Best stand for run and gun

[gobblesandgrunts]

I bow hunt. Thinking about the saddle thing but another goes into it. Thinking still on maybe getting a climber. Any help appreciated

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[Ski]

"Best" is as variable as the hunting situations. If I'm hunting big open timber I use my climber. If in thick terrain with multi-trunk, low branched, and/or crooked trees I use a hang on with sticks.

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

Guess I mean most mobile/quick

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[Ski]

I can't say for saddle as I haven't used one. But climbers and hang-ons are both pretty quick. I'm in the tree hunting within a few minutes either way. I have no reason to think a saddle wouldn't be quick as well. For speed I don't think one is any better than another. Speed is reliant on how efficiently you work, which comes with doing it over & over. For me a climber is negligibly faster.

If I were going to have only one, it would be a hang-on with sticks. That is the most versatile. A hang-on can be hung in any tree big enough to hold you. A climber needs a straight trunk with no branches or severe taper.

 

[swd]

I started saddle hunting last year during bow season. I loved it compared to my climber. I did not use the climber at all last year. I am planning the exact same approach this year. Adding climbing spikes and rappelling lines this season instead of climbing sticks.

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

I started saddle hunting last year during bow season. I loved it compared to my climber. I did not use the climber at all last year. I am planning the exact same approach this year. Adding climbing spikes and rappelling lines this season instead of climbing sticks.

I have a buddy who is into it big time and I'm going to try to get with him and kinda get a crash course. Just kinda intimidating lol

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[CrossVolle]

I run the XOP Vanish with 3 Hawk Helium sticks with a bottom stick aider. I can get to 18-20 feet easy depending on how far i wanna stretch it. I'm also about 6'2, though. I have a MOLLE system rigged to it for easy transport and support and the total package weighs about 25 pounds. I really like it. Super easy to set up and have gotten into some really gnarly trees with it.

 

[Heath423]

I bow hunt. Thinking about the saddle thing but another goes into it. Thinking still on maybe getting a climber. Any help appreciated

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I have always used climber type stands. I love my Summit Viper and can be set up quickly and safely due to repetitive actions over the years (like mentioned above). However, this fall my plan is to be hunting out of a saddle primarily. I decided that I would give it a try toward the end of last season. So my plan was to start purchasing the needed equipment on Jan 6th once the season was over for me. I do feel like saddle hunting will allow me to be more mobile and flexible to places to get setup. Again I only previously used climbers and I have a lot to learn and even more practice to put in before season to be #1 safe while hunting and successful after that. My choice of trees to hunt out of will be increased, I will be stealthier walking in/out (not having the summit on my back), and I will be doing it all with less weight on my back.

I am looking forward to saddle hunting. Yes, go try a saddle if you buddy has one or seek out someone with one to try. Good luck with your decision.

 

[philsanchez76]

Another vote for a saddle. I switched to one last year and killed 7 deer from 7 different trees. My entire set up is 15 pounds.

 

[ImThere]

You will not regret getting in to the saddle. I don't think any one I ever got it to a saddle has went back to a climber or loc on. If you have ever hunted run and gun from a lock in you will love a saddle


See you in a tree, Ricky
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[catman529]

Best stand would probably be a portable lock on with sticks. You could go fancy with Lone Wolf or go cheaper with a Hawk or an X-stand. I have an X-stand, but I haven't used it since I got into the saddle.


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[Duck27]

I hunted out of a Summit Viper for about 5 seasons and last year change over to a saddle and love it. This year I plan to go even lighter in my bag that I carry and not bring all the extra crap that I never use. Find someone with one to try that close to you. If not a saddle you cant go wrong with a summit just make sure its an aluminum one.

