I'll be on my third year hanging in a tree with my Tethrd Menance. I've learned a few things and really do like the versatility. There's an obvious challenge using a trad bow vs wheels-- not exactly 33" axle-to-axle, right?
Give us your set up...
Tethrd Menace
Hawk sticks with climbing aides
Tethrd Predator platform
I too will be on my third year with saddle hunting. It's not my only option but I've really enjoyed the mobility and I've been very successful with it. 2020 doe & buck, and 2021 buck out of the saddle... Both of the bucks were on all day sits :saywhat:
Tetherd Phantom
Hawks Sticks
Tetherd Predator XL Platform
:campfire:
Not me!!!! I've watched one guy hunt in a saddle, and nothing he did look comfortable or appealing to me.
Good luck to all you guys!!!
Bisch
I'm stuck the my ladders and brush blinds- but good luck like Bisch said.
Tim B
One thing to keep in mind is that you can also use the saddle as a safety harness even if in a lock-on or in a ladder stand. I think it works great with the cheap ladder stands that have simple integrated metal seat and platform. I've stepped up and used the top seat as a platform or lowered my tether to use the main platform, or swivel and sit/stand traditionally for awhile... Very flexible shooting opportunities. Not for everyone or every scenario... :campfire:
I'm a saddle hunter. Been doing it since about '05. My lower back can give me issues after long spells of sitting so a saddle really helps. I use a Treehopper Recon or a Dryad Drey. This will be my first year with the Drey. I expect it to have much more support for longer sits.
To climb, I use four mini sticks, two with aiders and/or bolts if I'm predrilling. I've been using a platform the last two years as well instead of a ring of steps. Last year was a Lone Wolf which was awesome, but bulky. This year I'm trying a Predator.
Third year of saddling hunting for me this year as well. I prefer it over setting stands .. by far.
BigJim
I will be. I agree it can be a challenge to shoot a traditional bow out of a saddle but I find it a lot more comfortable.
It also opens up a lot of options with tree selection.
Cruzer XC
Quote from: Whiteoak63 on August 22, 2022, 01:41:18 PM
I will be. I agree it can be a challenge to shoot a traditional bow out of a saddle but I find it a lot more comfortable.
It also opens up a lot of options with tree selection.
Cruzer XC
I find it easier, actually. The tension on my tether makes me feel "locked" in position.
This will be my 36th year in a "saddle"
Currently using a JX3 and all my earlier models were homemade/purchased JX3 style saddles.
Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, no fidgeting, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches, you can shoot 360° around the tree with any weapon, bow or gun.
No platform required, only a ROS, no sore feet, no knee pads required, no sore knees, no tired legs from leaning as you can sit all day, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs. No getting into "saddle shape" as your Lazy Boy at home does it for you. Buy once, cry once.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........
Quote from: kbetts on August 22, 2022, 01:52:10 PM
Quote from: Whiteoak63 on August 22, 2022, 01:41:18 PM
I will be. I agree it can be a challenge to shoot a traditional bow out of a saddle but I find it a lot more comfortable.
It also opens up a lot of options with tree selection.
Cruzer XC
I find it easier, actually. The tension on my tether makes me feel "locked" in position.
It took me a little practice learning how to maneuver into positions for shots. I shoot with a cant and that is a little different that shooting more vertical.
Let me say I find the saddle much more comfortable that any other stand. The first thing anyone asks me is, does that not hurt your back? It is the opposite, saddles have helped my back pain and allowed me longer hunts.
Do y'all do knee pads? I use a foam pad that I will also take and place on hang-on or ladder stand seats. I tie to my tether rope at the height I need to "sit" with my knees against the tree using the saddle.
I do really like going into a new area, check the wind, find a tree, and up I go. I'll be heading to some new public ground this year and it will be saddle all the way!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/AHZz8xH4n7m4s2u56
I have been using a pad, but plan on trying knee pads.
I use knee pads occassionaly. I seem to use them less with a platform. If I carry a pack, they're usually in there. I hate putting my knees down on wet ground as it is.
I have an elk hunt in 10 days and unfortunately got the China virus a week ago. My cardio is gonna be 💩 so I am taking my new saddle and hunting mainly water holes playing the thermals. Bought a new Trophyline Venatic and Mission platform. Saddle hunting is new to me but it may save me on this hunt.
