Saddle Hunting 101 For Us Old Guys ... It Really Is That Easy
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2025
- Saddle hunting is the trendy thing do to. But is it really a "trend"? The entire concept can be overwhelming and intimidating. Saddle hunting can appear to be a "young man's" sport when you watch all of the hunting "influencers". Two years ago, I was intimidated by it as well. But after two full seasons of hanging in a tree by a rope, I have found that this style of hunting is not only effective but it has re-invigorated my love for deer hunting.
This video is intended to help those who are intimidated by the saddle hunting game. It is not intended to go into a deep dive of this product vs that product.
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Just got a saddle and got up in a tree in my back yard. I’m almost 78 and I can tell you that by time I rappelled down I was burnt. Gotta get in better shape. Tree platform moved on me. That was scary. Sticking with it til I’m happy. Hooyah!
Keep practicing. Make sure you cam that platform over properly so that it locks in.
Keep it up champ!
Be safe! Don’t push yourself too hard.
Safety is key for “us” older guys. A fall or bad slip at this point will forever change our lives.
Go for it, but keep 3 points of contact until ware sure you’re tethered in.
I have a ROS and a platform. Not sure yet which one best. Just turned 77. Take your time. No points for speed. I don’t repel down.
I started saddle hunting 2 years ago at 64 years old. Absolutely enjoy every aspect of it. My latest iteration of the method is climbing SRT (using a PETZL Grigri, Hand ascender w/foot loop and preset paracords in the trees). From the base of the tree to hunting height and ready to hunt on the platform takes around 15 minutes...including me dawdling and settling in in the dark. I can hang there for over 5 hours comfortably and easily. Plus, the safety factor is invaluable. I've actually dozed off a few times in the pre-dawn with no concern about falling. The best part is the rappel down the tree at the end of the session!
Could you show / tell more about your climbing setup would love to learn more about the equipment & how to use !?!?!
Good video on all aspects of saddle hunting. I’m 66 and have been hunting out of a saddle since the 80’s. Back then I was lucky enough to be in the same hunting club with the person that first started making them. The fastest (not the safest without lots of practice)way we climbed trees back then was strapping on tree climbers (spikes). Those and a few screw-in steps were all you needed. Now that I’m older, I use sticks. I’ve been hunting almost 40 years out of a saddle and never looked back!
I’m 73, 74 on NYE.
Last season was my first in a saddle and I was able to harvest a buck for my first kill. I up graded to a first generation Latitude Method this year and will probably upgrade again to the second generation Method, as I find the plastic clip arrangement clunky and awkward. I’m not a run and gunner and it takes me a bit to get set up. But I don’t worry about leaving my set for a few days as I hunt some private and when I’m on public I take my first stick and aiders with me thinking that any that wanted to steal it would have to work to get to the second stick. Still using my old Hawk and leverage sticks. Tried rope mods and moved on to dynema daisy chains. Added two step dynema aides but will try single step aides except for the first stick where I’ll keep the two step. I’m a little sketchy getting my foot in/out of the second step. One of my setups has the small platform at the top of the stick coupled with a ROS. Using a Ridge Runner on my second rig.
First time in a tree today using an aider made from flat rope. Feet too big. Everything I tried was hard. Getting use to it.Rappelling with a figure8 and snapping that 11mm rope into the back to lock myself down was no problem. Getting it out is another story. Don’t let your age stop you. I may trade up for some better equipment. Hang in there.
I'm 68, 2021 my first saddle year. Much better than the weight of a tree stand.
Great video I'm 68 and actually am an old guy. Hanging a tree stand was much more intimidating. A saddle seems much more safe. Thanks for the video.
I use an 18 inch mobile aider made from 1 inch strapping that locks onto my boot. Great addition. I only use 3 sticks.
I’m 77 and saddle hunting is a no brainer. I gave away my heavy bulky climbers and ladder stands!!
Nothing left in woods for animals chew on, 360 shots, much safer, lighter, tons of flexibility to change things. Wind management big that no one talks about. I go to a good area, check wind look the opposite direction and pick a tree ❤
Great video and content 😊
Thanks!!! I hope that I am still at it at 77. You are an inspiration!
Nice comment. I’m the guy who will fight to the end. Last year I carried my stand, bow and backpack almost a mile in 30 degree weather. By the time I got up in the tree, I was dripping with sweat and totally ticked at all the things I hadn’t done well.
I’m going to give this saddle hunting a go.
Thanks
Yea I forgot to add, no 🥵 sweating.
I'm 64 and have been hunting out of a saddle since 2018...absolutely love it. I use a predator platform with a row of steps around the backside of the tree and that creates a real stable attribute when having to shoot completely around the tree
I’m finding it hard to see how this is substantially better than a climber
As a guy who hunted out a climber for years I have since sold my clinber and never looked back. With a saddle setup I can get up and hunt in almost any tree imaginable, not just straight limbless trees like you would need in a climber. It is also generally quieter to setup and you can literally shoot 360 degrees around the tree.
