Thinking of trying out saddle hunting

[mkendrick]

So, as the title suggests, I am thinking of trying this saddle hunting thing. I’ve really been watching a lot of YouTube videos pertaining to saddle hunting.

Yesterday I did my first public land hunt. There is a National Forest about 20 minutes from my house. I did a lot of homework, online scouting, the past week or so. I found several places of interest that are about a mile back in the woods; that is if I take the shorter route.

Well, I ran into a problem. A couple of problems actually. One was a swamp that I underestimated and was unable to find an alternative route. The second obstacle, I finally found an alternative route which led me to about a 12 feet drop off to the creek below. I will now have to access these spots by using the longer route.

I hunted from my Summit Viper SD. Between the stand and my backpack I was carrying in about 35 pounds. The heavy weight is what has really pushed me to getting something much lighter. Also, it will allow me to access the stand sights quicker and without bulk.

I may have already answered my own question as to why I should switch to a saddle but what other reasons would I have to try saddle hunting? What are reasons I haven’t even thought of?

I really like the idea of getting way back in the woods with less worry of someone walking in on me.

I can’t imagine dragging a deer approximately a mile while also carrying gear. That’s another thing that seriously have me wanting to try saddle hunting.

How do you guys hang your bow? I’m not crazy about having my new Triax brushing against a tree trunk. My local National Forest has no rules against screwing things into trees so I’d probably use my two arm EZ Hanger.

Is there any advice/tips you’d give someone looking to get into saddle hunting?

BTW, this is my first post on this forum so please excuse any questions that sound ignorant.


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[bigjoe]

Welcome aboard

 

[bigjoe]

I use an ez hanger where I hunt

 

[mkendrick]

Do you carry a backpack in with you or do you find that, for you, the side carry pouches are sufficient for your your needs?


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[Deltahuntr]

Welcome from Louisiana.

 

[tibolli]

So, as the title suggests, I am thinking of trying this saddle hunting thing. I’ve really been watching a lot of YouTube videos pertaining to saddle hunting.

Yesterday I did my first public land hunt. There is a National Forest about 20 minutes from my house. I did a lot of homework, online scouting, the past week or so. I found several places of interest that are about a mile back in the woods; that is if I take the shorter route.

Well, I ran into a problem. A couple of problems actually. One was a swamp that I underestimated and was unable to find an alternative route. The second obstacle, I finally found an alternative route which led me to about a 12 feet drop off to the creek below. I will now have to access these spots by using the longer route.

I hunted from my Summit Viper SD. Between the stand and my backpack I was carrying in about 35 pounds. The heavy weight is what has really pushed me to getting something much lighter. Also, it will allow me to access the stand sights quicker and without bulk.

I may have already answered my own question as to why I should switch to a saddle but what other reasons would I have to try saddle hunting? What are reasons I haven’t even thought of?

I really like the idea of getting way back in the woods with less worry of someone walking in on me.

I can’t imagine dragging a deer approximately a mile while also carrying gear. That’s another thing that seriously have me wanting to try saddle hunting.

How do you guys hang your bow? I’m not crazy about having my new Triax brushing against a tree trunk. My local National Forest has no rules against screwing things into trees so I’d probably use my two arm EZ Hanger.

Is there any advice/tips you’d give someone looking to get into saddle hunting?

BTW, this is my first post on this forum so please excuse any questions that sound ignorant.


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This is my first year trying the saddle. There are some things I really like about the saddle and some things that I hate. I have been hunting from a tree stand for 38 years, and a saddle for about a month. I was really close to giving up on the saddle, but I feel I have to give it a fair try first.

Pros:
I really feel a lot safer hunting from a saddle
The saddle is light weight
It's awesome keeping the tree between me and the deer that are approaching.
It's easy to climb into almost any tree.

Cons:
I move a lot more in a saddle.
Since you are facing the tree, deer can walk up behind you with nothing to shield your back from them.
My first two sits this year, I should have shot deer, but in both situations, they both walked in on the off side where I wasn't expecting them. The deer were both too close to maneuver for a shot without them seeing me movement.
I seem to get busted a lot more from a saddle because of the movement to get comfortable.
When making a shot, I CAN'T get as steady as I can from tree stand.
I carry a folding holder in my pocket that screws into the tree to hold the bow.
There is a lot of necessary crap/accessories to deal with.
There are three straps to mess with and they can become a hassle dealing with them- the bridge, the tree strap and the lineman's belt
I find the back band unnecessary

 

[rutjr]

First let me say welcome. Second you came to the right place. I'm new to this also and this site is the balls! Anything you need to know you will find out here. I'm sure you can find someone from this site near you that would be willing to meet and show you the ropes. That's just how these guys are. Welcome to the addiction!

 

[vabwhntr]

This is my first season saddle hunting. It’s definitely lighter and easier than a hang on or climber. My only issue so far is hip pinch from my mantis. Other than that I love it. I hope the predator will help things out also when I get it. Like anything new it takes getting used to. I think the hardest thing for me is screwing my bow hanger in with my left hand since you face the tree. Bunch of helpful people on here. I’m sure you can find someone close to you that will let you try their stuff before you buy anything. I have yet to be busted up in the tree. Had one walk right under me the other day and feed for a few minutes within 5 yards. If I can get rid of hip pinch I’ll never go back to hang ons and climbers.

 

[mkendrick]

This is my first season saddle hunting. It’s definitely lighter and easier than a hang on or climber. My only issue so far is hip pinch from my mantis. Other than that I love it. I hope the predator will help things out also when I get it. Like anything new it takes getting used to. I think the hardest thing for me is screwing my bow hanger in with my left hand since you face the tree. Bunch of helpful people on here. I’m sure you can find someone close to you that will let you try their stuff before you buy anything. I have yet to be busted up in the tree. Had one walk right under me the other day and feed for a few minutes within 5 yards. If I can get rid of hip pinch I’ll never go back to hang ons and climbers.

Obviously I have zero experience with a tree saddle but from what I have read “hip pinch” is caused from the height of the tether. I can’t remember if you’d have you slide it up or down but adjusting it just help ease the pinching.

I hope that helps you.


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[vabwhntr]

I slid the tether up and down and my bridge hook up point up and down and haven’t found my sweet spot yet.