Saddle Hunting

[Tn_Va_Hunter]

Well... here we go. Ordered my set up tonight. Hopefully I'll have it all soon and start some practice climbs. Gotta order a aider of some sort for my steps is all. Then practice a lot. Been wanting to do this and with some gift cards and a great member here I was able to come in under budget (so far).

I'd like to blame this adventure on Catmam!

 

[philsanchez76]

Well... here we go. Ordered my set up tonight. Hopefully I'll have it all soon and start some practice climbs. Gotta order a aider of some sort for my steps is all. Then practice a lot. Been wanting to do this and with some gift cards and a great member here I was able to come in under budget (so far).

I'd like to blame this adventure on Catmam!

Congrats man! What saddle and climbing set up did you go with?

 

[PickettSFHunter]

You'll either love it and use it a lot like I do or you'll be ready to sell soon. Good news is, you can get your money back if you don't like it.

 

[Tn_Va_Hunter]

Congrats man! What saddle and climbing set up did you go with?

Went with a phantom Ans platform. I like sticking to one company starting off. But will likely order aider snd little things from EWO.

i don't think I'll hate it. I love tree stand hunting. But this will allow me to get into different spots Ans be able to move I'd needed. At least that's how I feel. I understand each hunter is different. If I don't like it. It'll be for sale next season !

 

[fairchaser]

I think it helps if your built like Catman and could probably climb any tree with or without steps. I can safely say saddle hunting is not in my future although the idea is intriguing. Best of luck!

 

[tree_ghost]

Really cool system for hunting! I love mine. I actually make most of my own gear. Best advice I can give is to practice with your system in the offseason. Figure out your ascent/decent method before its time to hunt and become efficient at it. It's hard to beat a saddle if you get it dialed in...

 

[SwampChicken]

I made the plunge 3 seasons ago and haven't looked back since. It's an absolute game changer for any public land AND/or mobile hunter IMO

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I am very much looking forward to hunting this method next season. I got the CRUZR XC saddle for Christmas. Already had steps. I couldn't help myself, so I went ahead and bought everything else I need yesterday :oops: - 3 step aider, amsteel daisy chains, predator platform, 2 oplux ropes, back band, 2 caribiners and 2 kong duck rope clamps. I look forward to practicing all summer to get in the groove and be ready to go by next fall.

 

[Heath423]

Hunting from a saddle has aloud me to hunt in places that I could not with my Summit. I have enjoyed it (all of this season) and plan on continuing to use it in the future. For anyone starting out practice, practice and practice. Sounds like both the OP and Deerman have plans on doing just that. After you get your routine down be sure to practice in the dark. Enjoy.

 

[tree_ghost]

I am very much looking forward to hunting this method next season. I got the CRUZR XC saddle for Christmas. Already had steps. I couldn't help myself, so I went ahead and bought everything else I need yesterday :oops: - 3 step aider, amsteel daisy chains, predator platform, 2 oplux ropes, back band, 2 caribiners and 2 kong duck rope clamps. I look forward to practicing all summer to get in the groove and be ready to go by next fall.

I hear that's a great saddle! I'm interested to hear your feedback on it. And believe you me I'm looking for a 12 step group now to help me out with my addiction here...

 

[philsanchez76]

Went with a phantom Ans platform. I like sticking to one company starting off. But will likely order aider snd little things from EWO.

i don't think I'll hate it. I love tree stand hunting. But this will allow me to get into different spots Ans be able to move I'd needed. At least that's how I feel. I understand each hunter is different. If I don't like it. It'll be for sale next season !

Sounds like some good choices! DanO from Eastern Woods Outdoors is an absolutely awesome dude making some awesome products for us hunters. Highly recommend browsing his site.

 

[philsanchez76]

Hunting from a saddle has aloud me to hunt in places that I could not with my Summit. I have enjoyed it (all of this season) and plan on continuing to use it in the future. For anyone starting out practice, practice and practice. Sounds like both the OP and Deerman have plans on doing just that. After you get your routine down be sure to practice in the dark. Enjoy.