My younger brother and his son started saddle hunting around 3 years ago. He was then 51 and had zero problems with it. They've taken some large bucks on public land with this "run-n-gun" type saddle hunting. I'm now 58 and will be trying it out for the first time this season with my son. I appreciate your videos. I'm a former athlete but have let my weight get out of hand. I hope getting back into the woods bow hunting with my own son will change all that. It takes energy to hang stands and use a climber. I really don't see this as a no-go for me. Thanks again for encouraging others that might turn away from this method.
No problem man. Be safe this year! I have a growing number of saddle related videos on the channel now. If you ever have a specific question or topic that you want to see addressed please let me know.
@@NewDayOutdoors Hey, I'm having issues with how to deal with climbing with sticks and the platform. Getting them unclipped from my backpack behind me is tricky. Do you have any input on this?
I started using an Anderson tree sling in the early 80's. I feel I have it figured out as far as safety, adjustment of the lanyard to be comfortable. Am looking to buy a platform as I have been using widened tree steps as a platform which limits you quite a bit. I am now 66 years old.
Thanks for this video. I am 69 and have been on the fence about going to a saddle. Your video has convinced me that I can and should move to a saddle for the versatility, mobility and safety.
I'm 57 and have been saddle hunting for four years. My first draw to it is safety. I'm attached to the tree from the very first step off the ground. My second draw is the flexibility of set ups. I'm not restricted to this stand or that stand...I can go anywhere I want.
Great Video! I turned 45 on Monday and have bad knees. However, I want to have as many different methods at my disposal as possible so I'm looking into the saddle game. The information you provided was invaluable "for the weak side shot and knee pads". Thank you for the hard work on this video.
@ozarkmountainoutdooradventures thanks for the view. I have a bunch of additional saddle related videos on my channel, so please check them out.
@ I will, appreciate the info!! God Bless..
Im 55 just did my 3rd year saddle hunting love it. I was actually on average jack archery podcast fewer years ago. That was one question he asked if I thought it was a young man sport. Absolutely not if anything I think it’s better for older guys because of the weight and bulk you save. Great video 👍👍
Tried it at 50. After a season and a half I’m happier in my lock on.
@randyfoster9960 hey at least you tried it. Many just bash it without trying. Gotta go with what you are most comfortable with. Good luck this year and stay safe.
🎯
I am 60 and on year three with a saddle. If only these things were in production 30 years ago. No better way to hunt out of a tree in my opinion. You make extremely good and informative videos. Keep them coming.
Thank you for the kind words!
I’m 62, just closed my 4th full season in a saddle. I might hunt from a hang on once in a while especially when the canopy of leaves have all fallen to the ground. I find I get picked off easily with little to no back cover.
When it works out, hiding behind the tree and slipping around to make the shot is money. Nothing better. I find a larger platform makes a big difference being able to stand and turn for weak side shots. There is much less movement doing that and I don’t get picked as easily as trying to move around the tree. I hunt from a hang on from time to time when the situation calls for it, and I find the deer don’t see me as readily. I think it’s because I’m closer to the tree. I’m not sure. This year I didn’t hunt from a hang on at all though. Getting set up in the saddle is just so much easier.
I’m going to try a 2 tether climbing system this off season. I’ve not One Sticked yet, but 2 tether looks like it just eliminates the stick and you never introduce slack into the system. One tether or the other is always carrying your weight.
Good video young man. I’m looking forward to your upcoming gear videos.
One stick and rappelling is the easiest system I have found. I tried 2 tether a couple times and found it to be more work.
I am 53, fist season in the saddle and love it. Also stated twin 14 year olds this year, new to all of us. We love it . As a Dad, I feel less worried for the boys as I believe saddles to be much safer.
Come across this and being 51 I can relate. I wish I would have saddle hunted years ago. 3 years in now and agree with everything you have brought up. i think the most important was what you brought up at the end. Get a system and practice it a-b-c-d-e up the tree and e-d-c-b-a down. Thanks for sharing. Have a BLESSED day and keep SHARING your PASSION
Started Saddle hunting in 2018 after watching Greg G2 do it. I am 71 now still do it. 😎🤠 easy Your video shows it can be done. Great video.
First season!! You said your first fall and I was like maybe this isn’t for me, and then it registered 😂
@@garylandry8550 That is the problem with unscripted video work.
@@NewDayOutdoors Great video man!Definitely has me excited and now more informed on getting into a saddle this coming fall!
Will be 63’in July and have been saddle hunting going on 4 years now. Spent more money in those years trying different gear than the last 20 years . Love it
62 and just started this year. Wish I had long ago.
I’m 55 and this video helped me make the decision to go for it this year. Saddle has been great. My back is not great and I do much better standing than sitting all day so this has been amazing. Thanks for a great video
Glad I could help!
