Any one ? Hows that workout ? Ive got one that I hunt out of with a compound and now that im getting back into traditional equipment I was wondering how well it worked with canting longer bows.
Works great! Been using one for a few years now.
I also have buddies that shoot 68" and 70" longbows out of them. It's all in how you set up.
chris <><
I used one almost excusively for a year because I really liked the concept and wanted to give it a fair chance. I thought it sucked in every way, but to each their own.
I'm with onions, they can work great. The guys that turned Chris and me onto them modified then some with a padded platform as the seat, its a little easier on the hips. Didn't use mine this year but will again in 2011. One deer I shot from a small (6") tree. They are very versitle.
For me there is no problem shooting my 60 to 64 inch bows from them. The hard part is being comfortable and staying still. An explination of the padded platform might help or any other advice would be appreciated.
I use a treesuit and love it. Use a 66in longbow and got an 8pt out of it. I am actually more comfortable all day in my ts than a conventional treestand.
Leg
Check out this guy in these videos. He really knows how to use it. Wouldn't want to be a Deer in his hunting grounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLzUcHZxG5c&feature=related
Kool video.. I may have to get Me one of them. But then again I'm thinking of just being a ground hunter..
Look into Guido's webb same idea, but don't need neepads. It has a standoff to keep you away from the tree. Waiting on mine. Greg
Very easy to shoot out of a TreeSaddle ! Easier than shooting out of a conventional stand to me.
However...... as uncomfortable as I was in a TreeSaddle I did not have to ever worry about a shot !Just could not sit still for more than 15 minutes without fidgeting. Guidos Web is far superior in my humble opinion. Lots of threads here on these type stands.
Love mine. I began using gaffs (as dangerous as it may be) to climb trees. The only thing I have trouble with is shooting off to my right (i'm right handed). I've never had a problem with comfort in mine.
I've been using one for 2 hunting seasons now and all my climbing stands are for sell or have already been sold. I love mine!
Have friends who swear by it. I tried it for a season.
I was already a portable hunter so it did not change my style- I am already mobile.
Like others stated here- I really think I fidgeted more AND I had to physically move around more to position for the shot. I think I get virtually the same shooting with less movement in the "traditional" treestand.
Dan in KS
Those look pretty cool, gonna have to investigate them some more.
It looks like a good way for a big redneck like myself to end up hanging himself?
Or fall out while I was trying to get hooked in?
I think I'll keep my feet on a solid platform or on the earth.
I have used one for last two seasons with great success. This year I hunted with my Howard Hill and the long length wasn't an issue because you don't have a platform to work around for shots.
Not to traditional just kiding. When I hunter from tree stands. I found places way back I state ground and used one a few time's,to good luck 2 kills. Not very PRIMITIVE either. I hunt with selfbows and long bows are surpose to be canted. You won't have any problems.
QuoteOriginally posted by SEMO_HUNTER:
It looks like a good way for a big redneck like myself to end up hanging himself?
Or fall out while I was trying to get hooked in?
I think I'll keep my feet on a solid platform or on the earth.
:D :D
Yep!
For years I sold the original product called the Tree Sling from my Shoppe. Dozens of fellows are using them still.
I use to use mine a lot but only for short stints as it gets uncomfortable after awhile for me and you do tend to move around more in them. My friend Deano turned me on to them years ago, that guy was like a monkey and used them all the time. You can use them many ways and in any type or shape tree there is.. Mostly now I use it as my safety belt when I am in a tree stand and as a great deer drag when mother nature smiles on me.
Other than the lack of comfort, the biggest drawback I found was that they required excesseive movement to shoot to the right. I also didn't like having to wear knee pads. My lone wolf assault is just as light(if not lighter) than the saddle, so i just didn't see the advantages outweighing the disadvantages. I did purchase a treesuit after i sold the saddle and I do like that a little better from a comfort standpoint, but I don't use it much.