This will be my third year using a saddle, though I still use ladder, hang on and climbing stands too. All depends on the situation for me.
Currently I am using a Cruzr XC, 3-4 mini sticks, a Trophy Line Mission platform and a ring of steps. I find it pretty easy to shoot out of and comfortable too.
David
I've watched a couple of videos but in all off them they are compound hunters.
But apparently the saddles of the 90s were a far cry from today's set ups. It would be interesting to see actual trad bows successfully maneuvering and shot out of them because it seems like it would take a lot of movement.
Quote from: GCook on August 24, 2022, 11:49:12 AM
I've watched a couple of videos but in all off them they are compound hunters.
But apparently the saddles of the 90s were a far cry from today's set ups. It would be interesting to see actual trad bows successfully maneuvering and shot out of them because it seems like it would take a lot of movement.
Quite the opposite if you are cognizant of setting up for the shot on your dominant side. My bow hangs on the left side of the tree right above my left hand. I try to keep the critters between me and the tree. As they move to the left, I barely have to move at all.
I am. I don't see myself going back to a tree stand unless i am hunting a private place with stands that are permanent/semi-permanent. For moving spots and hunting new places the saddle is the ticket in my opinion. I have the Treehopper Recon saddle and just the regular predator platform. Have tried the ring of steps, climbing sticks, SRT, and singe stick/rappel methods. I prefer the single stick and rappelling. I feel its easier to shoot closer shots in the saddle bc you can align the body better than a tree stand, which is the goal. I was hesitant to try it out, but I finally did and probably wont go back.
Shooting has been really effective with just a little practice on options for where the deer show up... Here's my arrangement like KBetts. Bow hangs left side, pack on back side of tree with Quiver too.
Yep since I think 82.
Hunted in a sneaky sack, got me a transformer saddle this will be my first year in it, very comfortable
Quote from: Whiteoak63 on August 22, 2022, 03:13:36 PM
Quote from: kbetts on August 22, 2022, 01:52:10 PM
Quote from: Whiteoak63 on August 22, 2022, 01:41:18 PM
I will be. I agree it can be a challenge to shoot a traditional bow out of a saddle but I find it a lot more comfortable.
It also opens up a lot of options with tree selection.
Cruzer XC
I find it easier, actually. The tension on my tether makes me feel "locked" in position.
It took me a little practice learning how to maneuver into positions for shots. I shoot with a cant and that is a little different that shooting more vertical.
Let me say I find the saddle much more comfortable that any other stand. The first thing anyone asks me is, does that not hurt your back? It is the opposite, saddles have helped my back pain and allowed me longer hunts.
This is the main question I have concerning saddles...I have a minor lower back issue that shows up when I'm sitting on a seat that bottoms out.
I suspect a Milenium type seat would work fine.
I like the idea of a saddle, being able to travel lighter on my long walks in.
Also, I shoot with a can't so I'm not sure how that will work out. I've hunted mostly on the ground but I like the idea of a saddle.
I can't speak to the back pain. What I have found, is that the height of my tether is what is important regarding my ability to lean at my waist, cant the bow a little bit, and draw without hitting my bridge with my elbow. In other words, my tether can't be too high, or the angle of my bridge/tether is too close to my body.
Bronz, that makes sense.
I've watched a few videos of folks demonstrating the saddle but they were using compounds shooting vertical of course
Yeah, we're not shooting 32" axle-to-axle, Amen?
I'm also working on more stable positions to shoot from. I find I might be gently moving more in the saddle and so i practice in my basement with my feet together to simulate the decreased stability and allowing my aim to float a little more.
I think you will find you are just as stable as on the ground. Platforms are not as stable as a ring of steps unless you add a step on each side. When I lean in to take a shot on my left my entire right shin is in contact with the tree. I'm solid at the shot.
Quote from: BRONZ on August 27, 2022, 11:25:01 PM
Yeah, we're not shooting 32" axle-to-axle, Amen?
I'm also working on more stable positions to shoot from. I find I might be gently moving more in the saddle and so i practice in my basement with my feet together to simulate the decreased stability and allowing my aim to float a little more.
There is no decrease in stability because you are leaning against a tight tether/rope. It's like someone is holding you up by the hips. My feet make little difference as long as I have them in contact with something and I can get my upper body aligned.