Thank you for this video. I stopped using climbers and hang ons about 10 years ago and have pretty much stuck with ladder stands. They are ok but limts me on mobility. I have 4 and i set them and pretty much stay with these 4 locations the whole season. I'm not a ground blind guy. I think the saddle may be the answer for me.
I love rock climbing and bow hunting and to be able to combine the two is amazing. Great video, I'm always after wise tips and tricks
I’m turning 66 in two weeks. A game changer for saddle hunting and me is the Mini Vertical crossbow under six pounds and super small.
Wow nice presentation! I thought I was too old at 59, glad to see that I’m not alone out there. I gave up a hunting lease a few years ago and started saddle hunting public land. I like the mobility and trying out new places. Sure, sometimes there’s competition from other hunters but I’ve never turned around and headed home. You’re spot on with having a system for climbing up and climbing down. Eventually after several revisions you settle in on the best on for you. Very safe if you do it correctly with the right equipment, you’re always attached to the tree. Ironically though, this year I shot my biggest buck as I was walking in.
Same here, started at 59 and loving it. I think the simplicity/low cost of DRT using only a rope and carabiner were the way to go for me personally. I'm always happy to hear of other 50+ guys doing it. Opened up a whole new world of hunting for me.
I'm about your age ( a year or so older) and I couldn't agree more. Saddlehunting has made me feel young again and has made the process of hunting for deer fun again!! Great video especially for a beginner. Nice job.
I’m same age and thinking about talking the plunge but my lower back and hips might not approve after an extended sit
I just started saddle hunting this year I’m a huge fan
@60 I started saddle hunting. Second year this year and I love the security of being tied in top to bottom. I DRS or SRT as the mood / location dictates. I wish I had a saddle forty five years ago!
As far as safety being a huge concern, I’m always using my harness when using my climber as well. I stopped using the belt looking tree strap to a rope one because it’s easier and quieter even though it was almost $100. Can’t put a price on safety
Man I’m turning 63 on the 22 nd of the month and fixing to dive into it myself. I’m sure there’s a learning curve just like anything else but I’m excited about it because of the maneuverability you have all the way around. Like you I’m piecing my stuff together Cruzer saddle, Skelator sticks etc but I’m sure the sharpest curve will be the actual shots from the system.
Thanks for the video
Over 60, started 2 years ago and love it! Started out DRT, now I 1 stick with an aider. Didn't get out too much this year but love the safety aspect of it! Always connected to tree. I use a figure 8 to rappel down with. Awesome set up for me.
Thank You for the detail. 60 year old complete newbie to saddle.
I have planned, and did not like the solution to weak side that has you put your arm under the tether. You hit the nail on the head with the comment on the time. But the other thing is the amount of motion required. I had deer come around weak side on me. I just felt like I would bust them out if I went 'arm under' and did a full spin on the platform.
I really like your solution. I will have to try it in the morning.
I'm 65 and started saddle hunting a couple years ago as well. I don't miss hauling 25 lb climbers around. I hunt the Deep South where straight pines dominate, so I use a Barron Ridge climbing platform - it's easier than using sticks for me. Thanks for the video - I enjoyed it and subscribed to your channel. Good luck this season.
Yeah I agree I'm almost 60 this year. I do the one sticking thing and I repel down when I'm done quick easy and I just love it
Im 52 over weight and have had back surgery. I went to a Tethrd Teach and Train was an easy way to try things to see if I wanted to saddle hunt. I use Tethrd platform, gear pouch, 8mm ropes with Kong Duck, my own knee pads, Latitude Method 2 saddle and gear strap. Also The EWO sticks they are incredible.
Been doing it for 15 years. Hunting since I was 12. I'm 58. For those who dare.
I don't know when the platform stuff started. I use 4 lone wolf sticks. I like to be 25 to 30 feet when leaves fall. I hunt only public land. Heavily pressured deer. I use screw in steps around tree. 4. That's where I put my feet. And I can get around the whole tree if I have too.
Most comfortable thing I've ever hunted out of in a tree. Super light weight. Durable. Great thing is you don't have to worry about some clown hunting out of your lock on stand or stealing it. Going in and setting up a lock in stand on the stop in the dark is a pain in the butt. Saddle is a breeze. I can get up in position pretty quickly and quietly.
It helps if your in good shape. I'm in the gym year round. So I'm good to go. I'd recommend reading any books John Eberhart has published. He's been hunting out of a Saddle forever. And hunting and killing huge bucks on public land with a bow.
Last thing. I swear by Predator camo. Brown Deception is my favorite. I've had deer look right thru me then go back to what they were doing. Really breaks up your outline.
Thanks for video. Do what ever your comfortable with and works for you.
