, two panel or even a JX3. My Original thoughts were a basic rock climbing saddle as I have one already that I used while guiding hunting in IA to hang stands with. I also did tree work for 8yrs back in mid to late 90’s so I have arborist saddle too. These however don’t fit the hunting bill. I have a summit climber too which is like a lounge chair in a tree however fully loaded for hunting with extra cloths late season weighs 45lbs and is impossible to walk through cover in our thick woods quitely!!! Ive had countless lock on stand to which have worked but are still loud and heavy to get into the woods. I’ve considered seriously one sticking and now also possibly a hybrid lock-on saddle combo setup. I luv the idea of a LWCG .5 as it’s so light and small framed but really wanted to try a saddle. I’ve made a choice of gear to start that I hope will work for my purpose. I bought a Trophyline bundle w/4 double step mini’s and a Wingman Platform for my base climbing method and platform. I settled on a Custom Gear Modifications Cobra saddle and made custom linesmen belt and tether w/parts ordered from Eastern Woods Outdoors. I’ve made a few climbs with my setup to test things out and think there’s great potential for it to be what I am looking for. However I was really close to doing Hang n Hunt setup with a cheap amazon tree harness and a Lone Wolf Custom Gear .5 stand. Only cuz it’s more what I’m used to as the saddle feels a little awkward at 1st. Using a .5 and harness would be more like having a huge saddle platform with a semi comfortable saddle to sit back in once seat on stand got to be a little uncomfortable. This is where I believe I could have made an even more informed decision had there been a mobile hunters get together like they just had in PA. That being said the offer is extended to people in the northeast if your curious and wanna look at hold and possibly try a setup we might be able to set a time and place to do so. If there’s anyone else who has some saddle gear and wanna try out some different stuff that would be great too. I think there’s a lot of potential for guys up here in the big woods to use saddles and or ultra light compact setups to get miles back in and kill some big bucks where they’ve been hindered in past by big heavy cumbersome stands!!!

 

[SupersonicSlingshot]

I like your idea! Where are you located?
I’m in Dutchess county, NY and plan on hunting in the Catskills. If anyone is interested let me know.
I’m in a similar situation. New to hunting and have been interested in trying out saddle hunting. After researching I bought a Cruzr Archon kit and 3 Mini Beast Sticks. Working on which aider to get to increase height without adding too much weight (swaider/naider or Ultimaider or fixed cables or…?). Then the platform (waiting for release of mini Seeker). Using gear for rifle hunting, bow in future. Essentially YouTube has been my mentor with a big hand from National Deer Association’s “Field to Fork” program which introduces new hunters to the sport and pairs them to a mentor.
But, as you said, no opportunity to try equipment. Just have to trust the opinions of YouTube reviewers and this SaddleHunter forum (which has been an awesome resource, thanks everyone).

 

[Pathfinder]

I like your idea! Where are you located?
I’m in Dutchess county, NY and plan on hunting in the Catskills. If anyone is interested let me know.
I’m in a similar situation. New to hunting and have been interested in trying out saddle hunting. After researching I bought a Cruzr Archon kit and 3 Mini Beast Sticks. Working on which aider to get to increase height without adding too much weight (swaider/naider or Ultimaider or fixed cables or…?). Then the platform (waiting for release of mini Seeker). Using gear for rifle hunting, bow in future. Essentially YouTube has been my mentor with a big hand from National Deer Association’s “Field to Fork” program which introduces new hunters to the sport and pairs them to a mentor.
But, as you said, no opportunity to try equipment. Just have to trust the opinions of YouTube reviewers and this SaddleHunter forum (which has been an awesome resource, thanks everyone).