Third year from a saddle for me. Cruzer XC saddle, Beast mini sticks with cable aiders - 3 get me 13 feet. Just upgraded from Teherd Phantom to a Mission platform. The bigger platform is a huge improvement.
I think this is my 4th year hunting from a saddle. I shot 5 deer out of the saddle last year and it is quiet and easy to maneuver and the shot angle and bow angle interference is no big deal. Shot one of my bucks on the RH side of the tree which is a tough shot for a Rh shooter but it worked out fine. I'm currently using a Tacta-saddle, Tethrd one sticks, and a tethrd predator platform (have a OOAL ridge runner as well and it's great). I also wear Trophyline knee pads which I think are a game changer! I put all of that in an Eberlestock x2 pack.
Have any of you that use a saddle used a pad wrapped around the tree instead of knee pads?
Quote from: TGbow on August 30, 2022, 06:00:05 AM
Have any of you that use a saddle used a pad wrapped around the tree instead of knee pads?
That's what I do. I carry a foam pad to use against the tree for my knees, or to be placed on the seat of a hang-on stand or ladder stand. Rodents tend to take out the original padded seats, Amen?
To simplify, I usually hang the pad from the excess of my tether line, which is also my bow tow rope.
I have thought about trying a saddle but am still on the fence. Realistically once you've found your tree, how long does it take to get up in the tree, set up and be hunting? Most of my hunting will be here at home on our 15 acres and I plan on putting up a few wooden, homemade ladder stands. Just easy for me to walk out, climb up in the stand (yes, I use a harness and don't leave the ladder until I'm connected to the tree) and hunt for a few hours before getting down and going to work in the afternoon. However, a saddle would be great for the few times I hunt public land and for having more options when the wind changes direction or something here at home.
this will be my 3rd yr. using one, not on every hunt. hang on and climber are still a very good option for me, hanging in a saddle puts to much pressure on my feet, knees, constantly having to move to relieve the pressure. but will still use when needed on occasion.
mantis
hawk sticks w /amsteel ropes
predator platform
.5 hang on
(https://i.imgur.com/2q3CNlL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lmGFYfQ.jpg)
Quote from: Breakfast Boy on August 30, 2022, 09:58:20 AM
I have thought about trying a saddle but am still on the fence. Realistically once you've found your tree, how long does it take to get up in the tree, set up and be hunting? Most of my hunting will be here at home on our 15 acres and I plan on putting up a few wooden, homemade ladder stands. Just easy for me to walk out, climb up in the stand (yes, I use a harness and don't leave the ladder until I'm connected to the tree) and hunt for a few hours before getting down and going to work in the afternoon. However, a saddle would be great for the few times I hunt public land and for having more options when the wind changes direction or something here at home.
Depends. On private I predrill trees and carry grade 8 bolts to slide in the holes. Otherwise I use sticks with daisy chains...no buckles. Both take very little time. The bolts are less bulky, but I'm content with either method. My saddles have hooks to carry sticks and the platform with me as I climb. It's a one and done process. No climbing back down unless I drop something.
I had a Millenium M7 for a while..itvwas fairly comfortable but I'm just not sure how the saddle would work for me..I imagine the JX3 would probably be very comfortable
I would say it takes me about 15-20 min to get ALL set up. That's ascend, platform, tether, gear hauled up and hung. I also take my time for the sake of safety, and to avoid sweating too much. Yes, it's easier to get into a ladder; but, some days, my permanent sets aren't where I need to be... wind, activity, crop rotation, etc. A saddle is a nice tool to have in the arsenal. I'll be taking a trip this fall and hunting public for a few days. Ghillie and saddle are coming along!
It takes me around 10-15 minutes like Bronz but I'm very purposeful too. The nice thing about the small platforms is they hang easy and solid quickly. Even if they are 10 degrees+/- around the tree you have so much flexibility in shooting around the tree it works fine. The choice of trees is quite expanded over regular tree stands. Way more options... I think it's wise to try one first from a buddy or at a show if you're on the fence. They're not for everyone but it's a great tool for sure. I keep it in my pack at all times, you can use it with a fixed stand or off the ground as a ground ambush. I'm really particular about things getting in my way of shooting and I'm doing fine with it. I do shoot a 54" bow though. :campfire:
This will be my first year with the saddle, still trying to work out all the kinks but it is coming along. I have been shooting my 60" longbow out of it , there is a learning curve. I am using an Overwatch Transformer, an EDP platform , muddy pro sticks. I also have a ring of steps that I tried but I think I like the platform better
When I ascend the only thing I leave on the ground is my bow. I pull it up after I am set.
