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Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: IslandStorm62 on February 26, 2021, 04:29:50 PM


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Title: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: IslandStorm62 on February 26, 2021, 04:29:50 PM
Hey All,
    I've had about 15 seasons of hunting on / off.  This year is the first time I have ever heard of Saddle Hunting.  I kinda like the idea, mostly because my tree stand weighs about 30 lbs, but feels like 65  :o.  In any case, any Saddle Hunter out there.  Would like some advice on minimum equipment required and maybe some tips to avoid getting buying unnecessary gear.  Or maybe someone already has a thread on this Topic; or wants to part with their beginners gear as they upgrade.

Yes lots of youtube videos, still cant make heads or tail out of what is really needed.

Look forward to hearing from you all.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: L8NITE on February 26, 2021, 04:48:41 PM
Had never heard of it until now...thanks for posting this I love the concept! I will be doing some research and will share whatever info I find. Just watched a youtube vid this is way cool!!! Hopinf there are guys that can provide more info.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: KFhunter on February 26, 2021, 05:32:47 PM
I looked into it for predator hunting lions in the thick brush, but didn't fork out the coin.

I think for deer I'd stick to hangons and have several spots pre-hung and brushed. 

To me run and gun style hunting deer isn't condusive to treestand hunting, and a saddle is for that.  I'd want to brush in blinds, cut branches etc. 

I was wanting to use climbing spurs and a saddle, like a lineman.  1 hour calling sessions would be fine in a saddle.


But I don't think Id want to be in a saddle for hours and hours




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Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: IslandStorm62 on February 26, 2021, 06:05:29 PM
I typically tree stand until about noon..then still / stalk hunt, throughout the day until evening.   I think the saddle would give me an option during the day during my stalking / still hunting.  Especially, when I can't see over the brush...lol I'm 5'5' so here in PNW that's pretty much all the time  8).  As far a s cost, I'm thinking $300 - $400 would be the cost.  Since I haven't been to the Casino All 2020, I guess I can afford it :chuckle:
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: Magnum_Willys on February 26, 2021, 08:29:14 PM
What is it ?  I'm think hunting from a horse which I don't think is what you are thinking ?????
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: pd on February 26, 2021, 09:23:08 PM
I just watched the You Tube video.  Lightweight, well thought-through system.  Much more practical that lugging a whole tree stand into the woods.

However, I really shudder to think I would ever use this system as it is.  Single point of failure in that design: Everything depends on a single rope and gear.  I don't like that at all.  I would tie another rope around the tree for safety, and run it through a waist or chest harness.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: vandeman17 on February 27, 2021, 05:39:12 AM
I have always been curious how it is to actually shoot from one.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: Goshawk on February 27, 2021, 09:11:37 AM
Saddle hunting? That's the first time I've ever heard hunting from a bosuns chair as saddle hunting.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: IslandStorm62 on February 27, 2021, 12:48:53 PM
What is it ?  I'm think hunting from a horse which I don't think is what you are thinking ?????
  Just watched a you tube vid from BOWGA HUNTIN "Tree Saddle Hunting Basics".  I guess this would be 1/3 of the bare minimum.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: GWP on February 27, 2021, 03:20:22 PM
Saddle hunting? That's the first time I've ever heard hunting from a bosuns chair as saddle hunting.

This.
Only been hunting for 50+ years, so I am guessing it is a 'newer' term. I could see someone finding 'part of me' hanging upside down, with critters feeding on the 'hanging meat', and my gear laying all over the ground...
That is something for the 'hardcore' hunters of today, I would say. And probably the ones that are some younger than my 66 (with damage) years. Probably the ones that have not experienced falling out of a tree yet!
 :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: KB88 on February 27, 2021, 04:41:45 PM
It’s hunting from a position that we cell tower guys hang from all day long. Could be better with proper harness and seat setup. You’d spend most money finding a harness that’s comfortable in for hours. The hunting/rock climbing harnesses won’t be so comfy. I use a dbi sala exofit for work however i would be spending time making it not so noisy, however i can hang in it all day long with the seat attachment.

I use petzl grillon for an adjustable lanyard, and a small petzel anneau to wrap and choke a tree that you connect your lanyard too.


There’s hundreds of options just research. All my stuff is work only not hunting but I could modify to do so. Just noisy or heavier but comfortable.