Excellent video on how safe and gratifying saddle hunting can be for us "old" guys. I'm 65 and been hunting out of tree stands for a long-time using sticks, climbers or ladders to get up the tree. It's all changing this year. After watching countess videos and hours of practice I will be one-sticking, saddle hunting with repelling. The stick, platform and saddle are all DIY projects. Repelling turned out to be fun! Thanks again for sharing this video and keep em coming.
That is awesome! Be safe, have fun, and stay young at heart!
This is encouraging...was going to get a new climbing stand but now am reconsidering.
If you’re not much over 6’ I’d at least consider the Summit Mini Viper SD. I commented above on my thoughts on the saddle, but both me and hunting buddy have gone from hunting for years from a full size Summit Viper to the mini version. I’m 5’9” and he’s 6’1” if I recall. First off, I assume you wouldn’t be considering a climber if you didn’t have a lot of climbable trees that are actually of a diameter large enough to hide your silhouette. We’re talking about hiding from deer, not turkeys. Right? Well if you’re still considering the obvious benefits to a lightweight and compact climbing stand, let me tell you, the Summit Mini Viper with a pair of stabilizing straps and a lightweight rock climbing harness is truly hard to beat.
@@davidrussell631 yessir...i was looking at that one...
@@charliednewell forgot to mention we both use the Lone Wolf Custom Gear pack straps and hip belt with the Mini Viper. Fairly expensive at $50 but super light and comfortable. Why Summit hasn’t marketed a similar system is beyond me. Since the Mini Viper is four inches shorter a package, it just carries so much easier, and quieter since the stand isn’t not coming in contact with underbrush as much. I’ve used all kinds of stands including Lone Wolfs, and maybe someone will eventually make and sell an American made climber that competes with the Mini Viper. If they do I’ll be all over it.
Just a tip, if you set your platform the same height as your top step you then have two points of contact to set your feet and swing around the tree better.
Yep. I did a follow up video this one a week or so ago and showed exactly this concept.
Great video Thanks!
Very very good video.I just turned 63 and have purchased everything but aiders.I can’t wait to try it out when it warms up.
I'm up there in age and very seasoned. I will say I will never go back to a climber. My abs less face it pulling my legs up to set base wore me out by the time I got to where my hunting height was my abs just totally killed. I climb now with Spurs or one stick preferably the Spurs and then I single rope rappel out with a Mad Rock ballet system, very quick to extract myself out of tree. Like you had said about safety in my youthful years I used to do arborist work climbing and was very secure with the cabling in saddle the only thing you would find that is painful if not done correctly is just eating a little bark when you spur out but other than that you are permanently connected to the tree unlike anything else with the climber going up you have to put your tether on after you get there the whole way up you're relying on just holding on to your climber. To conclude I absolutely love my cruiser XL. To conclude for your lyman's ropes if you are running a prusik knot learn how to use a swabish knot they are easier to manipulate the prusik knot tightens up over time and you have to loosen the knot so learn how to fasten a swabish do your lineman's ropes. Climb safe and good hunting
Eastern woods outdoors single stick with three step aider. It has a top that functions as the platform. Climb using single stick method. I like a ring of tree hopper steps at just above that for getting around the tree. Stick goes on the back of my backpack to still hunt till I find a tree. Like how the saddle is more comfortable than sitting in a hang on for me. It changed the time I could be in a tree dramatically. And how far I could walk with the entire setup. No trace on public land is a big plus if you find a good spot.
@robertbutler8005 yes. I have many videos on one sticking on my channel. It is how I hunt 95% of the time. This video is 3 or 4 years old.
I appreciate the time you take posting these. I should have written more clearly. Just confirming agreement about the portability and comfort of the basic principles of saddle use
First of your content I’ve watched. I appreciate the camera angle changes. It really helped me stay focused on the information in video. I’ll need to rewatch what I missed after I type this, haha. Anyways, you have a new sub! Thank you for the information. Being middle aged and a new hunter (3rd season) is intimidating especially using metro Detroit city state land. I’ll be watching more of your videos.
Great video lots of info
I’m 72 yrs old and have been using climbing stands for 20 years. Don’t see much difference in difficulty so I’ll be trying saddle hunting this year.
I am 73 and have been using a tree saddle for roughly 20 yrs. I have learned by trail and error because there were no tutorials when I purchased my first one. However there is no one certain way for set up or to use. My suggestion watch different videos from different people and practice with your equipment to develop your own way. I believe that if you stay attached to the tree from the time your feet leave the ground until you are back on the ground and maintain and inspect your equipment it is the safest way to hunt.
Great video!! I’m so appreciative of this video. 👊🏽
Man just remember if its hard it aint right you will fight it at first but once you learn its awesome
Started saddle hunting because as I got older got tired of hauling in stand, sticks, harness, lifeline. Up the tree setting up sticks, down the tree to get stand, back up the tree to set stand, back down the tree to get my gear. I’m exhausted just typing about this lol
The Hawk Helium sticks I removed the suction cups, after I found myself unable to separate them one morning in the dark. Wound up hunting on the ground that day. I also got rid of the slippery Hawk cinch straps with the crappy poor-locking shiny buckles and use Lone Wolf straps instead!