Good advice! 0- dark- thirty practice is super important!!

Also practice shooting from your saddle too. I also shouldve practices reloading my muzzleloader from a saddle. That first one went fairly poorly in the field when I had deer in front of me.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I hear that's a great saddle! I'm interested to hear your feedback on it. And believe you me I'm looking for a 12 step group now to help me out with my addiction here...

That's what I kept hearing about it as well - I couldn't find a bad review on it. I'll update my thoughts on into next year. I can definitely see it being an addiction. If it is, I will sell my climbers to make up for all the money spent on this setup :D

 

[Heath423]

Personally I own the H2 saddle and really like it. However, I have heard good things about the Phantom and Cruzr saddles. Also, worth noting is the Cruzr saddles are made here in TN. I believe in the Cookville area. I also understand they have a shop you can go to and try out their saddles. Please verify before making the drive though.

 

[TN Larry]

I have been thinking heavily about it. One of my concerns is not being able to get high enough is a tree. I have a couple of places that 30' is optimal due to terrain. I had thought about attaching some permanent steps to those locations.

Also, how long does it normally take once you get familiar with your system to get settled in the tree? Just looking for a time factor versus my summit.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I have been thinking heavily about it. One of my concerns is not being able to get high enough is a tree. I have a couple of places that 30' is optimal due to terrain.

My setup should allow me to get 21 feet up the tree with just 3 sticks and by carrying a 4th stick, I should be able to get up to 28 feet (give or take), then another foot or two to step up onto the platform. Check out the video below. It shows how to use a 3 step aider going up the tree (which allows you to only use several sticks).

 

[Tn_Va_Hunter]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll definitely be practicing in all conditions and different trees as well. I'm pretty excited to give it a try

 

[TN Larry]

My setup should allow me to get 21 feet up the tree with just 3 sticks and by carrying a 4th stick, I should be able to get up to 28 feet (give or take), then another foot or two to step up onto the platform. Check out the video below. It shows how to use a 3 step aider going up the tree (which allows you to only use several sticks).

Thanks for the link!

What steps are most people using, and how much do they weigh? What about the same for a platform?

Cruzr is located locally so I may try to go check them out at some point.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

What steps are most people using, and how much do they weigh? What about the same for a platform?

A lot of options out there. I found the 4 pack of 20" Hawk Helium sticks on sale for $99. I think they are about 2.3 lbs a piece (I'll use 3 sticks most of the time). There are lighter options out there. For the platform, I got the Predator from Tethrd. It weighs 3 lbs.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

I have been thinking heavily about it. One of my concerns is not being able to get high enough is a tree. I have a couple of places that 30' is optimal due to terrain. I had thought about attaching some permanent steps to those locations.

Also, how long does it normally take once you get familiar with your system to get settled in the tree? Just looking for a time factor versus my summit.

I'll be honest and tell you that you will get in a straight tree with no limbs faster in your summit compared to most climbing methods for saddles or hang on stands. I'm about 8-10 minutes with sticks/aiders and about 12-14 minutes with wild edge steps/knaider/swaider. I am guessing the majority of my set ups are straight trees that would be great for a climber, I just don't like carrying a climber. I am considering going the lone wolf seat hand climber method for those straight trees that I saddle hunt. Climbing method and platform all in one.

 

[Hduke86]

I am very much looking forward to hunting this method next season. I got the CRUZR XC saddle for Christmas. Already had steps. I couldn't help myself, so I went ahead and bought everything else I need yesterday :oops: - 3 step aider, amsteel daisy chains, predator platform, 2 oplux ropes, back band, 2 caribiners and 2 kong duck rope clamps. I look forward to practicing all summer to get in the groove and be ready to go by next fall.