Petzl
Dbi sala
Elk river

Research
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: GWP on February 27, 2021, 04:47:44 PM
We hung from safety harnesses at work just to get an idea of what it would be like. Got to say, it makes a believer out of you for proper adjustment and fit! Might be hanging longer than you think too and risk a blood clot.
I am sure the 'working' ones would be much better.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: SpurInSpokane on March 01, 2021, 05:47:21 PM
Okay, I can chime in on this, as someone who tried out saddle hunting for the first time last year.
First, this was my first time doing any type of tree stand hunting. I don't have set spots that I knew I'd want to leave equipment, I hunt a lot of public, and I didn't want to hike a lot of heavy stuff in and out.
I also wanted to do this on a budget, and tried to cheap out on a bunch of stuff. That, largely, was a mistake.
1. Steps: I tried to get some of the rubber steps (Bullman Outdoors) that strap onto the tree. Never got them to work, or feel solid enough, for me to want to get on them. I settled on the SteppLadder system from WildEdge, as once you figure out how to hang them, they're quick and solid.
2. Platform: also tried several cheap options, ended up getting the WildEdge platform (forget the name right now). I could have saved a lot of time and money just buying those from the get-go.
3. Saddle: I tried to cheap out here by using a rock climbing harness ($30 on amazon). I never could get it comfortable. It pinched at the hips terribly. Seemed solid and safe, just painful.
Ended up getting a TrophyHunter brand saddle, the difference was extreme, and it has webbing/pouches and other important equipment.
4. Ascenders: tried to cheap out by not using them, but you have to have something to adjust lines easily with. This is a rope-heavy endeavor. I did get cheaper ascenders, instead of the RopeMan II that sells for $60 that everyone loves. The cheap ones work fine.
5. Ropes: Here, you probably can cheap out a little bit. Rock climbing rope is cheap, and if you can cut it/tie it/splice it, you can make all the ropes you need. I eventually ended up with a lineman rope and a harness rope. The harness was a $25 muddy safety harness, the linemans I made from 13mm rock climbing rope. I should mention here that I bought a $10 safety belt from amazon that was blaze orange. Too hard to adjust, and not worth it.

So if you're counting, yes, I had a crapload of stuff that was almost worthless. Luckily, craigslist exists, and now other people are using it for their rightful purposes, and I have what I need. But it was tricky to get dialed in.

Get good stuff round 1, then practice the hanging steps, climbing, shooting. I could have saved a lot of time and had a lot more practice with what I ended up using if I had done that. I did still get a few sets hung in late archery, and it works. It's actually fun and comfy once you get it dialed in.

Don't let the naysayers get ya down!

Feel free to PM me, too.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: JakeLand on March 01, 2021, 08:01:02 PM
The “ hunting public “ crew been using them a long time check them out on YouTube
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: zwickeyman on March 01, 2021, 08:31:55 PM
My son uses a saddle in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma with great success. He wants me to try it here but Im too Old, Fat and Inflexible
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: IslandStorm62 on March 02, 2021, 03:01:02 PM
Okay, I can chime in on this, as someone who tried out saddle hunting for the first time last year....

Get good stuff round 1, then practice the hanging steps, climbing, shooting. I could have saved a lot of time and had a lot more practice with what I ended up using if I had done that. I did still get a few sets hung in late archery, and it works. It's actually fun and comfy once you get it dialed in.

Don't let the naysayers get ya down!

Feel free to PM me, too.

Thanks Spur, Good Advice.
     I am not necessarily going to go cheap, but at the same time I am not buying the Cadillac of Saddles.  If I can find good used equipment, then I'll go that route, but I am not willing to waste months sorting through classifieds.  In any case, I haven't been to the casino all last year so, just reallocating the expenses  :)

Thanks again and safe hunting.

Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: ribka on March 02, 2021, 04:33:05 PM
I have always been curious how it is to actually shoot from one.

I used a tree saddle bowhunting in the 80's and 90's in conjunction with screw in tree steps .  It took some getting used too and not the best to shoot from. Not the same mobility shooting like a portable platform stand. And sitting more than a few hours was not comfortable. My butt would go numb. I never got above 12 to 13 feet. Getting in and out was not the safest. I shot a few deer out of it.  It was good sneaking near bedding areas for a quick silent elevated hunting set up.

I think a good light weight portable stand like a lone wolf much better and safer. Definitely better for young skinny  guys .
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: vandeman17 on March 02, 2021, 04:40:32 PM
I have always been curious how it is to actually shoot from one.

I used a tree saddle bowhunting in the 80's and 90's in conjunction with screw in tree steps .  It took some getting used too and not the best to shoot from. Not the same mobility shooting like a portable platform stand. And sitting more than a few hours was not comfortable. My butt would go numb. I never got above 12 to 13 feet. Getting in and out was not the safest. I shot a few deer out of it.  It was good sneaking near bedding areas for a quick silent elevated hunting set up.

