Show me your saddle hunting setups!

[Trevor2]

Been going back and forth for a while on getting a saddle, just can't make up my mind on what kind of step setup to use. I have gaffs but would prefer not to have to haul much metal in with me while using the saddle.

 

[catman529]

I'm using 3 lone wolf sticks with a moveable aider, Tethrd Predator platform and Mantis saddle. HME accessory hook belt to hang the bow, backpack etc. Everything fits in a cheap backpack. I explain my whole setup in this video https://youtu.be/qqUhKyCEu98


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[swd]

I am using a Tethrd Mantis, the Podium platform from Out On a Limb, and 3 Hawk Helium sticks. Still trying to decide on a pack. Nothing I currently have works like I want. Next season I will probably add another stick or an aider. With 3 sticks, I only get 12 - 14 feet up.

I really like the saddle though. I killed my first archery deer last Friday. If I had been in my climber, I probably wouldn't have seen her behind me and certainly wouldn't have had a shot.

 

[Simpleman.2]

I'm new to the saddle game, but I've got a kestrel Flex. I use the cut down hawk heliums and a Tethrd predator platform and ropes. I use a 5 step black diamond etrier as an aider and it allows me to vary my height based on the tree. I had the out on the limb ridge runner, but didn't like the pack ability of it so I sold it and have been pleased with the predator. I really like this setup so far and have enjoyed using it. I use a horn hunter main beam to haul everything in, and I've been impressed with it so far. I plan on using a combination of my climber and saddle this season based on where I'm hunting. Long hauls and areas with few trees, the saddle will get the nod. Hardwoods and areas with plenty of good trees, the climber will get the nod.


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[ImThere]

I hunt out of a sit drag or a Kestrel. I carry 3 custom sticks and a 5 step aider I can climb 20' easily and 1 stick from there if I need to get higher. I use a ring of steps instead of a platform. I'm usually pretty darn comfortable and feel like a tree ninja! Lol.
There's a few guys across Tn you should try to meet up with one and try a saddle out! I absolutely love it and won't hang and hunt any other way.


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[Ladys man]

Not to hijack at all but told my wife I'd like to get into it and shown her catmans video on using the saddle and she told me she wasn't happy with that lol she already dnt like me hunting alone but also knows I save 2 weeks of my vacation for deer season. So if anyone around Knoxville would like to let me try there's out (after season) and ask questions I'd really appreciate it.

I'm heading the to rei outlet tomorrow to make an aider for one of my lock ons I have on a small property in rockwood I plan on taking my bottom stick out just because I no they have some trespassing issues,

 

[BDS05]

I am using a Tethrd Mantis, the Podium platform from Out On a Limb, and 3 Hawk Helium sticks. Still trying to decide on a pack. With 3 sticks, I only get 12 - 14 feet up.

Same setup minus platform. I have the Predator. I'm at 15'-16' to platform. My next climb will include a movable aider to hopefully hit that 20' mark or right at it.

I've never carried a back pack. If anything, I've strapped my final layering jacket to my stand or tied it around my waste. For this saddle setup, I put XOP backpack straps on the platform and strap my sticks to that. If I need an extra layer of clothes, I'll bundle them in that package. The platform stays on my back while climbing and the second and third sticks are attached to a J hook on the Tethrd molle strap via a small paracord loop. If i can't fit in my SYS haulers or pockets, I dont need it.

For me, going with a saddle was for a minimalist approach and to cut more weight.


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[ImThere]

Not to hijack at all but told my wife I'd like to get into it and shown her catmans video on using the saddle and she told me she wasn't happy with that lol she already dnt like me hunting alone but also knows I save 2 weeks of my vacation for deer season. So if anyone around Knoxville would like to let me try there's out (after season) and ask questions I'd really appreciate it.

I'm heading the to rei outlet tomorrow to make an aider for one of my lock ons I have on a small property in rockwood I plan on taking my bottom stick out just because I no they have some trespassing issues,

Unless you are using a life line you are safer climbing with the saddle. Your always attached to the tree with no slack. No slack no fall.


