DOMMA
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2019
- Messages
- 280
This is my first year using a saddle. I was lucky enough to harvest an 8 point. I have ~ 20 sits in my saddle and thought I would pass on some of the things I learned.
1. You do not have to be young to saddle hunt, I am 52 and just started - I love it.
2. There are clear advantages using a saddle over a climber or hang-on stand.
4. A Ropeman 1 on your lineman's belt and tether is a huge upgrade over the prussik knot
5. I prefer climbing sticks as a climbing method. Beast sticks are the best IMO - the double step is a huge advantage, as is the weight savings.
6. Ditch the buckles on the climbing stick straps, they are heavy and noisy. I prefer a versa-strap or Amsteel with daisy chain.
7. Get a gear lanyard with at least 3 - 4 hooks for your bow, quiver, backpack, binoculars.....
8. Get two Molle pouches/bags for your saddle, one for lineman's belt the other for the gear lanyard and tether.
9. For longer sits - anything over 2.5 hours, a platform is the best. The Tethrd Predator and OOAL Podium or Ridge Runner are nice.
10. Using an aider on the first step is fine and helps you get higher in the tree. Using an aider after the fist step makes descending in the dark difficult.
I hope my observations help any other hunters considering saddle hunting. I still use my climber but have stopped using my LW Alpha completely. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck.
1. You do not have to be young to saddle hunt, I am 52 and just started - I love it.
2. There are clear advantages using a saddle over a climber or hang-on stand.
- Much lighter
- You can get in almost any tree, more options to get in optimum position
- You can use the tree to hide from deer allowing you to get ready as they approach
- the only option that allows you to shoot 360 around the tree
4. A Ropeman 1 on your lineman's belt and tether is a huge upgrade over the prussik knot
5. I prefer climbing sticks as a climbing method. Beast sticks are the best IMO - the double step is a huge advantage, as is the weight savings.
6. Ditch the buckles on the climbing stick straps, they are heavy and noisy. I prefer a versa-strap or Amsteel with daisy chain.
7. Get a gear lanyard with at least 3 - 4 hooks for your bow, quiver, backpack, binoculars.....
8. Get two Molle pouches/bags for your saddle, one for lineman's belt the other for the gear lanyard and tether.
9. For longer sits - anything over 2.5 hours, a platform is the best. The Tethrd Predator and OOAL Podium or Ridge Runner are nice.
10. Using an aider on the first step is fine and helps you get higher in the tree. Using an aider after the fist step makes descending in the dark difficult.
I hope my observations help any other hunters considering saddle hunting. I still use my climber but have stopped using my LW Alpha completely. Let me know if you have any questions and good luck.