I’m up here in Sanford, ME. I’m about 30min from Portsmouth, NH, about 1hr 15min from Boston, Mass and about 1.5hrs from Manchester, NH. Ya YouTube has been my only form of info and this forum was my only way to talk to actual people about the options and tips. That being said I see this like bow hunting. So when your getting into bow hunting my advise to new comers is go to multiple bow shops with different brands, sizes and price points and try them ALL. What’s comfortable for me can be the most uncomfortable for you in bow hunting. So this saddle thing is the same as far as I can see. It’s kinda like gun hunting and stand hunting if the gun sights are on or your stand is locked firmly in the tree you generally can use it effectively and be successful. But with a bow or a saddle the fit and style can REALLY effect your ability to even use the equipment!!! For instance I shoot hoyt bows and they feel like an extension of my arm where as a Mathew’s bow can be even hard for me to draw as it’s so uncomfortable to me. That’s why it’s a big leap when you get into a saddle with amount of choices and the amount of $$$ needed to get into a base kit. Like I mentioned I settled on the CGM Cobra saddle (an expandable one price) with the Trophy Line double step minis and a Wingman Platform. I also bought a 3 step Ultimaider that a split into a 3 step on the bottom stick and a single on the second. So I’ve found after a dozen climbs and setting up trees in my hunting spots that I’m using 3 sticks w/aides and my wingman platform to get up to where I need to be in the trees I’m setting up for hunting season. I’m 5’9 205lb and this is getting me to 15-18ft depending on the tree without stretching at all. With a little stretch and using my 4th stick 20+ will be no trouble. I will primarily be using this for rifle as that’s when I take vaca but I do bow hunt a bunch and this will be used pretty much exclusively during that season. We tend to do a ton of long walks deep into thick steep terrain and I pass tons of spots saying that would be a perfect spot to hop up in tree but my climber is 40+lbs set up and bulky as hell!!! Frustrating as hell to walk in with even as comfortable as it is!!!! I anticipate in the end goin to more of a hybrid setup with a LWCG .5 and saddle but that remains to be seen.

 

[JC3]

Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, no fidgeting, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches, you can shoot 360° around the tree with any weapon, bow or gun.
No platform required, only a ROS, no sore feet, no knee pads required, no sore knees, no tired legs from leaning as you can sit all day, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs. No getting into “saddle shape” as your Lazy Boy at home does it for you. Buy once, cry once.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........

 

[Pathfinder]

Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, no fidgeting, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches, you can shoot 360° around the tree with any weapon, bow or gun.
No platform required, only a ROS, no sore feet, no knee pads required, no sore knees, no tired legs from leaning as you can sit all day, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs. No getting into “saddle shape” as your Lazy Boy at home does it for you. Buy once, cry once.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........

I truly considered buying one!!!! It was my initial inclination honestly. It just wouldn’t have been in the end the best option for my needed purposes at the moment. I’m looking at carrying in 4 15in steps with a platform on top of my top stick. The saddle packs down to a 5-6in wide belt. All this equip fits inside the width of my pack which measured the other day is a total of 12in wide but 18in deep. Now I do however expect to do a hybrid set-up at some point with a LWCG .5 but that’s cuz I prefer to stand at this point most of the time. Give me a couple more yrs on this 48yr old body and I think the JX3 might be a viable option as I don’t anticipate as much walking and mostly sitting and I see a crossbow in my future due to bad tendinitis in my shoulders. Now from a sitting position with a crossbow and really for gun hunting I see the JX3 as almost the perfect setup!!!! I walked 7.4 miles this weekend into and around one of my hunting spots with my saddle setup and never new it was there. The JX3 is dimension wise bigger then my pack and actually almost same width as my climber and that tends to be my issue is the width walking through the woods. Like I said though once I transition to more of a sitter I believe it’s going to be my choice.

 

[Pathfinder]

I truly considered buying one!!!! It was my initial inclination honestly. It just wouldn’t have been in the end the best option for my needed purposes at the moment. I’m looking at carrying in 4 15in steps with a platform on top of my top stick. The saddle packs down to a 5-6in wide belt. All this equip fits inside the width of my pack which measured the other day is a total of 12in wide but 18in deep. Now I do however expect to do a hybrid set-up at some point with a LWCG .5 but that’s cuz I prefer to stand at this point most of the time. Give me a couple more yrs on this 48yr old body and I think the JX3 might be a viable option as I don’t anticipate as much walking and mostly sitting and I see a crossbow in my future due to bad tendinitis in my shoulders. Now from a sitting position with a crossbow and really for gun hunting I see the JX3 as almost the perfect setup!!!! I walked 7.4 miles this weekend into and around one of my hunting spots with my saddle setup and never new it was there. The JX3 is dimension wise bigger then my pack and actually almost same width as my climber and that tends to be my issue is the width walking through the woods. Like I said though once I transition to more of a sitter I believe it’s going to be my choice.