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[catman529]

Not to hijack at all but told my wife I'd like to get into it and shown her catmans video on using the saddle and she told me she wasn't happy with that lol she already dnt like me hunting alone but also knows I save 2 weeks of my vacation for deer season. So if anyone around Knoxville would like to let me try there's out (after season) and ask questions I'd really appreciate it.

I'm heading the to rei outlet tomorrow to make an aider for one of my lock ons I have on a small property in rockwood I plan on taking my bottom stick out just because I no they have some trespassing issues,

if I was closer I'd let you try mine. It might not look safe to your wife but it's completely safe as long as you stay hooked up the whole time. All the ropes are rated in the thousands of pounds and they don't fray or cut easily. If you've ever climbed into a lockon or ladder stand without hooking up first, that's a lot more dangerous than any saddle setup.


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[PickettSFHunter]

I was thinking of going to Saddlepalooza (assuming they have it)just to try some out. That's one of my favorite parts of the country anyway. I'm very interested, but am apprehensive of dropping the $ without trying. Everything I added to my cart the other day came out to like $500 plus.


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[bigasports]

I was thinking of going to Saddlepalooza (assuming they have it)just to try some out. That's one of my favorite parts of the country anyway. I'm very interested, but am apprehensive of dropping the $ without trying. Everything I added to my cart the other day came out to like $500 plus.


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Saddlepalooza is awesome. As of now the plan is to have it again. Just working out some details on the camp grounds. You will see many different saddles, gear, climbing methods etc. I def would try to try out as much gear as possible before spending major money but......at the same time saddle gear is easy easy easy to sell and get your money back because its so hot right now.

 

[Ladys man]

Any details on this event? Location, time, what's it about

 

[ImThere]

Any details on this event? Location, time, what's it about

Saddleplooza is a 5 day pig hunt/ get together in Ft Stewart, Ga starts the day after valentines day.
They have saddle hunter get together/ Show n tells all the time.

 

[bigasports]

If any of you guys are on FB there is a Tennessee Saddle Hunting page. It would be a great way to connect with saddle hunters in your area to check out and test gear. I'm located in Spring Hill, ImThere is close in to me in Lewisburg and Catman is located in Franklin. Any of us would be glad to show are gear in the southern middle TN area. I also have contacts in the Knoxville area if your interested.

 

[Duck27]

Here is the setup I am using for my saddle hunting. I have a backpack that I got off Amazon that's made to carry a bow or rifle. I place my Out on a Limb Podum, inside the pack. One thing you will have to do is cover the part of the podium that bites the tree so it does not rip your bag. I use a rag. I am using 2 Helium sticks with an adder that I had made out of 1 inch webbing. My sticks have daisy chains ropes that I got from a guy of FB. I am using a Tetrd Mantis and love it. I killed a buck on open weekend that walked 10 yds next to my tree. I really like being able to hid behind the tree and feel more secure. My knee pads are built into my paints like football paints.

 

[fairchaser]

Here is the setup I am using for my saddle hunting. I have a backpack that I got off Amazon that's made to carry a bow or rifle. I place my Out on a Limb Podum, inside the pack. One thing you will have to do is cover the part of the podium that bites the tree so it does not rip your bag. I use a rag. I am using 2 Helium sticks with an adder that I had made out of 1 inch webbing. My sticks have daisy chains ropes that I got from a guy of FB. I am using a Tetrd Mantis and love it. I killed a buck on open weekend that walked 10 yds next to my tree. I really like being able to hid behind the tree and feel more secure. My knee pads are built into my paints like football paints.

Cool looking setup Duck27! The built in knee pads are pretty inventive.

 

[Duck27]

Please no one hate me for this respond but the paints I got from Field and Stream. I will post a link if you would like. I also use Army knee pads also when I wear my other camo. The paints were like 50 bucks on sale.

 

[swd]

I have a backpack that I got off Amazon that's made to carry a bow or rifle. I place my Out on a Limb Podum, inside the pack. One thing you will have to do is cover the part of the podium that bites the tree so it does not rip your bag. I use a rag.

Can I get a link to the pack on Amazon?

Thanks!

 

[Duck27]

For some reason its not allowing me to post links from the computer I am working on. Search for this Fieldline Pro Series Quarry Day Pack.