I have the Cruzr XC and the way it expands and it being a local company that I can drive to is what made up my mind. I used it all season and numerous daylight to dark sits and I managed just fine but I am 6'1" and about 150-155 lbs. I've mastered the art of peeing from it also on those daylight to dark sits

 

[redblood]

man is it catching on. Seems like percent of the hunters on youtube are using it now. Im afraif i wouldnt be able to keep all the buckles and straps from ending up in a huge knot. Im terrible with gadgets

 

[JCDEERMAN]

I am considering going the lone wolf seat hand climber method for those straight trees that I saddle hunt. Climbing method and platform all in one.

Just looked that up - very nice! As long as the tree is straight with no limbs, you're good to go.

 

[CharlieTN]

Welcome aboard. I switched to a saddle at the beginning of the 2019 season after always finding myself in the wrong place due to the limitations of my Summit Viper.

This year I switched it up to the one-stick/rappel climbing and descending method and love it. Running the Mini-Shikar with the scout platform, 3-step aider, and Cam cleat. Whole setup for climbing and hunting weighs 11 lbs including my saddle, rappel rope with Mad Rock Safeguard, lineman's rope, gear strap, and haul rope.

I am currently running a custom built saddle but have been curious about jumping on one of the bigger names ones. Cruzr just jumped way up knowing it's in Tennessee and I can go try them. I'll have to look into that.

 

[TN Larry]

I'll be honest and tell you that you will get in a straight tree with no limbs faster in your summit compared to most climbing methods for saddles or hang on stands. I'm about 8-10 minutes with sticks/aiders and about 12-14 minutes with wild edge steps/knaider/swaider. I am guessing the majority of my set ups are straight trees that would be great for a climber, I just don't like carrying a climber. I am considering going the lone wolf seat hand climber method for those straight trees that I saddle hunt. Climbing method and platform all in one.

I really like the climbing with the hand climber. I will be seriously pondering this for next year.

 

[TNDeerGuy]

I got my saddle about mid-way through the season. It is a great tool! A little bit of a learning curve, but not bad. Is it my prefered method? No, but it definately has its time and place, and at the tender age of almost 50...it's not bad! Yesterday afternoon was one of those times it was useful. Public land...not a single tree that could be climbed with a climber, but climbed into an island in the middle of field waiting for does to come out at last light. Could have never done that any other way—easy at least.


I am one-sticking using a fixed 2-step aider from Custom Amsteel Products and repelling down. That is just my preferred way. That is also a signature of saddle hunting—it's versatility, personalization, and customization factors.

 

[tree_ghost]

Climbing methods are diverse and I have several that I've tried. I started off with standard LW sticks and have gone through multiple manufacturers since. I haven't found the "perfect" stick yet but I'm still experimenting. Personally I like a short stick 17-20" in length with single aiders. I carry a total of (4). This is the method I use for public land. Another alternative, and my personal favorite, are climbing spurs! To me these are the ultimate in mobile climbing methods however spurs are not for everyone! The first season I used them I was cautious and nervous. This year is my second full year with them and I feel like a squirrel! I can climb in the dark just by feel and they are quiet and fast. Also height isn't a limitation. Lastly and the method my wife uses is the hand climber. It's a great option for people transitioning from climber stand hunting to saddle hunting. You will be looking for the same type tree as your used to and the motion in climbing is virtually identical. Each method is unique and has upsides and downsides. There is no "best climbing method" there is only "a tool that is best suited to help you achieve your goal"...killing deer!

 

[muddyboots]

I want one too. Good luck on your adventure.

 

[ImThere]

I have the OG kestrel, I use 3 custom sticks with 5 step aiders on each stick. I mostly use a ROS to stand on. The trees you can climb, weight saving and over all profile on you a saddle hunting system takes up is why I choose to hunt this way.

 

[Easy3actual]

I got into the saddle game this year mid season. I got the phantom. I tried the LW sticks but didn't like the single step. My wife bought me the hunting beast sticks for Christmas. They came in today, now i just have to put them together.

Finding climbing sticks where the hardest part to find for my setup.