Saddle Hunting

[bowhunterfanatic]

I know there have been a ton of threads posted about this, but I haven't been too interested until here recently. This whole season and part of last season I've been carrying the same Summit climber in and out of the woods on almost every hunt. In years past even when I hunted from a climber I typically just left it on the tree because I have a plethora of stands. The reason a saddle never really piqued my interest is because I didn't like the thought of having to carry sticks in and out with me on every hunt, but now that I've gotten used to bringing the climber in and out I'm thinking a saddle would give me a lot more options and probably conceal me a little better as well. I'm not super concerned with cost as I'm a buy once cry once type of guy and plan on selling a few stands to help fund the purchase.
So, where does a total noob get started and what are some must haves?

 

[Hduke86]

If you look up G2outdoors on youtube he will give you a ton of insight and I believe catman and bigasports did a informative video but it's differently a awesome way to hunt

 

[morgancountry]

Go to saddlehunter.com everything you could ever want to know is there. If you hunt trees that a climbable with a climber, look into the lone wolf hand climber seat to use as a platform.

 

[ImThere]

I'm not sure where your located but try to find someone close to you that saddle hunts and check out their gear.
you need a climbing method, something to stand on ring of steps or platform, saddle.
saddlehunter.com is the place for information

 

[tree_ghost]

Lots of advantages to using a saddle. It's not for everyone, but for some of us it's the golden standard...visit the sites mentioned above and prepare your wallet for a good pummeling!

 

[PickettSFHunter]

G2outdoors on YouTube is great. My climbing system is only about 4.5 pounds. I tend to use wild edge steps with a knaider/swaider the most but a lot of people aren't into that. Tethrd has 1 pound sticks now that should be available for next year. Everything is pretty pricey, I bet it took me $800 in gear to get going but I don't even use a climber anymore unless I have a
Spot that is a very short walk and I just leave it there for weeks.

 

[Shanman]

Tons of youtube videos that cover the subject and SH forum is great. First season in the saddle for me and I honestly don't see going back to a tree stand, it's so nice walking in without all the weight and clanking sounds. Keep your ladder stands and climbing sticks, they are great for presets.

 

[catman529]

Yep definitely check out G2 on YouTube. Greg has some great information.

this is my setup from last year, only thing different this year is the climbing sticks and I switched to a Phantom saddle.

 

[swd]

Another vote for G2's YouTube channel and for saddle hunting in general. I started last season and love it. So much easier getting in and out of the woods without the climber.

 

[Heath423]

Agree...G2 Outdoors (YouTube) and saddle hunter forum. I've always carried a climber in and out as well. The mobility aspect of the saddle got me try it. This is my 1st season with it and it does allow you to be more mobile and not have to find that straight tree. Good luck with your endeavor.

 

[EJ1]

I tried out several saddles and the Cruzer XC was by far the most comfortable and they are made locally in Cookeville.
I'm new to saddle and wanted a bigger platform to feel a little more comfortable on so I went with the Trophy Line Mission and it's great.
I use Hawk 20" sticks with amsteel dasiy chains I made.
I live in Murfreesboro if you are close and want to try it out

 

[ImThere]

It's a wonderful time to be a saddle hunter! Lol up to a few years ago we had to make a saddle or find an old trophyline! They have made leaps and bounds in the last 4-5 years!!

 

[X-Tennessean]

Tough time to get into it, EVERYBODY is wanting/getting into saddle hunting therefore it is hard getting the equipment you want or need. The wait time for new purchases is several weeks. If you are on Facebook, saddle hunter classifieds, saddle hunter nation, JX3 owners and several other pages.

 

[bowhunterfanatic]

I tried out several saddles and the Cruzer XC was by far the most comfortable and they are made locally in Cookeville.
I'm new to saddle and wanted a bigger platform to feel a little more comfortable on so I went with the Trophy Line Mission and it's great.
I use Hawk 20" sticks with amsteel dasiy chains I made.
I live in Murfreesboro if you are close and want to try it out

Thanks for the kind offer but I'm a pretty good piece from you.

 

[whwood21]

Didn't see it above but msg have missed it, there is a saddle hunting group on "the books", Facebook. Lots of knowledge in that group and also some smart a's as well but overall good group. Personally love my diy saddle and rock harness, haven't had any discomfort for long sits

 

[Wolfbayne]

Saddle hunting has been the best thing I have switched to. Might sound strange but it brings back the intimate nature of the hunt. Allows more maneuverability with terrain, wind, glassing, etc.
I run a tethrd saddle with hawk sticks modified with rope mod. Easy up and down. Easy movement through the woods. I believe my entire load out is less than 12 pounds and that gets lighter as I drink water.
I'm in Montgomery co and am more than willing to share how my setup works for my hunts.

Good Luck!

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Yep definitely check out G2 on YouTube. Greg has some great information.

this is my setup from last year, only thing different this year is the climbing sticks and I switched to a Phantom saddle.

I'm going to give this a try. For me, it's between the mantis and the phantom. Why did you switch to the phantom?

 

[Tn_Va_Hunter]

Yep definitely check out G2 on YouTube. Greg has some great information.

this is my setup from last year, only thing different this year is the climbing sticks and I switched to a Phantom saddle.