I had a similar experience with Hawk sticks. I had two sets and ended up selling them.
I started saddle hunting 3 years. I’m 48 and love it.
I’m 76 use Dryad 2 saddle and Bullman ring of steps and hunt with cross bow and rifle.
Great video. I'm looking to get into saddle hunting, don't think it will take much to get used to being that I've been a power lineman for the last 20yrs. Very similar as far as work/hunting positioning. Only difference is climbing method versus using gaffs like we do on poles.
thanks for this i'm same age as you and i find it very easy and comfy. Gives great flexibility to change and move and set up quickly depending on sign. cheers, Jeff
Only thing I would add is simply this...
Don't buy a saddle setup, and walk in the woods and expect to be flawless getting up the tree. YOU HAVE TO PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE BEFORE HAND. go out in the yard, or a friend's and practice climbing. It CAN be tricky in the dark without a good foundational system in place!! This Is coming from a 35 year old, fairly fit man 💪
Thanks for the video. I think you convinces me on saddle hunting over a tree stand.
56 years old, using the saddle around 4 seasons, less and less. In areas with hunting pressure, the saddle requires movement, deer often sneak up on me from unexpected directions, easy to get picked off with movement. I find it necessary to climb much higher (28+ ft) with more cover. Fortunately, I have plenty of tree's perfect for a Lone Wolf climber, exponentially more effective for me, faster, safer and similar in weight. No doubt there are guys my age & older that can get it done with the saddle, even cut down the weight with aiders & one stick etc. Great topic.
Watched as a younger man and still helpful. Thanks.
65 and saddle hunting love it
Great video!!
good job, learned a lot.
Very good video! Simple and to the point. Am 74 and just completed my 3rd yr in saddle. What you said about "invigorating" is absolutely true for me, it is just fun too go out and hunt and checkout RUclips videos. The past 2 yrs have been with a xbow but our climbing and hanging systems are pretty close. Have been looking at the Overwatch saddle (the 2 panel and pleated version) with great interest. Do you have any more info- likes, dislikes on the saddle? Haha- if buy one there would be a Latitude and Cruzr up for sale. Thanks
So awesome to hear that I potentially have another 20 or so years potentially to be doing this ... LOL. Love it brother! Regarding the saddle by Overwatch ... I love pretty much every aspect about it. I will be doing a video on the saddle itself soon. It has been so cold here that going out and shooting a video has not been high on my priority list, but I will do it soon. I have a few minor tweaks that I made and would like to see them consider and I will address those in the forthcoming video. I did see on social media that he is prototyping a couple tweaks of his own as well.
Thanks for your response and will be looking forward to your review of saddle.
Very informative TY
Excellent video. The outline, information, camera angles, editing... very thorough and just great. Thank you. I've been learning about saddle hunting and different gear for a couple of years and am about to pull the trigger on my sets. Have you got a video on the aiders you use? I'm thinking about using 20" sticks with 3- step aiders. I like to have the ability to get up to 25' when it's advantageous.
Thank you for the kind words. As to the aiders ... I did a video a couple weeks ago on my climbing sticks/gear. The aiders are in that video. Not exactly in depth on them, but I show them and talk about them. I use the Ultimaders and really like them. If you look into my more recent videos, you will find the vid. Again ... thanks man!
Thank you for doing this, I want to go this route but just don’t have anyone around me that does it. Awesome video
I wish there was a place where you can go and try the saddles on and kinda get in a tree and try it before you buy a saddle
@Eightball2516 Not sure where you are located. But in the summers there are multiple mobile hunting events. I know of several in Michigan. Also the Mobile Hunters Expo will be in Dalton, Georgia and then in southwest Ohio next August. Tons of manufactures and faux trees to test out gear.
I am 64 in 10 days.
I hunt from a Summit SD climber. I've bowhunter public for 40 years.
I can shoot 360 degrees around my tree and do not have a "weak" side.
I am ALWAYS connected to the tree in at least THREE PLACES AS I CLIMB.
My seat climber, my platform, and my tree rope (safety harness).
I have NEVER met anyone who could even get CLOSE to beating me up a tree with their saddles.
I'm sure there are good applications to use a saddle but I've never seen it.
I usually can hang a Millineum Micro stand in that spot.
I live in the Southeast where there is a good climbing tree behind every tree! LOL!
I just don't get the saddle thing!
BTW, I killed 20 with my bow this past year!
Awesome for you man. Keep doing what you are doing. No need to defend your methods that work for you. No one is forcing anyone to do anything.
