Slow learner I guess

[ssramage]

Last year about this time I bought a Mantis saddle set up and used it some over the summer, but ultimately sold it because I hunt 99% private land with my kids and didn't think I'd use it much. Honestly not much has changed except I used my trusty climber for a weeklong public land hunt last year and hated it. I found some public land spots while turkey hunting this season that are LONG walks and really have no interest in carrying my climber all the way back there.

I sprung for the Phantom and XL Predator platform last night while they had the sale going on.

I guess we'll see if I stick with it this time... I keep coming back to it because the concept is great and I can see the practicality even on the private land I hunt (when I get to go solo).

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I've seen a lot of guys mention using the saddle as being really helpful when hunting with their kids as they can set the kids up in a fixed stand and then hang right behind them on the tree. It keeps you close enough to give some proper direction without being in the way. I seem to remember @redsquirrel mentioned his dad did that with him and that's what got him started with saddle hunting. I've also seen @DanO post pics of him and his daughter hanging facing each other in the same tree, each one covering an opposite side.

 

[ssramage]

I've seen a lot of guys mention using the saddle as being really helpful when hunting with their kids as they can set the kids up in a fixed stand and then hang right behind them on the tree. It keeps you close enough to give some proper direction without being in the way. I seem to remember @redsquirrel mentioned his dad did that with him and that's what got him started with saddle hunting. I've also seen @DanO post pics of him and his daughter hanging facing each other in the same tree, each one covering an opposite side.

I could see that with my older son (he'll be 8 this year), but most of my lease is set up with tower stands for rifle hunting. I've found a few tucked away places that I want to hit during bow season before the pressure picks up out there and I think that'll be where the saddle gets used the most.

With 3 young kids at home, my solo hunting time is pretty limited, but when I do get to go, I plan to use the saddle.