I either use my spikes or three 20" sticks with one aider on each.
My platform is DIY and very stable weighs 3.4# It has two steps on the strap.
My complete set up will fit in and on my pack and not be above my head or outside of my shoulders.
Forgot to mention... My buddy and I have been filming each other some. Saddles are a great option. We can hang in the same tree, nearby trees, one of us on a hang on and the other in a saddle using the hang on to get vertical, etc.
Whiteoak, I like the DIY platform with the two steps! I tend to have my platform level with my top stick to give myself one more added foot placement to get around the tree more.
Good stuff y'all! Enjoying this thread!
Killed from the saddle last weekend.
18 yards weak side shot. Had to slowly pass the bow over my tether to get the shot but it worked out.
[attachment=1,msg3013627]
In the saddle right now in illinois.. I have set at least 6 different locations on this trip.. guaranteed I wouldn't have made many changes without the saddle.
Could have shot at least 4 deer so far. Just not what I'm looking for.
BigJim
You fellas that hunt from a saddle, do you find it easier or harder to shoot longbows or recurves compared to a hang on stand?
Just as easy if they come where you prefer. Easier if they don't cuz you won't get to shoot at all from a regular stand.
BigJim
I've been a ground hunter most my life but I bought a Treehopper Recon sling, gonna give it a try.
I don't hunt over 13 ft when I leave the ground but guess I will see how it goes.
The saddle will allow you to select a lot of different trees and use cover better than a regular stand.
It is much easier to change locations. I moved to a different tree last Saturday morning after having the wrong wind. Took about 15min down, up and hunting again.
I took mine to public hunting over the weekend and managed to win the chess match getting within range of a small doe. Unfortunately, my arrow took a couple hairs off the bottom of her chest. Really enjoyed having the saddle to move around in and out each day.
Because I have to make it harder, I am also trying to do a little self filming! That is not easy with cheap equipment, like a homemade camera arm. I won't sacrifice a shot for a shot on camera, but it is definitely adding a layer.
I switch to a saddle years ago and love it. I mainly hunt ground last few years, but when go up this is what I use. Quick tip:
Like every thing hunting takes time to adjust, want to invest time off season get figured out. Your thought process on setting up for shot changes, as now you use tree for cover.
I've had my original Greens saddle since the 80'sand it's just another way of hunting along with hang ons, nails on wood platforms or sitting on the ground. Every hunt dictates another way of doing it. But in many years of hunting I have found no one way better than others. Theres always something to pack along to get you where you're going.
Lately I've enjoyed ground hunting more and more because of the simplicity of a stool and clippers.
Hunt how you like to hunt not how others like to hunt.
This is a great thread...I've been kicking around the saddle idea for awhile. Appreciate all the posts and recommendations. It seems like there are increasingly more players in the saddle market every year and competition helps the consumer. Gonna have to check online for videos of traditional shooters using saddles...Thanks
Well, I can say the saddle just ain't for me..Ima stay on the ground and maybe setup a few preset stands.
After trying out the saddle last few days it's not for me
Allen, what did you not like about it? It's appealing to me.
First year for me. Lattitude 2 panel saddle, trophyline mission platform and antique lone wolf sticks. No opinion yet but plenty of excitement
I absolutely love sitting in my saddle. But i will say this fellas be extremely careful climbing. I do not buy the idea of them being the safest option out there. I fell from about 8 feet when my second climbing stick kicked out on me as i was transitioning from one stick to another with a little slack in my linemans strap. I know it wasn't the saddles fault per se. But it was enough to turn my arms to hamburger and the step took a nice chunk from my knee. I know accidents can happen in any climbing method but just be aware that you are not an exception using a saddle. As i found out the hard way.
Skinny tree. Dryad Drey and Predator platform. I used an extra Wild Edge Stepp for my left foot.
[attachment=1]
I have a JX3 comin
started doing the saddle thing late season of 2021. wish I would have pursued it before, really enjoy it, though a bit of a learning curve came with it and I'm still narrowing my system down to what works best for me. the best advice for a beginner is always think safety, don't rush and think yourself through every step.