Danny, Thanks for posting a link to my videos. The tree saddle is one of the most verstile treestands on the market. They do take some getting use to but you can shoot 360 degrees. It may require a little movement but you can shoot places than no tree stand can. As for weight tree saddle will win most of the time, it will beat any hang on in weight. The saddle weighing only 4 lbs most hang on are around 11-18 lbs. Some climbers can get close to the same weight. It depends on what climbing system you choose.
Shooting a long bow with the saddle is easy, the bow in that video is a 64 in selfbow. I have shot a 66 easly with no problems. Just remember to pratice alot at home first. Get use to it and then try hunting. It can be frustrating to be trying to tie the knot and can't get it right. So pratice makes perfect.
Thanks
Boswell
this was a different brand from M&M sporting goods but I tried one and my feet slipped off the tree and my legs then swung up in the air while my hip smacked against the tree,,, my body swung so far i was now upside down and the harness started sliding off with my pants...
by the time I got my self right side up again my butt was hanging out and everything in my pockets along with the arrows I had in my back quiver had fell all around the base of the tree I was hanging in,,, I didn't notice til I got to the truck that my keys where missing and I had to go back and look for them.
not sure if this is the same model you guys use but it was really scary and I hunted from the ground the rest of the season and I still can't find my marbles skinner that came out of the sheath that day!
That last entry sounds about right. The Tree Komakazi by One Hunt Inc!!
Could always get the real thing? Some models have the Bosun seat, and even then you might have the option of a floating D ring or similar.
http://www.sherrilltree.com/Professional-Gear/Tree-climbing-saddles-harness
But, if you go that far you might start to look into different ways of climbing and descending gear which is a hobby in itself.
Here is a build along I did last year. I have hunted out of this seat for more than 20 years and taken dozens of deer with longbows and recurves with it.
http://***********.bowsite.com/TF/lw/thread2.cfm?threadid=197004&category=88#2527792
I agree you can shoot 360 degrees but only with excessive movement. shooting to the right is very difficult. My lone wolf asault is actually lighter than the saddle when you consider the weight of the 4 steps needed for the saddle platform.
Shooting to the off side isn't so bad if you aren't using a bow that's too heavy :) I'm 5'7" and can shoot a 64" longbow without a problem. The reason I went with a treesaddle rather than a light hang-on was due to noise factor. A metal tree stand will eventually make noise during set-up or take down. That is specifically what I cannot have.
BDC,
The assualt is a hang on stand, Say using the same climbing system to reach the assualt and the saddle, the weight would be the same. The difference is saddle weights 4 and assualt weighs 11 so saddle is ligher. My 5 ameristeps steps for my platform weights about 2 lbs, still 5 lbs lighter. Where it gets close is with the alpha series of around 15 lbs so that gives me 11 lbs for sticks depending on type of steps I use depends on the weight that the saddle weights.
Thanks
Boswell
I use the sneaky sak on occasion. Very good out of "conifers" with lots of branches and a small hand saw. Easy to wear it in and almost no weight..adds versitility and possibility.
QuoteOriginally posted by Boswell:
Danny, Thanks for posting a link to my videos. The tree saddle is one of the most verstile treestands on the market. They do take some getting use to but you can shoot 360 degrees. It may require a little movement but you can shoot places than no tree stand can. As for weight tree saddle will win most of the time, it will beat any hang on in weight. The saddle weighing only 4 lbs most hang on are around 11-18 lbs. Some climbers can get close to the same weight. It depends on what climbing system you choose.
Shooting a long bow with the saddle is easy, the bow in that video is a 64 in selfbow. I have shot a 66 easly with no problems. Just remember to pratice alot at home first. Get use to it and then try hunting. It can be frustrating to be trying to tie the knot and can't get it right. So pratice makes perfect.