I am however VERY intrigued by the JX3 PACK system!!!! Looks like a great product!!!!

 

[SupersonicSlingshot]

I’m up here in Sanford, ME. I’m about 30min from Portsmouth, NH, about 1hr 15min from Boston, Mass and about 1.5hrs from Manchester, NH. Ya YouTube has been my only form of info and this forum was my only way to talk to actual people about the options and tips. That being said I see this like bow hunting. So when your getting into bow hunting my advise to new comers is go to multiple bow shops with different brands, sizes and price points and try them ALL. What’s comfortable for me can be the most uncomfortable for you in bow hunting. So this saddle thing is the same as far as I can see. It’s kinda like gun hunting and stand hunting if the gun sights are on or your stand is locked firmly in the tree you generally can use it effectively and be successful. But with a bow or a saddle the fit and style can REALLY effect your ability to even use the equipment!!! For instance I shoot hoyt bows and they feel like an extension of my arm where as a Mathew’s bow can be even hard for me to draw as it’s so uncomfortable to me. That’s why it’s a big leap when you get into a saddle with amount of choices and the amount of $$$ needed to get into a base kit. Like I mentioned I settled on the CGM Cobra saddle (an expandable one price) with the Trophy Line double step minis and a Wingman Platform. I also bought a 3 step Ultimaider that a split into a 3 step on the bottom stick and a single on the second. So I’ve found after a dozen climbs and setting up trees in my hunting spots that I’m using 3 sticks w/aides and my wingman platform to get up to where I need to be in the trees I’m setting up for hunting season. I’m 5’9 205lb and this is getting me to 15-18ft depending on the tree without stretching at all. With a little stretch and using my 4th stick 20+ will be no trouble. I will primarily be using this for rifle as that’s when I take vaca but I do bow hunt a bunch and this will be used pretty much exclusively during that season. We tend to do a ton of long walks deep into thick steep terrain and I pass tons of spots saying that would be a perfect spot to hop up in tree but my climber is 40+lbs set up and bulky as hell!!! Frustrating as hell to walk in with even as comfortable as it is!!!! I anticipate in the end goin to more of a hybrid setup with a LWCG .5 and saddle but that remains to be seen.

Good points. Have you shot rifle from the saddle? Work well?
I was just in Maine w family for vacation. We stayed in Baaah Habaaah. Loved it! I’m sure you have great hunting opportunities there.


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[Pathfinder]

Good points. Have you shot rifle from the saddle? Work well?
I was just in Maine w family for vacation. We stayed in Baaah Habaaah. Loved it! I’m sure you have great hunting opportunities there.


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Ya I shot it a few times and the bridge is like a perfect rest and you are using the tree as cover so it’s already I perfect position to use as a brace!!!! My Dad grew up on MDI opposite side of the island from Bah Habaah. Beautiful place but you can only small game hunt on the island no deer hunting. The coast provides some great opportunities from the island south though. Inland from about where you go onto the island to Bangor over through Bethel area (NH border) south is decent hunting. North of those areas (about 2/3’s of the state) is tough going and requires very different techniques. It’s great hunting if your a tracker, still hunter and like to cover miles a day. Sitting is effective up north but you may sit all season and see only single digits in deer but pick a good area and the pay off can be a VERY mature HUGE bodied buck!!!! The saddle is gonna allow me to walk in 3-4 miles still hunt around and if I find some good hot sign and feel like sitting to be able to pop up a tree and HANG out for a few hrs!!!

 

[SupersonicSlingshot]

Good to know. And good advice on how you hunt with a saddle looking for sign. I’m a total newbie so little ideas (that seem obvious to seasoned hunters) are golden.


