I'm new to the site and haven't bought a saddle yet. But, I'm curious to hear how many folks on here took the plunge just based on saddle-related info found here and elsewhere on the web versus actually getting to check one out in person, whether just seeing someone else use one or actually get to try it out yourself?
-
The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
-
We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules
Pulling the trigger (not literally)
- Thread starter beej32
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2014
- Messages
- 3,096
My primary influence early on was John Eberhart but the original all step system wasn't for me. I got busted from movement more than I did from treestands. It was a niche system that I used only when I needed light and mobile...maybe a goofy tree but I hate hunting leaning trees from steps.
After that, the original youtube saddle guy...BoudreauxBoswell. The first decent instructional video content and the Ameristep revolution.
The platforms have gotten better the last 5 years. This has cut down my movement in the tree considerably and I no longer hold anything against saddle hunting.
The people on this site have been my greatest influence the last 5 years.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
After that, the original youtube saddle guy...BoudreauxBoswell. The first decent instructional video content and the Ameristep revolution.
The platforms have gotten better the last 5 years. This has cut down my movement in the tree considerably and I no longer hold anything against saddle hunting.
The people on this site have been my greatest influence the last 5 years.
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Welcome aboard! This time last year was my start in researching and learning about saddle hunting. I don't think I would want to know how many hours I've spent reading on this site. I started with the intention of being ready for this season. I picked up a sit drag and practiced on the ground and used the year to learn all aspects (proper knots, about climb rated gear, splicing). This year I hunted with the sit drag and a rock climbing harness...and loved it.
Without a doubt, if you are interested in saddle hunting...you're in the right spot!
Without a doubt, if you are interested in saddle hunting...you're in the right spot!
The first time I saw a saddle in person was when my Kestrel arrived.
My saddle journey started a little differently than most. I stumbled across saddles while researching how to improve/set up small parcels of land for hunting. I was watching videos by Jake Ehlinger and Randy Vanderveen on habitat improvement, and Randy uses a saddle because he presets multiple trees on his private properties. This got me initially thinking about saddles and then after reading John Erberhart's book I realized a saddle was perfect for me to be able to preset a LOT of trees on my own property but, then also hunt mobile on public land so I don't over pressure my ground.
I started looking into buying a saddle and that's when I found this site and all the information here just sealed the deal. My 16 year old son is getting a saddle for Xmas this year and I will probably keep a ladder stand or two for my 8 year old son until he is big enough to hunt from a saddle but, the rest of my hang ons are being taken down and sold/scrapped this summer.
My saddle journey started a little differently than most. I stumbled across saddles while researching how to improve/set up small parcels of land for hunting. I was watching videos by Jake Ehlinger and Randy Vanderveen on habitat improvement, and Randy uses a saddle because he presets multiple trees on his private properties. This got me initially thinking about saddles and then after reading John Erberhart's book I realized a saddle was perfect for me to be able to preset a LOT of trees on my own property but, then also hunt mobile on public land so I don't over pressure my ground.
I started looking into buying a saddle and that's when I found this site and all the information here just sealed the deal. My 16 year old son is getting a saddle for Xmas this year and I will probably keep a ladder stand or two for my 8 year old son until he is big enough to hunt from a saddle but, the rest of my hang ons are being taken down and sold/scrapped this summer.
I got started in 2009 after reading John Eberhart's books. I never saw a Tree Saddle until I bought a Trophyline Tree Saddle on ebay. It's been all downhill from there. lol.
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2014
- Messages
- 3,406
Saw the Green's Tree Saddle at a hunting expo in Atlanta 1998. I new after watching a 3 minute demonstration that it would my primary hunting method. Bought a leather saddle and tether that day for a whopping $100 dollars (expo price). Still use it today on almost every hunt.
My first saddle was a treesuit which I bought because I was tired puff carrying tree stands Into the Woods this was back many many years ago. My next tree saddle was a trophy line neoprene and then I went to the Guido's web and finally the Kestrel and I still have all of them except the trophy line. The Anderson sling also interest me how many years ago but I never did purchase one of those.
Tom Karrow
Active Member
I had been considering a saddle for some time before I pulled the trigger on one. I did some reading, found this website, looked at videos etc., and found Ontario farmer ( a member here) lives not far from me. He reached out to me and gladly showed me the ropes (pun intended)! His demo did help me decide but it was his encouragement and enthusiasm for saddles that really put me over the edge.
I did not try one of his saddles (he has several), although he offered. I decided to order a kestral after meeting with him and finding out a new saddle was in the works. I have been using it since early Oct. (Thanks Ontario farmer!!).
I have used the kestral exclusively this season with mixed results and lots of learning. My first "sit" was horrible and I almost sold it, but I stuck with it and have had some great sits and hunts. I have had some amazingly comfortable sits with practice and experience although recently, I picked a tree that resulted in lots of discomfort and hesitation. The learning continues and I plan to pre-sit trees for next year in order to have them set and shooting lanes trimmed. Because I only got the saddle in early Oct, I did not have any chance to prepare or practice with it.
I will stick with it, but I think I will also use my LW's as lock on's when I can leave them on a tree...a rarity, which meas the saddle will get lots of use. The saddle is definitely lighter for run and gun, no two ways about it. I have used sticks for years and I am very comfortable with them. I did modify my LW's to a rope mod., ad it has been fantastic. I am using a platform from Ernie, and I may try something else in the future. His platform works very well, but I think another option would allow for more versatility and a reduction in weight. I would also like my feet further apart, on either side of a tree, for balance. I found with my feet right together on the platform, that it was easy for my body to swing without concentrating. Sitting with my legs split helps but that was rough on the knees.. even with pads. I have found (thanks ontariofarmer) that my linesman's belt can be used across my knees once in the tree tether to widen my knees/stance without contacting the tree or raming the tree where I don't want it to be!
