I’ve been checking out tree saddles for awhile. I tried one many years ago. Back then there was not a lot of info on how to use a tree saddle. I sure couldn’t get the hang of it . ( climbing up was my issue) I could use it ok on the ground. So I sold it . I don’t hunt anymore out of hang on stands. Ladder stands some times.Most of the time on the ground. I was thinking about giving a tree saddle a try with all the info out there these days. Also would one be good for just using on the ground instead of setting on a chair. I would think one could set up behind a tree and swing out for the shot. Just a thought. Anybody use one? Have a very blessed day.

Take a look at the "Hammock Seat". Since you probably prefer being on the ground and by a tree it might be a good option.

In theory it wouldn’t be a problem. Personally though I think using one on the ground defeats the whole purpose of using one at all. A properly set up ground blind would be just as good. Just my opinion

I only hunt from a saddle now. It’s way easier on my bad back than a treestand. I have used it on the ground as a seat for rifle hunting but usually at height with the recurve. Check out saddlehunter for info.

Thanks Marc for the info

Big-D, that's exactly how I intend to use my saddle on turkey. Two differences, one I'm using a JX3, a hybrid saddle. Two, no swinging out for a shot on turks. They're eyesight is too keen. I'm planning on a ghillie and try my shot quartering away. That's the plan anyway. If I'm unsuccessful, I can go back to a blind. :^)

I have been hunting out of a saddle(when in a tree) exclusively for liek 3+ years now. I love the versatility and comfort. I do still own a couple hang on stands but am not sure why! I should really clean out....

Lets see some pictures of the saddles you guys are using on a tree.

Great info .what method of climbing would be good for a old timer

This isn't a great one, but here I am in a modded Anderson tree sling. I currently hunt out of a Treehopper Recon(new anderson) and guidos web.

Here I am in the guidos late season rifle. I bow hunt from it regularly as well, but you criss cross the bridge sections to give you more range of movement in front of you.

Nearly 40 years for me . Check out Saddlehunters.com

Ain't no way I'm hanging in a tree in that. Lol

X2 with Babysaph. The last time I hung from a rope or strap was when I was in my 20s and in the U.S. Army at rappelling practice. Them days are long gone. :)

It is impossible for me to believe that any treestand could be as comfortable as a saddle; period. I've hunting out of one as soon as Onehair posted his sling seat on this forum back in '09. It changed everything for me when hunting from a tree and every year I think of that thread and pray for him in a prayer of thanks.

All of the saddles that I use are DIY. You can find some very detailed DIY plans on other forums, but it doesn't take all that much. The key is being safe.

My saddle weighs less than 5 lbs when all of the pockets are filled with what I take hunting and I wear it from my vehicle to the tree I will hunt from on any given day. From the ground up I am tethered to the tree so it is impossible to fall. I've hunted opening day of the Virginia bowseason from sunrise to sunset and never got uncomfortable. This doesn't even touch the fact that you have near 360 degree shooting options when in a tree and you can nearly always have the tree you are hunting in BETWEEN you and the game you are after.

It isn't for everyone, but don't sell it short.

Nearly all of my rapelling was from a swiss seat that we tied ourselves - if a saddle was anything like that I would quit hunting!

How old are you smuckatelli?.

Swiss seat!!! Ahhhhh the good ole days. Never again.

I am making the switch this year. Just received my saddle yesterday, and while I have only spent about 30 minutes in it I can already see the potential. And for what it’s worth, those thirty minutes were pretty comfortable. Biggest hurdle right now? Trusting it after spending the last 40 years in tree stands. I’m 64, in decent shape and am looking forward to this season with it.

David

I find them more comfortable than even my summit ladder stand. Easier to shift around in wihtout making noise. No pressure points, or cold spots from leaning on the metal. The guidos web(or newer JX3) is like sitting in a recliner in the tree, seriously super comfortable--like a lightweight treelounge!

I gave one a full season. They are cool. I like it a lot. There are more set-ups, less trimming. I have used other hang on stands less since the saddle but I do like my Lone Wolfe hang and hunt set up too. A tree stand is more comfortable in the long run for me if I"m going to hunt all day. I don't like the fact that it is difficult to use my thigh pockets when in the saddle. Some off-side shots can be tough.

Babysaph, I'm 48; why?

Plenty of folks 'more experienced in years' than me hunting from a saddle. I think if more folks tried one it would come close to putting lock-on stands out of business. Climbers will always have a niche role but I can't see many advantages for a fixed stand over a saddle other than perhaps taking a pee in a tree or if the optimal tree for your set up has a HUGE trunk. Both of these can be overcome, obviously.

No orange required in Vermont gun season?

MP

I'm 65 and still enjoy all day sits. I am much more comfortable than any other stand I have used. Well over a hundred kills while hanging out.

Hey MPDH, nope. No orange required at anytime in Vt. I"m hunting on my own 100% private land that is posted. I carry an orange hat in my bag and put it on when moving around, and take it off when on stand. When on public I wear a hat 100% of the time during rifle.

It's a Thread about Saddle hunting, not Regulations..This is how threads go crazy, pm the OP if your worried about his safety. (Just my 2cents)

I’m turning the big 60 this year god willing, have been using a saddle for last 10 years; wish I would have tried it earlier, feel safer in a saddle then any hang on or climbing stand, use climbing sticks and leave em up on private land, on public; I can have it set up in minutes . For hunting off the ground, best investment I ever made.

Poppy your right on. Last year was my first year hunting from a saddle. Very comfortable and every climb got easier. Hardest time was when it was real cold and had heavy weight bibs on and trying to use my aider with Wild Edge stepps.Wish I would have tried this years earlier. I feel they are safer than climbers and some ladder stands. I'll be 71 this coming hunting season.

I am plenty comfortable in my ladder stands.

monkeyball - I've stopped 'relieving myself' in pee bottles years ago after I tried the whole pee in a scrape and see what happens experiment. I hit every scrape I see in the woods now, but that is a topic for a different post.

What I do now is just twist to one side while 'leaning' and let'r rip. It isn't difficult to do for a guy but then again now that I retired from the Marine Corps and live IVO Tampa Florida it never gets cold enough where I have to contend with heavy clothes.

This is very cliche but I'll go ahead and write it anyhow -- this is a great time to be a saddle hunter. There has never been so many commercial saddle options available, and nearly anyone can make their own (safe) saddle if you are a DIY type person.

It is a long post, but I recommend anyone who is reading this far down this thread to 'search' for Onehair's original post on this topic. I think it was circa 2009(ish).

Not sure if this works:

http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/tf/lw/thread2.cfm?forum=23&threadid=197004&category=

I just let it hang down and push out from the tree for clearance. No need for bottles unless you have some kind of shortage to deal with.

One hair.........that’s funny. I think the “ shortage “ has more to do with the COLD weather and heavy clothes. LOL

George Castanza knows about shrinkage (shortage)

I had a long set last year at -7 and wind at 8. I made no attempt to relieve myself.

think I'll stay on the ground

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