 

[TN Whitetail Freak]

Loc ons the XOP Vanish, Lonewolf Custom new 0.5, Lonewolf Assault with a good set of sticks like the hunting beast sticks or new out on the limb shikars. Me personally, i moved to a saddle in 2016 and sold my climber 2 sets in. Just depends on your hunting style

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

Thanks for the info. Tough seems like half and half between stand and sticks and saddle. Really hesitant about the saddle though honestly

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[Shanman]

The only climbers that I've ever owned have been Loggy Bayou climbers, think I've got 3. I absolutely LOVE those stands, lightweight and pack great, very comfortable in them. Turned 50 last season and have come to despise carrying all the weight as far back as I like to walk. Climbers are getting old and at 6'4" 265ish, think I've pushed my luck long enough. Can't find a climber or lockon that is as lite as a saddle, so I ordered me a Kestrel Flex and RidgeRunner platform. Messed around at ground level and hunting height with it, extremely impressed. I know it will take getting use to, but doesn't anything new. I see no negatives to hunting out of a saddle other than when it rains, i can see water wicking down the tether and dripping right in your lap. Lightweight, comfortable, quite, and percentage of trees I can hunt probably went up 85%. All pluses I believe. Give them a good hard look, you might be surprised.

 

[TN Whitetail Freak]

Thanks for the info. Tough seems like half and half between stand and sticks and saddle. Really hesitant about the saddle though honestly

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try to make the Tethrd teach n train come august.

 

[Trnr]

I cut my teeth on ladder stands, then moved into climbers. Currently I run a Millenium M7 Microlite and 2-3 API Huntn' Sticks. Been toying with the idea of a saddle, but havent made the leap yet.

What type of area are you hunting, and what types of vegitation/trees are there? For me, that could play into a decision (if I were buying one).

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

Well i just got on a lease today that has draws, ridges, some flat shelves. All hardwoods basically. I did purchase a lone wolf assault 2 and 4 shikar sticks. Gonna try them in thr yard and see how I like them, setup looks easy and its around 15lbs total on my back.

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[fairchaser]

Most would agree that a climber is the easiest and fastest to climb with. The disadvantage is the weight and available climbing trees. Anything further than a half a mile and you are sweating by the time you reach your spot and that starts working against you. If you are walking in blind and setting up in the dark, I always take a climber. I overcome the distance by using an ebike with a small trailer. Unless you are traveling through woods, the bike should get you within a few hundred yards. When I scout, I'm also looking for ideal climbing trees. I will usually mark them with something natural and set a waypoint on my gps. If on private land, you can stash your climber nearby without affecting your hunting area. Mark different trees for different wind patterns and to keep your area fresh.

 

[Specializedjon]

I agree with fairchaser. My Viper is light(er) than most and I don't have any experience with a saddle (closing in on 50 and don't want to fall out of a tree after all these years...knock on wood), but yes, you're limited to tree selection and you'll be sweating by the time you climb down, pack it up, walk and repeat. But, it's super comfy and stable. Good luck.

 

[tree_ghost]

Well i just got on a lease today that has draws, ridges, some flat shelves. All hardwoods basically. I did purchase a lone wolf assault 2 and 4 shikar sticks. Gonna try them in thr yard and see how I like them, setup looks easy and its around 15lbs total on my back.

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Man I can't wait to hear your feedback on those Shikar sticks. They are really cool looking. If I were going to purchase a premium end climbing stick it would be those for sure.


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[gobblesandgrunts]

Well i just got on a lease today that has draws, ridges, some flat shelves. All hardwoods basically. I did purchase a lone wolf assault 2 and 4 shikar sticks. Gonna try them in thr yard and see how I like them, setup looks easy and its around 15lbs total on my back.

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Man I can't wait to hear your feedback on those Shikar sticks. They are really cool looking. If I were going to purchase a premium end climbing stick it would be those for sure.


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Man i got these for a good price from a guy on Archery Talk. He walked me through everything I needed to know about them. Got out in the yard last weekend and got a few up. Easy as pie, quite, the amsteel rope it came with is unbelievable. Holds like a vice grip but loose as a dishrag lol i am going to try it one evening with the headlamp on and see if its still as easy. Bright sunshine/backyard is always easier than pitch black and in the woods [emoji38]

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[gobblesandgrunts]

Thanks for all the reply everyone

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