Thanks
Boswell
I watched all your vids after a guy over on the Mathews forum posted about them(Said he went to school with ya).I was interested in trying a saddle after reading John Eberhart's books and watching your well done vids that sealed the deal for me. :thumbsup:
I've hunted 2 seasons with a treesaddle and have a love/hate relationship with it. I figured out a few things this season that really helped me use it more efficiently though... like setting up in straight trees. Any tree that is on an angle will make you hang in that direction... it can be very uncomfortable. I also agree that you really have to discipline yourself not to move. I now like to get into a sitting position and tuck into the the utility belt. When the deer come I slow get out of that position and grab my bow... that all said I have yet to take a deer from my saddle.
QuoteOriginally posted by mrpenguin:
I've hunted 2 seasons with a treesaddle and have a love/hate relationship with it. I figured out a few things this season that really helped me use it more efficiently though... like setting up in straight trees. Any tree that is on an angle will make you hang in that direction... it can be very uncomfortable. I also agree that you really have to discipline yourself not to move. I now like to get into a sitting position and tuck into the the utility belt. When the deer come I slow get out of that position and grab my bow... that all said I have yet to take a deer from my saddle.
Have you spooked many deer from it? Have you got any shots at deer from the saddle?
I used an Anderson Tree Sling (one of those "original" designs from decades ago) and I actually like it a lot. It is very easy to pack, and very versatile. Like anything, it takes practice, but I can get into trees with it, that are not possible with other settups. I have taken many deer out of them with longbows.
When I was younger, this was my first treestand option purchase and served me well. There are drawbacks....the kneepads and shooting to the right side, but almost anything has drawbacks. The worst one, I think was the pressure of standing on steps for hours. Other than that, I feel safer in one of these than in my other stands, as I'm firmly attached to the tree. Of course I've hunted some windy days that made me wish I were'nt.
[/qb][/QUOTE]Have you spooked many deer from it? Have you got any shots at deer from the saddle? [/QB][/QUOTE]
Yes and No.... I've seen deer many times in the saddle. Last season I watched a herd of does run across a field 60ish yards out. It was amazing to see. I've seen hawks, owls, and even had coyotes (in the dark) about 15 yards off (too dark to shoot but they were CLOSE! I could hear them running and yipping). This season I had 2 does 30 yards out. They came in 15 yds from the tree, but there were NO lanes cut in that direction. I was pretty ticked that I did not anticipate them coming in that direction... figures. Only deer I got close enough to this season. It was ROUGH here in CT with the acorn drop being so abundant and ubiquitous.
Now I've taken many-a-practice shot and it is very natural out of a saddle... but you need to practice so that you have the mental confidence you need cause it does feel different. In all honesty I recommend beginning to practice with a compound just to build confidence that you CAN connect and then move to your favorite stickbow. That's what I did and still switch back and forth on purpose.
Really, the only way to really know is try one out. You can get them cheap enough used and the set up is very quick. One thing I recommend is checking out John Eberhart's writings. His recommended set up is the best.
OH!! And the coolest thing about a treesaddle is that you can hide BEHIND a tree and then slowly sneak out for the shot. That's what I did this season, but the shot never presented b/c the growth was too thick that the deer moved into.
BUT I do not think there was any evidence in their behavior to signify that they knew I was there.
I have many many kills from the Saddle or my own swing seat. As far as excessive movement that is with any stand. You definitely need to anticipate the shot and be in position before the deer is to close. I can say that I have never failed to get into position for a shot. I have missed plenty though.
Thanks for the replies.I am going to try the saddle out.I have two new ones but havent tried one out yet.The large one is for sale in classifieds.
Make sure you get one that fits correctly. Check with a sales person who really knows them... it made ALL the difference for me. I bought a large and went to small this year... the small fits so much more comfortably... easier to get on and around with to.
I actually bought the large and felt it was too big that is why I went to the medium which feels a lot better.I am 5 ft.11in. and weigh about 177 lbs.Wear W34 L32 pants.
Only way to hunt, tried one 2 yrs ago, sold all my hang-ons, and climbers. Sit all day, no problem shooting out of. The trick is to have a good platform. Made mine out of climbing paws with ratchet from hardware store. Leave steps in trees I hunt, climb up and hang platform. Takes about 5 min, and weighs only 2 pounds.