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[Jammintree]

if you are a former tree climber I strongly encourage you to consider Incorporating ddrt or srt rope climbing techniques for hunting into your ongoing research.

 

[Pathfinder]

if you are a former tree climber I strongly encourage you to consider Incorporating ddrt or srt rope climbing techniques for hunting into your ongoing research.

Ya I’m now older and tried to do a little of that stuff and my back and arms complained badly!!! I wish I could still do that stuff it would be lighter!!!!

 

[SupersonicSlingshot]

Great advice. I just tried DRT & SRT for the first time yesterday! And I’m mid-50s, not in great shape. I found it easier than sticks with a movable aider. Requires some coordination and getting used to it. Fortunately I had a great teacher, Joe D from NY Saddle Hunters happens to live 10 min from me. He was kind enough to give me a demo. I’m hooked. If it’s difficult you may be doing it wrong. Of course it requires some exertion, but so does climbing with sticks or packing out a deer.

 

[Jammintree]

Great advice. I just tried DRT & SRT for the first time yesterday! And I’m mid-50s, not in great shape. I found it easier than sticks with a movable aider. Requires some coordination and getting used to it. Fortunately I had a great teacher, Joe D from NY Saddle Hunters happens to live 10 min from me. He was kind enough to give me a demo. I’m hooked. If it’s difficult you may be doing it wrong. Of course it requires some exertion, but so does climbing with sticks or packing out a deer.

That’s awesome. I couldn’t agree more. Once you learn basic technique it’s a relatively easy and safe way to get in and out of a stand.

 

[Pathfinder]

Ya I have all the climbing ascenders from being an arborist for 6yrs. I was a climber for 5 of those 6 and used throw balls, foot lock tech and ascenders. I tried the 2tc method cuz it looked cool I also tried drt and srt and was spent once I got 10ft up. I may do some one sticking as I was able to do that with little effort but still more effort then walking up to a tree with 4 sticks and going up. I put all my heavy weight cloths on the other and did a test. I live in maine so that means heavy layers of wool and walked up to tree like I was hunting and 4min later I was 16ft up sitting into my tether. I was sweating but that was cuz it was 72deg and I was wearing December hunting cloths. Even one sticking I end up working harder then I really want too. Climbing sticks is no different to me then going up a ladder stand effort wise. Would be even easier with super light sticks!!! Was looking at buying thethrd one sticks but once again they are being recalled. I don’t care why they were it’s 2nd time now that’s all I have to know. I would like a set of timber ninjas but the stand offs are so tight to the tree that without trying them I’m hesitant to take the leap!!! Now I’ve tried all these methods on my own as we don’t have a big community of saddle hunters up here in the north country. Like I said I worked in arborist field for a few years and luvd it!!! I also tore my shoulder apart while doing it and have lingering effects from it. I’m not totally out of shape but I’m 48 and just can’t do that stuff without WAY more effort then I care too. Like I said climbing sticks are like a ladder stand to me. Once I get some amsteel mods it maybe even quicker. One sticking earlier in hunting season interests me but later with heavy cloths I could see that causing me to sweat more then I’d like. I’m used to carrying a summit viper lite which when loaded weights close to 35-40lb. My saddle setup with 3 sticks and the fourth being a wingman platform along with saddle weights 11lbs. I’ve recently bought a WindWalker for $20 off Craigslist which when loaded with four sticks is around 12.5lb. I use it like hybrid style as the saddle for a safety harness and stand as platform kinda. I want lightest possible but has to come with ease of use for me too.

 

[Maine Hunter]

I don't know that it would be any help to you but I live in the Midcoast and one stick with a modified Hawk Helium stick, XOP Edge platform, and Cruiser XC saddle. I also have a Tethrd Phantom saddle and Predator XL Platform (currently for sale on CL). If you are in the area I'd be happy to show the little I know and let you try anything I have.

 

[Pathfinder]

I don't know that it would be any help to you but I live in the Midcoast and one stick with a modified Hawk Helium stick, XOP Edge platform, and Cruiser XC saddle. I also have a Tethrd Phantom saddle and Predator XL Platform (currently for sale on CL). If you are in the area I'd be happy to show the little I know and let you try anything I have.