I think a good light weight portable stand like a lone wolf much better and safer. Definitely better for young skinny  guys .

I agree on the portable stand and I prefer lean not skinny  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: IslandStorm62 on March 03, 2021, 12:50:34 PM
I have always been curious how it is to actually shoot from one.

I used a tree saddle bowhunting in the 80's and 90's in conjunction with screw in tree steps . 
I think a good light weight portable stand like a lone wolf much better and safer. Definitely better for young skinny  guys .

Videos make it look simple, might be there have been much improvements since the 80s  :o At least, I would hope so.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: KFhunter on March 03, 2021, 02:53:07 PM
This vid convinced me, 360 degrees shooting.

High dollar option here.  North of 5 bills.


Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: Rutnbuxnbulls on March 03, 2021, 04:54:29 PM
I got myself the Tethrd Phantom saddle set up for a xmas gift to me.  Never done saddle hunting but I wanted a more mobile, lightweight set up that I could hunt two or three trees a day.  I haven't gotten the gear out of the box yet because I'm waiting to buy some climbing sticks and possibly a climbing aider (strap style-super light) All in all the total weight shouldn't exceed 12lbs or so, and the saddle is always around the waist while walking/hiking. 
As a  bowhunter I watched some of the Hunting Public youtube vids and saw how they changed locations on a dime to get close to bedding or trails the morning of, never having hunted there before these guys got on top of nice bucks. 

Next season will be my first season in this rig and if I remember, I'll give feedback on this style of hunting.  I got the Tethrd platform to stay comfortable too.  I know it seems like lots of money but less than my out of state deer tag in Idaho last season + fuel costs and far less than Idaho NR elk/deer two seasons ago.  That's how I can justify the money part.  My wife never understands this type of justification.    ;)
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: KFhunter on March 03, 2021, 05:01:35 PM
I used to climb trees logging, high stumping and some arborist work.

Thinking about climbing spurs, but after seeing the vid I think the platform is necessary.  Thinking hook on the spurs, zip up the tree, hang the platform, tether in, take off spurs and hang up, hunt

Put on spurs, take off platform, climb down, onto next tree.

I don't like screw in steps, and ladder sticks suck to pack




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Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: IslandStorm62 on March 04, 2021, 07:29:46 PM
I tried a set of spurs back around 1990.  They weren't mine but I needed to get up a tall pine to get a rope around it in order to help guide its fall.  The spurs were not very comfortable.  Never tried climbing sticks.  They do look easy.  I am thinking Hawks Helium. I would like the mini 20", since they appear easier to transport, but the distance between steps is 18".  I think the 30" step has a 13 1/5" distance between steps (got the measurements from Hunting Farmer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69mgUN6l-iI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69mgUN6l-iI)

So being vertically challenged, I have to go with the bigger Hawks Helium, to get a smaller step  :bash: go figure.
Title: Re: Saddle Hunting - Who knew
Post by: NiteHawk on March 15, 2021, 01:43:09 PM
I hunt with a saddle and have modified my gear with the intention of being as light as possible. Here's this list:

1) Saddle - I have a Tethrd mantis.

2) Tether/Rope - If I have a tree that I am planning to use multiple times I will use about a 25ft tether. This allows me to rappel down at the end of a hunt. I leave it in the tree for quick climbing next time. For run and gun I'll use about a 10ft tether which eliminates the rappelling option but eliminates the weight of 15ft of rope.

3) Climbing Method - I use two aiders. First one will get me up about 6 feet. The second will get me up another 6 feet. After placing the second I hang using the saddle and detach the aider and reset it up higher until I am at hunting height. If i'm trying to be light I will only bring one aider and it will take me longer to climb.

4) Platform - I use strap on tree steps. I use one at 0 degrees and another at 180 degrees on the tree. This provides plenty of options to place your feet. https://northwoodsoutlet.com/product/primal-hunting-strap-on-v-tree-step-6pk/

5) Climbing Gear - Petzl Grigri to attach to the tether. This acts as a very easy to use prusik knot and locks in place when hanging. This is the tool that I use to rappel when using my long tether. I do use a ropeman 1 to adjust the bridge but this isn't really necessary. I always bring an extra carabiner or two.

Saddles are a great lightweight hunting tool. You can modify your set up quite a bit for you type of preferred climbing and hunting tactic.
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