Tree Diameter Preference for Saddle Hunting

[yoda4x4]

So I'm literally in my saddle on my 3rd saddle hunt ever and am trying to figure out if this is for me. This will be part 1 of a 2 part Q&A post related to my findings.

So as a treestand hunter, I have always preferred the biggest diameter tree I could get into because it gave me the most amount of coverage behind me. Plus, bigger trees tend to sway less than smaller ones when it's windy out. So today I'm sitting in the largest tree I've tried with saddle hunting and have quickly decided that bigger = worse. I just don't feel anywhere near as comfortable as I did when the tree was smaller in diameter.

What's everyone else's thoughts on this?

David

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[Nutterbuster]

In before the "hunt any tree" crowd.

Just because you can doesn't mean you'll want to or will. Check out the live from the saddle threads and you'll see most folks like those volleyball size straight limbless trees.

 

[TooheyBirdie]

I actually ended up in my first really big one fairly recently.... and yeah.... wasn't a fan... I've found that the slightly bigger rha. A basketball size fits me pretty well...though I typically end up in something about the size of a volleyball... anywhere in that range is pretty good but i do prefer to be able to hide a bit more

 

[mtsrunner]

Basketball size usually. I often climb with LWHC, so I’m limited to about the same trees as a regular climbing stand.

 

[DroptineKrazy]

I like my trees about shoulder width. Hides me well and not to hard to negotiate.

 

[jackle1886]

I prefer volleyball or smaller. The smaller ones allow me to see in front better while still blocking my sillouette.

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[Sbrammer]

I'll take what I can get, but for the most part I feel more comfortable in a tree I can hug. To me easier to climb because I can get more leverage moving up, and I feel safer coming down because if all else fails I can ride it down. No fun in the wind though.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

I generally like shoulder width. I have climbed some larger trees this season and didn't see a problem. I try to steer clear of small diameter trees since I feel I look like...what was the phrase, corn dog in a tree? Lol.

 

[Exhumis]

You’ll hear lots of opinions but more folks favor basket ball sized or beach ball sized. Much smaller and it feels like you’re riding a bronco, much bigger and you run into length of rope issues.
Here’s a basketball size I was in awhile back:

 

[Apex7]

Basketball size are good but if there is a tree where I need to be I don't care what size it is.
I hunt the sign not trees.
A word of caution about big trees in the wind they may not sway but have you ever noticed what trees get blown down in the wind . It's usually the bigger diameter trees. Stay safe.

 

[MNFarmHunter]

Beggers can’t be choosers but prefer volleyball up to basketball. Anything wider and it’s more difficult to get things set.


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[Bowmanmike]

I hunted an 8" tree last week and a 24" one today. Whichever tree gives me the best cover is the one I climb. The 8" one was the only one I could get into.

 

[elk yinzer]

I don't like/don't feel as safe when I can't wrap my arms around and having to toss ropes. I'll do it if it's the only option but otherwise no thanks. About volleyball to basketball size is sweet spot. I seek out limbs, love having a few to break up the outline.

 

[Bigterp]

I generally like shoulder width. I have climbed some larger trees this season and didn't see a problem. I try to steer clear of small diameter trees since I feel I look like...what was the phrase, corn dog in a tree? Lol.

Yup

 

[Bigterp]

I don't like/don't feel as safe when I can't wrap my arms around and having to toss ropes. I'll do it if it's the only option but otherwise no thanks. About volleyball to basketball size is sweet spot. I seek out limbs, love having a few to break up the outline.

Agreed, volleyball/basketball with limbs or forks….. don’t get me started on doubles & triples……

 

[HuskerInIowa]

My goal is the size everyone says but I’ve also hunted larger and some real small ones this year experimenting in my first year. I found too big to get my arms around doesn’t work well for me, I just didn’t feel as effective getting up the tree trying to toss things around the tree as I climb (I’m using sticks). I was in a small tree in some pretty good wind on Friday (15-20 steady with gusts of more) and actually felt more comfortable than I used to in a hang on when it was windy. I’m not sure why but I really felt like I was swing less and was personally more stable while the tree was moving.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

Every once in a while, when the situation presents itself, I like to hunt out of really big trees. Some type of rope access is just about the only way to get into them, and you can just about guarantee you are the only one hunting out of that thing (maybe ever). I think tree choice has a lot to do with your climbing preference and options. Also, it has a lot to do with the trees you have to hunt.

 

[yoda4x4]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I agree that you should hunt the sign but if given the choice, I'm going to going smaller next time.

David

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[NATHAN]

Just under shoulder width. Easy to hide, easy to move around, not too hard to grab, and room for knees.

 

[Rjschatts]

2 weeks ago I hunted a 4” diameter Aspen on a windy day, wouldn’t recommend that, but hunted on a calm day and I was fine. I like the smaller trees (basketball or smaller) and that’s typical where I hunt.


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