Thats a great offer!!! I ended up diving in finally this summer with the “Mill’s Money”. I fretted over what I was gonna want for about a year in a half mostly due to the cost of things. I knew this kinda hunting was gonna be for me in some fashion. I know a few guys in PA and a few in IA and they have events yearly where most of the manufacturers are there letting you put hands on and try things before hand. YouTube is great but nothing is better then hands on!!! I flip flopped from Cruzr XC to an Archon and I was ready to pull trigger on Latitude Method 2. My boss uses a Hawk Helium saddle with 3 step sticks and quickly I knew that wasn’t gonna be what I wanted as steps were way to big. Saddle is ok but could see that it wasn’t gonna be for me. I finally went with the CGM Cobra but for the wrong reason now that I have it. Think I should have gone with my original thought of a two piece. Cobra is comfortable for sure but think the two piece would fit my needs better overall In the end. I bought TL Double Step Mini’s which are great. Solid easy to use and get me up 16-18 no problem. I ended up buying a TL Wingman platform for a fifth step for more height anb the possibility of one sticking in future. I found out real quick that the more height isn’t necessary so use it as 3 doubles and the Wingman. I have an 3 step Ultimaider split into 2 steps on bottom step single on 2nd step. Best purchase of the bunch by far. in climbing a bunch with it since buying a everything I’ve come to a couple conclusions which I think one having ability to try some of this stuff I could have made better. First a two piece saddle would have been better choice. 2 bite the bullet and buy the lightest step possibl not that weight is everything but in a step up becomes import. 3rd is that in the end I think I’m gonna be a hybrid guy. I ended up with a WindWalker loc on stand I picked up for $20 and see myself using that more then anything. I was super close to doing that over a saddle to start with but figured it just had to work better then a stand. I think a total LWCG .5 stand with a set of their double steps along with some sort of saddle would be the best setup for me in the end. I like the WindWalker a bunch but let’s face it old stuff has some limitations and seeing the .5 clinging to every crooked tree and nearly limb is impressive. I think honestly my issue with the saddle is gonna be shooting. For gun its gonna be the cats ass!!! For bow I just seem to not be comfortable with shooting. Think it’s a mental thing but whatever it is it’s just off a bit. All things maybe trying one I could have figured out quickly. I think this saddle thing is awesome and fun just need us up here in north country to be able to try stuff out so guys don’t have to spend tons of money figuring that out.

 

[Maine Hunter]

I have three saddles and plan to keep two (one my daughter will use). I have vacillated back and forth on everything from ropes, steps, platforms, friction hitches, aiders, and on and on. Thankfully saddle gear retains its value fairly well so you try stuff and then sell what you don't like. I had 10 deer inside 25 yards last season. I didn't shoot any of those deer. The reason was I hadn't practiced enough to be prepared to shoot at angles that where less than ideal. I will be practicing much more this preseason. Practice, practice, practice. I heard it a hundred times but figured I was young and athletic enough to "wing it". Maybe 10 years ago that was true.

 

[Pathfinder]

I have three saddles and plan to keep two (one my daughter will use). I have vacillated back and forth on everything from ropes, steps, platforms, friction hitches, aiders, and on and on. Thankfully saddle gear retains its value fairly well so you try stuff and then sell what you don't like. I had 10 deer inside 25 yards last season. I didn't shoot any of those deer. The reason was I hadn't practiced enough to be prepared to shoot at angles that where less than ideal. I will be practicing much more this preseason. Practice, practice, practice. I heard it a hundred times but figured I was young and athletic enough to "wing it". Maybe 10 years ago that was true.