Summit climbers are heavy,bulky, need a telephone pole tree and alot of times you can't get real high due to the tree becoming smaller as you go up. I'm at 22 feet in 15 minutes ready to hunt with my one stick and saddle. Love how people knock things they have zero experience with
Hahaha, tell us how you really feel. i have hunted out of Summits, I used to rep for them. Great stands, def heavy, that's the great thing about choices, and at 61.................. its like being 20 again .
And to boot the weight you carry in is a fraction of a stand at clangs and you have to set up at the base. I actually wear my saddle in driving to my site get out of the truck grab my hunting arm of desire and just walk in once I get to the tree I swing my lyman's rope around put my spurs on and up I go. So much easier and less cumbersome to the body
I agree 100%
Great video. Yeah, I'm 53 and heavy set. Feeling it too, lol. But I love saddle hunting.
Started deer hunting last year, fell in love. Saddle hunting just seems like a no brainer being able to change strategies on a dime and set up anywhere. This video was very informative!
Thanks for the kind words. Check out other videos on my channel about saddle hunting and gear. Also a ton of deer hunting videos on my channel.
Great video. Exactly what I needed to see and hear. I’m 65.
Glad I could help!
@@NewDayOutdoors I just subscribed, which for me is something. If it’s not about the Bible or related, I rarely subscribe to anything. It was that good.
Good job
NEW SUBSCRIBER
havent had a bow or hunted in 10 years, central NC,
got a bow last month, phase 4 29
please leave link for over 50 video you mentioned
may try saddle hunting next season PS i will be 61 in a few weeks
If you go to the play lists on my channel and look in the Gear Playlist there are tons of saddle related videos including that one. Good luck this year, stay safe, and if you have specific questions just ask.
Great video and very informative. I just can’t make myself do the saddle hunting. I don’t like sticking that far out from the tree. I just feel like the deer will silhouette me too easily hanging that far off the tree. I prefer my climber or hang on stands.
You are behind the tree when saddle hunting. Way less chance of being picked off.
@@NewDayOutdoors I guess that would work if you always know which direction the deer will come from. I still prefer my lock ons personally but they each have advantages and disadvantages. I think the only selling part for a saddle for me is the ease of mobility with regard to switching trees or areas a little quicker.
Been hunting out of a saddle foe 30 years it’s the only way to hunt. Spent 246 hours in a saddle last year and I’m 66 years old. I use a podium platform as a seat and use a back brace saddle company’s sell and couldn’t be more comfortable. Good video. I use climb paws to get up trees very light never cared for climbing sticks.
I am 65 and have switched to saddle hunting and also use SRT to climb and descend from tree. 8 and 10 MM rope, pusnic for back up, rope grabs on line man rope, and going to try Mad rock safe guard this year 2022 for ascending with a Jumar and descending with mad rock. I still use my tree stand with my saddle for comfort. I find it is a lot safer for entering and exiting my stand. I keep the saddle on all day. I wear it going and coming to hunting area. If I plan on hunting my stand more than one time ,like the next day I can leave my stand hanging and not have to worry on some shit head stealing it. Lost to much hunting gear over the years. Stands, sticks, cameras...well you know. I hunt public land, I find It is the best of both worlds. Funny thing the other day I was half way up the tree and another hunter came with his kids and seen me and asked if I was stuck and needed help..lol.
What saddle are you using that you can sit in your tree stand with it on?
@@paulcrave3112 I use a rock climbing harness.
By the way great presentation 😁👍👍
I'm 46, and 260lbs. I have a climber. I love using the climber, but hate carrying it in. I have to use a steel climber because of my weight, and no joke that thing probably weighs 80lbs no exaggerating. It might be closer to 90. Then add in my bow, backpack, hip quiver. That climber set up is just flat out too heavy. I go maybe a mile into the woods and I'm looking for the closest usable tree, not even concerned with hunting sign any more cause my shoulders hurt and i just want it off my back. I have a ground blind set up that i can also use on a two man ladder stand the ground set up can be tethered to my pack and carried. About a mile and a half and I'm just setting on the first scrap I find cause if i carry it any farther I have to spend an hour letting my shoulders recuperate before I can draw and hold my bow for any length of time. So i am looking into a saddle set up because the heaviest I've seen is maybe 30lbs... I could carry that 4-5 miles searching sign to find the freshest to hunt. I'm not afraid to climb a tree. I've been 30+ feet up old pines. I have a tree i hunt a lot that I have trimmed limbs 35ft up so i can get up it with my climber.
Dude ... get into saddle hunting! I weighed about 260 when I started. Since then I have dropped about 50 pounds. But still you can do it at 260. I know several guys who are 300+ that saddle hunt. They make saddles for bigger guys. They make some larger platforms now. The rigging is rated for thousands of pounds. The entire setup is way lighter than a climber and you can get it way more trees. Just do it!