Quote from: buckeyebowhunter on October 14, 2022, 04:34:20 PM
I absolutely love sitting in my saddle. But i will say this fellas be extremely careful climbing. I do not buy the idea of them being the safest option out there. I fell from about 8 feet when my second climbing stick kicked out on me as i was transitioning from one stick to another with a little slack in my linemans strap. I know it wasn't the saddles fault per se. But it was enough to turn my arms to hamburger and the step took a nice chunk from my knee. I know accidents can happen in any climbing method but just be aware that you are not an exception using a saddle. As i found out the hard way.
Doesn't sound like a saddle issue. Sounds like a climbing stick problem. Wouldn't matter what you were sitting in or on.
Quote from: TGbow on October 20, 2022, 04:18:24 PM
I have a JX3 comin
I have one I haven't hunted from yet. Alot going on, but it is very comfortable. I call it a "reverse" system because everything is already attatched to the frame. Harness, tether, climbing belt, etc. Add a pouch for hangers and whatever and that's it.
Have not tried the bow from it.
Quote from: kbetts on October 24, 2022, 02:08:20 PM
Quote from: buckeyebowhunter on October 14, 2022, 04:34:20 PM
I absolutely love sitting in my saddle. But i will say this fellas be extremely careful climbing. I do not buy the idea of them being the safest option out there. I fell from about 8 feet when my second climbing stick kicked out on me as i was transitioning from one stick to another with a little slack in my linemans strap. I know it wasn't the saddles fault per se. But it was enough to turn my arms to hamburger and the step took a nice chunk from my knee. I know accidents can happen in any climbing method but just be aware that you are not an exception using a saddle. As i found out the hard way.
Doesn't sound like a saddle issue. Sounds like a climbing stick problem. Wouldn't matter what you were sitting in or on.
Kbetts, I said in my post it wasn't the saddles fault. It was user error on the climbing sticks. All I'm saying is there is a lot of people preaching about how safe saddles are, and they probably are the safest once setup. But you still need a way up the tree to use the saddle, and most are using sticks which can be extremely dangerous, like any climbing method. In my opinion a climber is probably the safest bet.
This will be my first year saddle hunting. My Cruzr arrived last week and my ring of steps from Bullman Outdoors arrived today! My back pain is at the point now where I can only do a couple hours in a stand at a time, hopefully the saddle will help me stay in the stand longer.
I'm in my 14th season using a tree saddle. I started with Trophyline, of course back in 2008....stuck with that until 2018 when I got a H2 Slingshot. I liked that saddle alot, used it for a couple of years and then last year I used a Latitude Classic 2, buckleless. I liked that one even more.
This year, at Compton's, I won a Tactisaddle Nomad made by John Tucker...and fellow trad shooter. I would definitely not have purchased this saddle based on looks...I mean, there's no way that just a few straps could be anymore comfortable than what I had been using...right? Well, since I won it in a raffle, I figured it couldn't really hurt to try it out for a couple of sits to see if my preconceived opinions were valid; Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. This saddle is surprisingly the most comfortable saddle I've ever used. No hip Pinch whatsoever, and the adjustability is amazing. John's saddles are definitely sleepers...I hate thinking that I never would have tried this saddle had I not won it. After using one this season, I'll be buying a second for backup.
Thanks this is more good info. I'm not much for discounting anything without trying it first. Does anyone know where I can try one out?
I'm kicking around the saddle idea. However I have no idea where to start. So many companies it seems.
Have run several from Tethrd, Cruzr, latitude but settled on the Dryad Micro. All that said where there are ample straight trees I have found a saddle to be nowhere near as efficient or comfortable as a open shot climber. All the trinketry gets annoying to me and the weight savings isn't there as I was hoping. I do love the comfort of a pack but with a molle system on a climber it is same same. All about the trees to me. Waiting on those new carbon sticks tho, more gadgetry , can't stop :biglaugh:
I'm going to try this upcoming season, I have Tetherd phantom elite and the Eberhart saddle from tethered Ill keep the one I like best. Going all in on one-sticking as well with the EWO platform stick with aider with a ring of steps (4) behind the platform. Ill sell the saddle I least like or keep it for a buddy to try out.