New to saddles-primitive backpack hunting

[Zoa]

Hey y'all!

So, for some stupid reason, most of my hunts look like this: I head out in the mountains of western NC for a week or so at a time. I bring no food and no electronics, and try and survive. Because I'm moving long distances, and carrying a decent size pack, I have never carried a stand, always ground hunting, typically with a ghillie. I heard of saddles for the first time last week, and am super excited about being able to hunt from a tree on one of these treks. I placed an order for a H2 Slingshot, Tethrd Predator, and 3 Hawk Helium sticks.

However, I don't know what I don't know. What should I be aware of before heading out into the woods? Any potential complications that y'all see? My initial concerns involve noise, I've never carried sticks before and am basically constantly still hunting so I need to be quiet. Second, my gun is five feet long, so maneuverability in the tree is a bit of a worry.

Thanks so much!

 

[shwacker]

I thing wrong with ground hunting. You’re adding a good bit of weight to your pack. As far as being just as quiet that shouldn’t be an issue. You shoot a traditional musket? What gun is 5 foot?


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[DanO]

Welcome to the forum from Michigan! I agree with @shwacker , you're adding some weight and bulk with the Predator and sticks. I'd look into one-sticking or SRT to lighten the load and perhaps a ring of steps instead of the platform.

 

[Mengle]

Practice the full set up many times around the house or before it’s actually go time.

I mean the full set up.
From unpacking your sticks off your pack to hanging your bow to taking a shot at a target.
That is the best way to work out the kinks and you will probabaly have a few questions as you start to work through that.

There are plenty of good saddle setup videos on YouTube that will give you an idea of what it should look like from A to Z.

 

[shwacker]

I thing wrong with ground hunting. You’re adding a good bit of weight to your pack. As far as being just as quiet that shouldn’t be an issue. You shoot a traditional musket? What gun is 5 foot?


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[Zoa]

I thing wrong with ground hunting. You’re adding a good bit of weight to your pack. As far as being just as quiet that shouldn’t be an issue. You shoot a traditional musket? What gun is 5 foot?


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Hah yeah it's a flintlock long rifle I built. It also doesn't have a sling. What do gun hunters typically do if they ain't hanging it? Just sit it on your lap and bridge?

 

[DanO]

You can lay guns across your bridge, no problem. Just don't stand up and forget about it not being connected. Otherwise if you're careful you could stand it up on your platform against the tree. All my guns have slings so I can hang them from my gear hanger though.

 

[shwacker]

Meant to say nothing wrong with ground hunting, dang auto correct.

But yes, across the bridge is fine and probably what I will do most of the time


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[Zoa]

Welcome to the forum from Michigan! I agree with @shwacker , you're adding some weight and bulk with the Predator and sticks. I'd look into one-sticking or SRT to lighten the load and perhaps a ring of steps instead of the platform.

Will do! Figured I'd give one-sticking a go, but having three gives me a backup in case I suck at it or something. Is a ring of steps significantly lighter than the Predator?

Thanks!

 

[Zoa]

Was also thinking about picking up some Silent Approach steps to try out.

 

[DanO]

Will do! Figured I'd give one-sticking a go, but having three gives me a backup in case I suck at it or something. Is a ring of steps significantly lighter than the Predator?

Thanks!

Yes, in most cases a ring of steps is lighter than most platforms. Can be as light as 1 lb 4 oz. for 4 steps and strap.

 

[Mengle]

Yes, in most cases a ring of steps is lighter than most platforms. Can be as light as 1 lb 4 oz. for 4 steps and strap.

And is waaaay easier to pack in and out