@NewDayOutdoors i just got one last night
I feel you on most of this. If your climber weighs that much it may be time to part with it I have a complete saddle set up for me I would be happy to share if your putting one together. (6’4 250) also just from past experience if you want to keep a climber around I found the summit Goliath is very comfortable for me. It’s bigger than the tiny little vipers but still a fraction of that weight at 21 pounds. Happy hunting man!
@Trace_77 my climber is steel so it would be rated for over 300lbs. I got a hawk saddle setup second hand. I'm planning on going out Wednesday actually. I keep the climber around because it is heavy duty, mostly for if someone else wants to go and is willing to carry it. I'm 1000% a saddle hunter now. That whole setup weighs maybe 12lbs. and I have a bunch of extra stuff with it...
@@davidrose415 I agree, as far as mobile hunting goes I think I’m team saddle. I have latitude sticks saddle and platform with the bag and ropes to SRT when I’m done it weighs 14 pounds backpack and all on the scale. I can’t seem to part with my climber either though it’s hanging in my shop and 2 of my friends have been nagging me about selling it to them since season started. Only con would be it is expensive, buying second hand hopefully let you get into it a little cheaper.
Great video. I'm convinced - I need to convert to saddle hunting.
Great overview. Overreach outdoors? Cool. Trusting the tether is huge. Been lw guy for 20+ yrs! The wind is most important...not really hiding behind the tree. Correct? Sent back 2 saddles already. Lol.
Aero flex and Latitude single panel. Still deciding...athletic but 67!!! Very nimble for my age
Overwatch Outdoors. I wouldn't put it past me to have called it Overreach though ... LOL.
Yes wind is still most important of course. I assume playing the wind to be a "given" anymore when it comes to deer hunting. Or whatever your chosen scent methods ....
@@NewDayOutdoors Chuck Adams says that remember a mature buck plays "his" wind which trumps our idea on wind. We have to fit our ambush into his play...if that makes sense? Ha! Thx for your response. You do a good job
@@NewDayOutdoors lol. You did but found them. $275 is steep unless all ropes are included?
@@DavidGonzalez-ek3zh I honestly don't pay much attention to what items cost. I buy on function 99.9999% of the time and very very very rarely am looking at saving money.
I’ve got a buddy that admits like many to getting picked off more often than in a stand. It’s only logical if you watch these RUclips’s much because clearly, saddle hunters don’t prefer to hang from trees that are actually large enough to truly hide them. Which reminds me, hunting public land so often we don’t know necessarily which direction the deer will come from, anyhow. All that said, I can see how particularly in early season while leaves are still on the trees the saddle could be a great way to go. Or like on my brother in laws land where most of the trees are smaller with some limbs, as opposed to the mature timber on the public that I hunt. While I still use hang on stands and might eventually invest in a saddle, both mine and my hunting buddy’s usual choice is the Summit Mini Viper SD for too many reasons to mention.
How do you get picked off more in a saddle?. A hang on stand you are no more hidden from a deer. You can get up in the same trees as a hang on. How do you hide from deer better in a hang on or climber. Makes no sense
@@sspice8934 hunt long enough for a good buck to walk by within 20 yds completely unalarmed because you’re downwind, motionless, and your back is leaning against a big tree or stump. And I mean on the ground while wearing blaze orange. Once you have a close encounter like that you’ll see the value in sitting or standing tight to shaded back cover that breaks up your silhouette. So my friend’s perspective is that he thinks he gets picked off more when he’s leaning out away from the tree in his saddle instead of using the tree to break his silhouette up just like if hunting on the ground, only up in a tree stand adding the advantage of elevation.
What about using that fourth stick on the other side of the tree just for a secondary platform so to speak
Yep. You could certainly do that.
Just found you and subscribed
Thank you!
That’s precisely my method for weaker side shots. I am 47 as well.
Dude. Great video but 52 is not old. I’m 71 and love to use both climbers and saddle/sticks. When saddling I use 4-5 sticks and stick #1 has a 2 step aider.
That is awesome. I hope I am still doing this at 71. And yeah, 52 ... now 53 ... isn't old, but I have been doing many of these videos to take the intimidation out of it for all agest of hunters, but especially those of us 50 and up.
Thanks for the views, please check out some of my other videos too.
I'm 49 and I've never saddle hunted before. But I'm really looking forward to it. What products would you recommend??
Honestly, I suggest just doing the best homework that you can and buy what you think you will like within your budget. You won't go wrong with Tethrd, Cruzer, or Latitude for example and they sell "kits" that are an all in one stop shop. I started out 100% Tethrd and Hawk sticks. I found some things I liked and others not as much, so after a couple of years I ended up selling pieces and buying different pieces to come up with a patchwork of brands in my system that fit my needs. The nice thing is that saddle gear tends to hold its value so you can flip the things you don't like without taking a huge bath in terms of money. OR ... you can buy stuff used from guys, save a little coin on the front end, and if you don't like it sell it for for virtually the same as what you paid for it. But ... we all have to start somewhere and that can be the most intimidating part of this whole thing.
