From: Tembo62
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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It appears that the saddle stand method is what I'll need to hunt some of these new places to keep them from the prying eyes of the public. I'm not overjoyed with the prospect of hanging from the side of a tree but conventional stands and ground hunting leave too much sign behind that I was there, besides that I'm 60 not 25, but one must do what one must do. I've begun to assemble a setup with a saddle/harness, strap on steps etc. I haven't decided on a platform over a ring of steps. Any thoughts between those 2? Also for those with time in the saddle so to speak, how long does it take vs a climber stand to get up in the tree and hunting? How much more or less trouble? What are the negatives and things that will shorten my learning curve? What tips or things did you change from when you first started? Pics please of setups etc. and hunting pics. What dangers did you have? What was the best experience? Thanks! Preciate ya!
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From: Tembo62
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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Yea, I went the diy saddle route with a sitdrag so I ain't got any extra $ in it much except for the 11mm rope and the steps. I figured if it sucks I can still use the the ropes for safety lines and the steps sometime to get in a hanger. I never cared for the sitdrag much so I guess it'll be on the ledger as a cost of learning.
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From: fdp
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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"Absolutely hated it"
^^^^^That seems to be the consensus^^^^^ folks either love 'em or hate 'em. I've never used one.
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From: Kanati
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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Watched a dozen videos on it. Still dont get why .
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From: tecum-tha
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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You leave too much sign that you have been there??? The prying eyes of the public?
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From: Fling em
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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Another idea is set up few trees ahead of time with steps or sticks. Then only thing your taking in is your saddle and platform. I still hunt out of normal stands but saddle is great to move to deer from past encounters.
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From: fdp
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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I don't any way in the world that you could leave less evidence of your presence then you do when you use a ghillie suit or leafy suit and a folding stool if that's what you are trying to do.
And there is absolutely nothing that is more adaptable.
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From: todd
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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As with all things it is not for everyone, that said I have saddle hunted the last 8 years (54 here) and love it. I hunt public land and more and more I got tired of having to take stuff in and out each time. I highly recommend trying one before buying one, to ensure you like it. The Saddle market is much better than it use to be and more option and comfort. What works for me is I use either a Recon treehopper saddle or Tacti-saddle, both are comfortable for me. I have used for over 15 years Wildedge steps, originally Jim Stepp. Once I get to the top of the tree I put two or three more to form "ring of steps", much more comfy than platform and more options. I rappel down the tree and remove the steps, so much safer.
One thing about saddle hunting, take the time and learn and practice on the ground, just as you should with a new tree stand. I was blessed with learning about climbing/rappeling in Marines so no issue here. But, you want to ensure and have confidence in your tackle. Any questions shoot me a message. I am 54 years old, two knee replacement, heavyset and still my preferred option for elevated hunting.
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From: deerfly
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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go to https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php
All your saddle hunting questions and more covered there.
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From: Poppy
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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Been using mine for 12 years, I’m 61. Once I figured everything out, it’s quick, comfortable,and easy to relocate to another tree.
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From: timex
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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To each there own I know they've come a long way. I bought one of the original sneaky sack saddles back in the 80s. I used to run the ridges back then & it was great. A dozen screw in steps & I could get in any tree I wanted. Fast forward 30+ years & I wouldn't trade anything for my lone wolf climber. I'm 60 years old with 3 stints in my heart & some serious arthritis issues & can go up & down trees effortlessly with my climber.
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From: Dale Rohrbeck
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Date: 15-Oct-21 |
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Deer fly X2, saddle hunter. com Lots of good info there.
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From: BigJim
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Date: 16-Oct-21 |
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BigJim is a Stickbow.com Sponsor - Website |
I am on my second year of tree saddle. I'm sure that it isn't right for a lot of guys, but I am enjoying it.
NO, it's not the end all and I still have a bunch of millennium lock on set ups, but for traveling hunts it's da bomb!
It can be very difficult to acquire a saddle at times and used ones seem to sell for near new to more than new prices depending on time of year that they are offered.
I like the extra concealment that they give.. being more upright even in a relaxed position, the tree will help you hide.
Having seen some of the older designs, i could see why some didn't care for them. I've never used an older model, but my new saddles (tactisaddle and tethered) are very comfortable.
I spent three 11 + hour days in a saddle in Kansas last year. No issues. I will say that in the beginning, i didn't have my saddles adjusted right and thought it wasn't going to work for me. Each time out after, an adjustment here and there and I was good to go! BigJim
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From: heydeerman
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Date: 16-Oct-21 |
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I have used one on and off for 15 or so years. I have a couple different saddles and several ways to get up a tree. My favorite is SIngle Rope Technique and it is the safest way to climb. I also use A saddle in a treestand.. It has replaced a harness. Not as comfortable as most tree stands, I wouldn’t recommend an all day sit. I’m not much for all day sits in any stand though.
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From: Onehair
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Date: 16-Oct-21 |
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At 67 I just spent the past 4 hours in my saddle. Over 40 years at it and the ROS are better than a platform (short answer). I just didn't think the platform helped at all and in fact felt I had less control when taking a shot. Learn to use the saddle and you'll enjoy longer sits and more deer.
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From: overspined
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Date: 16-Oct-21 |
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Mine’s comfy like a sofa sleeper. It’s ok at best for Trad. Wonderful for most other weapons. I can sleep for hours in that thing. Great for extended sits. Just not my go to for trad
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From: md5252
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Date: 16-Oct-21 |
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Gave it a real good honest try but at the end of the day I didn’t see any real advantages over what I’ve been doing so I just stuck with what works for me.
To each their own though
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From: Longbow
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Date: 16-Oct-21 |
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Been hunting out of an aero - kestrel hunter for 4 yrs now. Each year I spend more and more time in it to the point I almost use it exclusively now. I use a tethered platform and screw in steps where legal or climbing sticks. Nothing gives you more mobility to move on deer except ground hunting. Don't understand the post where it's stated there's not much difference between a lightweight portable and a saddle. I hunt big woods in the Adirondacks of northern NY and the Catskill mts. I wear my saddle from the truck and don't even know I have it on. My platform is 9x9 and fits inside my pack and weighs 3 lbs. I have modified it. I use 7/16 Amsteel hollow braid rope for a bridge. Extremely strong and virtually no weight. Also have ropeman ascenders on both my linesman belt and my tether. It does add some cost but I believe it's worth it. Prussick knots require 2 hands, ascenders only 1, and thier easier to operate. I have taken many power naps in my saddle as it is that comfortable and you can't fall out if you tried. Also allows you to keep the tree between you and the deer and I can shoot almost all the way around the tree. Can't do either from a hang on stand.Ialso believe it allows you better form shooting my longbow as I can layout better versus bending at the waist more from a portable. Of course these are my opinions. There is definitely an adjustment period to a saddle hunting. Not sure if make the switch during the season. I still do spend some time in portables in certain situations. You got to look at saddles as a tool in a bowhunters toolbox. By the way I'm 63 yrs old and have no issues with my saddle. They are quieter, faster, more mobile and safer than hang one and I have well over 40 yrs of bowhunting out of portable han ons.
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