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Yea/Nay: Saddle + strong winds?

Marmuzz

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2021
Messages
1,145
Location
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Weather forecast for PA rifle opener tomorrow in my hunting region (north central) is winds of 15 mph, gusts up to 21 mph. No precipitation. I’ve never climbed or saddle hunted in winds that strong. Am I stupid to try? Thinking only from a safety standpoint. (Scent concerns notwithstanding.) I’m one sticking and rappelling.
 
I’d hunt it if you have cover, especially since you’re using a firearm. If no cover then prolly not as you’ll look like a piñata.
 
Just got down out of the saddle this morning. Gusts were as high as 27mph. Definitely was a little nervous especially after hearing a tree come down. But personally, if I'm going to be in a tree in high winds, I'd rather be in a saddle than a tree stand.
 
I hunted some very windy days this year and think saddle hunting is ideal in these situations. Tree blows left, you sway to the right. By not being attached to a tree trunk, you're not along for the ride however the tree moves. As a bonus, it let's you move around without necessarily drawing attention.
 
I was in NY and PA over the last two weeks. I was in my saddle for hours a day in sleet, snow, rain and wind. You will not have any issues other than swaying gently.

And as stated above, the big bucks probably won’t be up and moving. But! One of the biggest PA public land bucks was taken in that windy condition a few weeks ago also.

So go for it. Look at it as gear testing while having fun. That’s what I did.
 
Personally 21mph gust is not that much. I pick a little bigger tree and don't sit up on a ridge. Not sure if it's because I pay attention to the wind more, but seems fall has higher consistent winds the last few years. But high winds and cold weather are no fun. Dress warm. If possible, be on the down wind side of the tree to block some wind.
 
Weather forecast for PA rifle opener tomorrow in my hunting region (north central) is winds of 15 mph, gusts up to 21 mph. No precipitation. I’ve never climbed or saddle hunted in winds that strong. Am I stupid to try? Thinking only from a safety standpoint. (Scent concerns notwithstanding.) I’m one sticking and rappelling.
That's a calm afternoon in Kansas. :) shouldn't be a problem
 
My brother was in a 10’ tall box blind last weekend for the WI gun opener and a front came through with 30+mph gusts, The tower ended up blowing over and taking him for a ride. He got banged up but thankfully, not seriously injured.

as others have said, just pick a little bigger tree and make sure it is not dead. In the end, if you aren’t going to feel safe, sit it out and wait to hunt another day.
 
The drawback of higher winds, and especially gusts, is it makes it very hard to hold steady when it's time to make a shot.

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Happened to me a couple weeks ago. Wind picked up while I was in a tree with 17 to 20 mph gusts. I just went back to the ground and still hunted since the wind can cover your sound. After a couple hours walking and exploring, a Buck walked right out in front of me at 10 yards while I was walking. I leaned up against a tree and waited for a clear shot. Just made some Jerky from him last night!
 
Weather forecast for PA rifle opener tomorrow in my hunting region (north central) is winds of 15 mph, gusts up to 21 mph. No precipitation. I’ve never climbed or saddle hunted in winds that strong. Am I stupid to try? Thinking only from a safety standpoint. (Scent concerns notwithstanding.) I’m one sticking and rappelling.
Man, where I live 15 mph is a pretty calm day.
 
I hunted it here too, I always pick a larger tree and am sure it’s not dead before climbing. Harder to tell this time of year but usually few leaves or at least not many broken limbs


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