A few tips I have learned from others but mainly experience this season.
1. I got a size 2 (220lbs.) and I am glad I did.
2. Shorten the bridge a lot when you first get one. I may shorten mine even more.
3. Get Ropeman 1's for your linesman belt, tree tether, and possibly the bridge too.. these are outstanding.
4. I switched to better carabiners, and I am glad I did. I got Black Diamond, Rocklock magnetrons. They are FAR easier to open and close with one hand, especially with thick gloves on... I live in Canada.
5. practice, practice, practice more, before you go. I did not do this, but I should have, and I plan to in the future. I had bad sits because I did not practice and adjust things, near to the ground. I was afraid at height to do much adjustment and I lost deer because my anchor was different and I shot too far back. I also want to practice right side shots, and behind me... I am right handed.
6. Most importantly... go for it! The folks here are very patient and helpful. There is no negativity, attitude, machoness etc.. just fine helpful saddle hunters!
Tom
I did not try one of his saddles (he has several), although he offered. I decided to order a kestral after meeting with him and finding out a new saddle was in the works. I have been using it since early Oct. (Thanks Ontario farmer!!).
I have used the kestral exclusively this season with mixed results and lots of learning. My first "sit" was horrible and I almost sold it, but I stuck with it and have had some great sits and hunts. I have had some amazingly comfortable sits with practice and experience although recently, I picked a tree that resulted in lots of discomfort and hesitation. The learning continues and I plan to pre-sit trees for next year in order to have them set and shooting lanes trimmed. Because I only got the saddle in early Oct, I did not have any chance to prepare or practice with it.
I will stick with it, but I think I will also use my LW's as lock on's when I can leave them on a tree...a rarity, which meas the saddle will get lots of use. The saddle is definitely lighter for run and gun, no two ways about it. I have used sticks for years and I am very comfortable with them. I did modify my LW's to a rope mod., ad it has been fantastic. I am using a platform from Ernie, and I may try something else in the future. His platform works very well, but I think another option would allow for more versatility and a reduction in weight. I would also like my feet further apart, on either side of a tree, for balance. I found with my feet right together on the platform, that it was easy for my body to swing without concentrating. Sitting with my legs split helps but that was rough on the knees.. even with pads. I have found (thanks ontariofarmer) that my linesman's belt can be used across my knees once in the tree tether to widen my knees/stance without contacting the tree or raming the tree where I don't want it to be!
A few tips I have learned from others but mainly experience this season.
1. I got a size 2 (220lbs.) and I am glad I did.
2. Shorten the bridge a lot when you first get one. I may shorten mine even more.
3. Get Ropeman 1's for your linesman belt, tree tether, and possibly the bridge too.. these are outstanding.
4. I switched to better carabiners, and I am glad I did. I got Black Diamond, Rocklock magnetrons. They are FAR easier to open and close with one hand, especially with thick gloves on... I live in Canada.
5. practice, practice, practice more, before you go. I did not do this, but I should have, and I plan to in the future. I had bad sits because I did not practice and adjust things, near to the ground. I was afraid at height to do much adjustment and I lost deer because my anchor was different and I shot too far back. I also want to practice right side shots, and behind me... I am right handed.
6. Most importantly... go for it! The folks here are very patient and helpful. There is no negativity, attitude, machoness etc.. just fine helpful saddle hunters!
Tom
Autumnrider
Well-Known Member
Me, information and knowledge these guys share are unbelievable.
PJC
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2016
- Messages
- 2,539
Me. But I got mine in October so I only tried to hunt from it once and realized I need to refine my setup and practice before taking it to the field but I'm always thinking of places and ways I can hunt once I get it into my arsenal. As soon as this season is over I'm going to work with it and be ready for next fall. Going with drill and bolts for the most part and some sticks for this places I can't drill trees.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
cozy23
Active Member
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2016
- Messages
- 186
I had a Sit Drag already but didn't realize it. Was researching making lineman's belts and found this site. Loved the concept so I took the sit drag out a couple times last season. Bought a Guido's Web this summer and have used saddles exclusively this year.
Still struggling getting spun around the tree for weak side shots. But I'll get better.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Still struggling getting spun around the tree for weak side shots. But I'll get better.
Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
hickstick
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 16, 2016
- Messages
- 294
I'd seen guidos and trophy lines a time or two on all the internet message boards...(bowsite, tradgang, at) etc....but never gave it much thought. I pretty much converted to mobile only setups after having stands stolen..leverage sticks and hang on stands or lonewolf climber.
in frustration with the Leverage sticks clip and cam belt system, I started poking around on tradgang one day and I found (I think DaveT's) video on the rope mod on sticks...from there it lead to using a R/C harness as a safety, then found DIYsportsmans vids on aiders, then sitdrag saddle...and from there...as @g2outdoors said...all down hill from there. lol.
I used the sit drag & r/c harness last year and this year bought a kestrel. I'm going to having a 'clearence sale' in the spring to unload my hangons and possibly my lonewolf.
in frustration with the Leverage sticks clip and cam belt system, I started poking around on tradgang one day and I found (I think DaveT's) video on the rope mod on sticks...from there it lead to using a R/C harness as a safety, then found DIYsportsmans vids on aiders, then sitdrag saddle...and from there...as @g2outdoors said...all down hill from there. lol.
I used the sit drag & r/c harness last year and this year bought a kestrel. I'm going to having a 'clearence sale' in the spring to unload my hangons and possibly my lonewolf.