Hahaha ya I’m not as nibble as I was 25yrs ago when I worked in a saddle for a job either!!! I think for gun season the saddle will be ideal but shooting a gun and a bow are two different deals. One sticking is same deal for me. Early season while not bundled up sure but later on I could see the sweat rolling down my back. I’ve never used climbing sticks but after setting them up I find it not much different then climbing a ladder stand. I’ve always used a summit climber and that’s turned me into a different kinda hunter then I want to be. Hunting same trees, same access routes all the time due to having to lug that thing around. I wanna hunt like I guided when in IA and that’s totally mobile. Still scouting I called it. I would set clients out and late morning I would go into a different area on the farm and basically still hunt it but was scouting new stand sites. I see much more while moving slow acting like I’m hunting and when I’d get into super fresh hot sign I’d set up new stands for my hunters. Now they may not wanna move but I always had 2-3 different options for them. I find myself now up here in ME now looking at areas like I’m guiding saying man that would great place to sit. However the walk in with my climber isn’t practical to that spot (Thick, miles in or no trees that would work). Thats where the saddle comes in or a super versatile hang on(lwcg .5, WindWalker this yr). I haven’t been able to benefit from finding these spots much cuz I’m a walker at heart but my Dad (a sitter) has for sure!!! As I get older an slower I hope this will pay off. I’ll attach a couple of my Dads pic where if I’d listened to my own advise these could have been me , but truthfully seeing my Dad get them is better then if I’d have pulled trigger myself!!!

 

[Jeepr07]

Nice! I grew up in Maine and have a camp up near the stud mill road near bradley. I’m definitely looking to use my saddle more when I get up this year. But it gets hard, my dad is getting up in age and I’d rather go out and hunt with him for a hours. But I think this year I’ll be getting out for a few more sits in the saddle.

I’m going to be running the latitude method, I love that saddle. I’ve had a few and by far my most favorite. Beats out my jx3 lol.

So the method 2, 3 beast sticks and the x-wing platform. Will have some down puffy pants and jacket in my pack to fight some of the weather.

Good luck.

Always good to see more new englanders getting into the saddle


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[Pathfinder]

Nice! I grew up in Maine and have a camp up near the stud mill road near bradley. I’m definitely looking to use my saddle more when I get up this year. But it gets hard, my dad is getting up in age and I’d rather go out and hunt with him for a hours. But I think this year I’ll be getting out for a few more sits in the saddle.

I’m going to be running the latitude method, I love that saddle. I’ve had a few and by far my most favorite. Beats out my jx3 lol.

So the method 2, 3 beast sticks and the x-wing platform. Will have some down puffy pants and jacket in my pack to fight some of the weather.

Good luck.

Always good to see more new englanders getting into the saddle


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Sounds like a good time to me. My Dad only hunts now cuz it’s my passion but we both had quite a moment in the woods 2yrs ago when he smashed that monster!!!! Funny that was the feeling I got when guiding out in IA too when my client would shoot the deer of their lives!!!! I’ve shot a few good deer of my own but have gotten some friends, family and client some truly special animals and that always seems to bring me more satisfaction.

I haven’t hunted up north for quite a few yrs now as I’ve taken on the challenge of shooting a monster of my own down southern ME. I live down here and have killed a couple big ones up north but that monster down home has eluded me so far. I always make sure I have a couple sets for my Dad to slide into quick and easy and then I’m off. Good to have a taxi able to pick you up to when you come out a couple miles from where you expected too and what’s nice down here is he’s always just a call away as the phones always work around home hahaha. The Method 2 was the saddle I SHOULD have bought but at last min I switched. My CGM is super comfy but think the two piece would have functioned better for me. Everything else I went with works fine. Now I see myself buying some sort of untra light step eventually to like the tethrd ones (if they can get them straightened out) or the timber ninjas. But like the saddle as I thought I would for the most part. It has its draw backs and surprised me a little with how strange it was to draw from one with a bow but I’ll get it figured out. I used to be an arborists so I lived in a saddle for about 5yrs and remember it being a little janky at first so I think this is kinda the same. I truly think for Gun season it’s gonna be the cats ass!!!!! I can’t find a position that won’t work for a gun but a bow is a little different and think it’s just cuz I’m so used to a traditional stand set up and setting up on wrong side of tree really makes me fight the setup a bit. With traditional setup I walk in pick tree climb up and sitting most times in less then 7min but with saddle I get in tree and find I’m always slightly outta position for strong side shots or I picked wrong tree totally. Just adjustments is all.