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Saddle and Crossbow

Spur

Active Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2018
Messages
126
Location
SC
From time to time an old injury in my elbow makes me resort to a xbow. As I explore the idea of saddle hunting, I am finding it difficult to find any videos or info on folks who use a crossbow from the saddle. I would really love any insight, feedback, or links to videos of folks using a xbow from a tree saddle. What I have seen looks like it is a wonderful way to hang out in a tree, but I don't want to invest in a system that leaves me restricted when the elbow flares up. Thanks!!!
 
Thanks @GCTerpfan! I tried forum searching and had minimal luck finding info. I looked at hambones posts and found a few. Apparently my search skills need some work. Gonna try a few different searches :)
 
@Spur you won’t have any problems using a crossbow. I’ve been saddle hunting since the 1980s and using a crossbow for the last 10 years since I started having shoulder problems. I use an Excalibur Phoenix with my tree saddle and take about 4 deer each year.
I use a Cabela’s crossbow sling so the bow hangs on my side close to the ready. I just keep the limbs and string away from the tree when I put it to my shoulder by moving around the tree. Post any specific questions you have and I’ll try and help.


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I've been thinking about bringing my Equinox out it gives me an extra 10yards range.
 
Thanks @hambone If you know of any videos of someone showing various shot directions from the saddle that would be great! I was worried about limbs of the xbow hitting the tree, about the bridger thing interfering with shot, I have had to switch to righty (I am lefty) shooting because left eye is not as good as right, so I would likely switch hands depending on side of tree, would that generate a lot of movement? Also worried about supporting full weight of xbow with left arm due to the elbow, how hard is it to brace up the supporting arm? I notice you use a sling, switching arms may preclude me using a sling. I removed the sling on my xbow because it gets in the way and makes more noise than I like, although I could probably deaden some of that with stealthtape or something. I have a feeling I probably have bunch more questions that I don't know to ask as well :)

Ultimately, I want to make sure that if I pull the trigger on giving my money to tehtrd I don't regret it :)
 
Spur - I also hunt with an xbow. Not as successful as @hambone, but I've had mine out in the saddle four times this year. Shifting hands is going to generate a lot of movement. I had to do it this weekend and it nearly caused me to get busted. Never got a good shot at the deer anyway as my shooting lanes were not clear. I didn't trust myself to thread the needle.
 
@Spur I’ll show some pics in the next few posts to help answer some questions. This pic shows my POV for the shot. I shoot right handed. I move around the tree to what ever point the deer is at or coming to.
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Limbs are away from the tree so no interference.


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I don’t switch from righty to lefty. I move around the tree on my steps. I use mostly preset trees with Crawford EZY climb deluxe steps. Pricey but safer and more comfortable.
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You can’t hold the crossbow up at the ready indefinitely. Last year I did it for almost 5 minutes waiting for a shot on a big 8. I posted the video of the shot here so you can search and watch. But to be near ready I put the stock over the bridge and under my right arm.
1ffc7cdded7c92c8df16ce56133b7f4d.jpg



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While just hanging I let the crossbow hang on my left side high up with the sling kind of like a tactical AR.

I had abandoned the tactical sling in my Kestrel because I had to use the back band to be comfortable but, since I went back to a fleece saddle I don't use a back band anymore. I currently keep my xbow hanging on my left side of the tree, stock down, and I have yet to have a deer see me pick it up but, it is a lot of extra movement. I may have to revisit the tactical sling.
 
You can’t hold the crossbow up at the ready indefinitely. Last year I did it for almost 5 minutes waiting for a shot on a big 8. I posted the video of the shot here so you can search and watch. But to be near ready I put the stock over the bridge and under my right arm.
1ffc7cdded7c92c8df16ce56133b7f4d.jpg



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i do this as well. while I hate carrying crossbow in the woods compared to a recurve or compound, or rifle for that matter, i do like the ease of use while up in the saddle. I made my first harvest last week from a saddle due to being able to manipulate the crossbow over a limb and was holding it with the stock over the limb and my hand under the limb. I would have not had a shot with a vertical boy due to there not being enough clearance to that side.
 
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