@@NewDayOutdoors Thanks for the advise!!!
Sam, check out the JX3 Hybrid Saddle from JX3 Outdoors! You'll love it!
@@JohnSims3 Thanks John. I'll check it out
Well I am a 57-year-old new wanna be saddle hunter. You could save me a lot of energy effort and money by listing the actual items you are now using after all you’ve bought and sold and narrowed it down
I have additional videos that go over my gear in great detail. If you go to my channel and look at the "Gear" Playlist, that will narrow down the search. But I have done many videos on specific gear that I use or have used. At the end of the day, there are a lot of great manufacturers out there and a ton of great gear. Each of us has to narrow down what works best for us as individuals.
I would like to look into the saddle you are using but I don't see a link in your description..Was it called the Over Reach Saddle?...Who makes it?...I am 54 and just getting into hunting with a saddle...used hangers and climbers before...
I misspoke in the video. It is from Overwatch Outdoors.
PROSof this method of hunting (from my experience of hunting from climber 40Y, change to saddle in 58Y,)
1- your knees never freeze
2- you are all ready to make a shot from a bow,
3- with a crossbow it's the best!!!, you shoot 360 °😊
I’m 69 but I’m slim and can still get around good my question is what takes the place of a safety harness
The saddle and ropes are the safety harness.
that's sweet
I’m thinking about getting into saddle hunting for It’s obvious benefits but have some hesitation. I’m definitely not a big fan of heights. I never have been. I’m also a fairly mechanically inclined person which puts my trust level on anything that a human can make at fairly low level. Probably why I hate to fly, what goes up can come down. You get my point. I’m assuming that the saddle in the ropes and everything are rated for much higher than the average person’s weight but when I watch people hanging from the side of a tree with a single carabiner I think to myself if that one piece of equipment fails there’s a good chance you’re dead or paralyzed. Is this a trust thing that you just have to get used to or could you put two carabiners on and two tethers just for the peace of mind that if one thing fails you have a back up? I currently hunt out of a summit viper climbing Treestand because I like the fact that wraps around the front of me and makes me feel secure. I’m wondering if hunting from a saddle with the mindset like mine is wishful thinking. Maybe I buy one and practice close to the ground until I get my confidence? Thoughts?
I have a friend who had a summit climber break on him and thankfully he was wearing a harness and tied off to a rope ... just like we use for saddle hunting. The climber that you trust failed, the ropes saved him. That being said, all ropes and hardware come right out of the rock climbing and tree arborist world. They are as sage as you can get. Can anything fail? Yep anything can. You take more of a risk every time you pull your car out on the highway at 70 mph.
And now you need NY saddle hunters mobile safety system, honestly if any climber sees there system and don't get it , I would call them dumb dumbs. Good presentation. 👍
not sure if you mentioned this already but how would you combat suspension trauma if the stand and sticks somehow fall off the tree? would the lineman's work for that? bonus question, how do you feel about the distel knot as opposed to the prusik for lineman's and tether?
There are ways to use a strap or a rope to relieve pressure from suspension. I think if you kept calm you could fashion your linesman rope for just such an application. As to a distel, I have never messed with them. I know some guys like them and other friction hitches. I have never had a reason to doubt the ability of a prusik. In 2005, I fell from a climber stand and the prusik on my tether held me perfectly, saving me from serious harm.
@@NewDayOutdoors thanks ill test the lineman's. My rope came from tx5 with distel and tender. I messed with distel in basement and do not trust it at all. I was able to get it to slip multiple times just by tugging carabiner, even all the way to the stopper. Maybe bc it's brand new rope it slides easily or i needed to dress the knot more. Started grabbing tighter the more i played with it, but i ended up untying it and tied a prusik and have zero concerns now. Grabs tight and still adjusts great with a tender.
Sister hunter here. I'd love to try saddle hunting, but I'd never be able to pee in that thing. That's a problem.🥴 Guess I'll stick with my climber.
I can see that being an "issue". But there are several women who saddle hunt, so they are dealing with it some how ... 🤣
I’m 53 and been fighting my desire to buy a saddle. I think I have to make the jump
@@Mikesacco1B go for it. Zero regrets here. I have several saddle hunting videos on my channel.
Is there any reason why a repelling harness wouldn't work as a substitute for a saddle? I can't see why not. I'm Looking at getting into saddle hunting and already have a harness. I don't want to throw a bunch of money down for something I haven't tried yet.
A couple possible issues. 1) if it has loops or not for a lineman belt. 2) comfort for sitting with weight bearing on it for many hours at a time.
@@NewDayOutdoors I got to looking at it and my harness doesn't have loops but a lineman harness is not expensive. Mine doesn't have good padding so I'm sure soreness and fatigue would become an issue.
I think at most I've only ever been in my harness for an hour max and didn't really consider the amount of time I would have to be in it.