I tried one several years ago,I did not like it.Everybody is different.
To each their own but I love mine. It packs light & easy & it's way more comfortable than most stands i've sat in. To sum it up in one word... versatile.
Shot four deer out of mine this year. All with a 62" longbow and I'm only 5'7". To me its not uncomfortable as I usually sit at least three hours. I nap a little to. Like what's been mentioned, you have to pay attention to your setup. For a guy like me, who doesn't like heights, l consistantly set up 20 feet or more with no worries.
I have hunted out of my saddle for years, killed 30+ deer out of it 14 with my 64'' longbow and don't have trouble. I honestly wonder how people shoot so well out of tree stands. I cut off the shoulder straps, pack it with some steps in my pack and I can quietly go anywhere and do about anything. I stay mostly cozy in mine, but I don't mind the sometimes uncomfortable way of sitting because I find it to be the most effective way of hunting.
I used on for one season and hated it! I cost me several shots at decent bucks. On the bright side it makes the best harness ever for hanging stands. So... not a total loss.
I hunted with the saddle exclusively last season and became really good at getting set up quickly and really liked it initially. However, this thing is not designed for bigger, heavier guys imo. I'm 6'0 230 and the saddle just is not comfortable enough for long sits and you will move owing to pinching and your hind end cramping. Just look at the guy in the youtube vids and John Eberhart, they're thin guys. I bought a Guido's Web which is more expensive but is just a much better product. This craftmenship is superior, it's actually hand sewn once you place your order as opposed to mass produced. The other thing I hated about the Saddle was the tie off. You have to get it right or you will be screwing with it all day and there is alot excessive movement. Guido's hook up is a caribiner through a loop and you then just cinch tight aroung the trunk and you climb and then you hunt. Simple as that. He also sells and additional belt for under ten bucks that allows you to hook up when you encounter a branch on your way up thus allowing you to safely disconnect your main belt and then reattatch once you've cleared the obstacle. The comfort level is AWESOME. Butch's instructional dvd's are on youtube or you can go to Ikes outdoors.com and see a recent review he did which he's shooting his recurve from this outstanding product. BTW, you can call Butch anytime and this guy will answer all your questions, he's truly a good ol Mississippi boy who loves to bowhunt Whitetails.
just started reading "Bowhunting pressured whitetails" and i have to say, its completely changed my thinking. i'm going to make a tree saddle so i can hunt my really far hike in spots. i think they'll really improve my hunting
Agree w/ Ethical Redneck.
Forget the saddle, use Guido's Web. I have the web and was so glad to ditch the tree saddle.
with the web, you are pushed away from the tree so no knee pads necessary, it is sooooo comfy you can sleep in it!
Now, shooting from these things takes practice, and in my opinion you should do what Eberhard says and get HIGH in the tree. Now I don't like that part. If possible, get in a tree that you are very concealed, otherwise for some reason, you have to make sure you get up there a bit.
I hunt spooky deer, but you have to get out of their sight which takes practice.
Also, set up so your shots are to the dominant side of the tree. It is too difficult to shoot to your off side so don't even attempt it in my opinion.
Getting higher also allows you to move a bit more for the shot if needed without being seen. Again, I think they are great in the right situation.
Snag has some tips that really helped me, but can't remember the topic
There in lies the rub. You can't shoot to the right without monkeying around the tree! The only non shot out of a stand is directly behind the tree. You give up 150-180 degrees of shooting lanes? Why? Murphy's law (he rules most of my hunting) says that big old buck comes in.... and breaks right. I know because it happened to me TWICE. The buck that haunts me stood beneath my tree at about 6 yards for 20 seconds or more..... To my right. He was meat in the freezer out of a stand. I was helpless in the saddle. After that I hung up the saddle adventures and went back to lone wolf light weight hang ons. Sorry my two cents.