What climbing sticks are you using ?

 

[philsanchez76]

Saddles are indeed the tops. All my buddies at hunting camp had climbers except me. We scouted and found this amazing area a large 8 was frequenting, but I was the only one who could make the long and thick hike to access it. All the climbers were getting hung on limbs and being loud. Just a cool example of what the saddle can afford you. Just know pretty much everyone has to get into "saddle hunting shape." This means that no matter how comfortable your saddle is, for the first few sits you will have slight bruising on your hips as you are not used to putting all your body weight on those areas for long periods. But don't worry, it goes away fairly quickly. Just wanted you to be aware.

 

[TN Larry]

I have been thinking hard on a saddle this year. I always pack in a summit viper and it gets pretty darn heavy on a cold morning with all of my clothes strapped to the pack. I tried the mini viper, but at 6'1" the comfort level wasn't there.

Here are a couple of concerns:
- A couple of places that I hunt, I need to be 25' to 30'. I think most saddle set ups get you to 20'.
- Where do you put your gun? I always have mine laid across my stand for easy access.

Just curious and something that I am thinking on...……..

 

[TN Larry]

Also, for the ones that used to pack in a climber, what is the difference in set up time between a climber and a saddle?

 

[Hduke86]

I have been thinking hard on a saddle this year. I always pack in a summit viper and it gets pretty darn heavy on a cold morning with all of my clothes strapped to the pack. I tried the mini viper, but at 6'1" the comfort level wasn't there.

Here are a couple of concerns:
- A couple of places that I hunt, I need to be 25' to 30'. I think most saddle set ups get you to 20'.
- Where do you put your gun? I always have mine laid across my stand for easy access.

Just curious and something that I am thinking on...……..

If going to 30' up I'd say climbing spikes would be the ticket or Stepp ladder steps with the knaider/swaider combo. I'm 6'1" but 150# and I find it great to be able to sit or lean in it. I carry a strap with hooks and hang my gun and small pack from it. I find myself not going as high in a saddle cause I always position myself with the tree between me and the deer. You may need the height just to see more but with some lightweight sticks and a good aider I don't see why you can't get 25-30' if needed. I switched to a Cruzr XC this year made up your way in Cookeville and absolutely love it. You can go to their shop and they will let you try one out to see how you like it and by all means if you go that route get the adjustable amsteel bridge.

 

[UTGrad]

Lone Wolf Assault II and sticks for me. I haven't had a desire to hunt out of a saddle yet. I'm not knocking saddle hunting but a lightweight stand and stick set up gets me in some good spots with comfort.

 

[TN Larry]

If going to 30' up I'd say climbing spikes would be the ticket or Stepp ladder steps with the knaider/swaider combo. I'm 6'1" but 150# and I find it great to be able to sit or lean in it. I carry a strap with hooks and hang my gun and small pack from it. I find myself not going as high in a saddle cause I always position myself with the tree between me and the deer. You may need the height just to see more but with some lightweight sticks and a good aider I don't see why you can't get 25-30' if needed. I switched to a Cruzr XC this year made up your way in Cookeville and absolutely love it. You can go to their shop and they will let you try one out to see how you like it and by all means if you go that route get the adjustable amsteel bridge.

Thanks. I started following Cruzr on FB and wondered if you could go by to try their stuff out.

In terms of height, I need it to see in a couple of places I hunt. I want to get rid of the climber weight but not willing to give up the height in a couple of places in terms of being able to see.

 

[DRSJ35]

It would be nice to be liter. My summit viper sd is 20lbs. Which is much lighter than all my old summit climbers.but the add ons its a bit of weight. I use the military molle back pack straps and kidney belt. Which takes a ton of weight off your shoulders. And puts most weight around your waist then shoulders. But would love to go even lighter.

 

[Antler Daddy]

A few years ago, a saddle was a low spot between two ridges.

 

[Gravey]

I'm in the same boat and had planned to do it this year but life happens and I haven't yet. Been reading a bunch and sure plan to be ready to go by next deer season.

 

[@fulldraw]

I have an XL Mantis for sale with upgraded adjustable bridge and two haulers. Pm me if anyone is interested.

 

[Hduke86]

Thanks. I started following Cruzr on FB and wondered if you could go by to try their stuff out.

In terms of height, I need it to see in a couple of places I hunt. I want to get rid of the climber weight but not willing to give up the height in a couple of places in terms of being able to see.

Just give them a call and they're super helpful

 

[ruger7mag]

I have been thinking hard on a saddle this year. I always pack in a summit viper and it gets pretty darn heavy on a cold morning with all of my clothes strapped to the pack. I tried the mini viper, but at 6'1" the comfort level wasn't there.

Here are a couple of concerns:
- A couple of places that I hunt, I need to be 25' to 30'. I think most saddle set ups get you to 20'.
- Where do you put your gun? I always have mine laid across my stand for easy access.

Just curious and something that I am thinking on...……..

On private ground, I use a hand drill and carbon bolts. The sky is the limit as long as you take enough bolts. The drill/bolts weigh very little and are really compact. Set up and take down time is extremely fast if you factor in the whole process of going up and down. I use a screw in gear holder and hang my gun and backpack on it.
Before next season though, I plan to be one sticking and rappelling.