Is shooting from a saddle easier than a treestand?

In this video I'm going over how to shoot from a hunting saddle. It doesn't matter if you're using a Trophyline Tree Saddle, and Aerohunter Evolution, and Aero Hunter Kestrel, a Guidos web, or any other type of saddle. The shots are all performed the same way.
Keep in mind I'm exaggerating my movements for the camera. In a hunting scenario, it's very easy to position yourself for the shot.
I go over the Top Shot, the Drop Shot, The Strong Side, and the Weak Side shot. #saddlehunter #saddlehunting #TethrdNation #getoutdoors

[@G2Outdoors]

Keep in mind I'm exaggerating my movements for the camera. In a hunting scenario, it's very easy to position yourself for the shot.

[@democratsuck]

I had the opportunity to try a saddle for the first time this past Saturday at a Tethrd Teach-N-Train. I have to say that, as a "bigger guy" (6' 4" 260-280lbs), it was a LOT easier than I thought it would be! I felt perfectly secure & stable at "hunting height". It took me a bit to figure out the shot while up there because I did not set up the platform. I had to go with how they set it up. No big deal, I just may have done it a little differently. I was able to try on ALL of the saddle Tethrd offers & found the one that works for me the best. My wife was even able to find one that worked for her also! Now to purchase & hope they will be in stock some time soon.

[@Shootemfulloholes]

thanks for making all these vids its helped heaps and i must say im kinda hooked now.

[@G2Outdoors]

GOOD!!!!!

[@J155P]

LOL! I like you man...made me laugh. Love the DIY Sportsman "plug". : )))

[@G2Outdoors]

Joe P I don't think Garrett saw it! Lol!

[@J155P]

Hahaha...I had to slow mo it to see who the heck that was. Hilarious!

[@DIYSportsman]

Lol I missed it the first time.

[@superbowhunter92]

Looking forward to this new style. I am getting geared up and ready to practice a few months before this season. I have watched several of your videos and they are very informative. Thanks for taking the time to go through this topic. I am ready to be mobile, aggressive, and get after them!! Thanks!! DW Gear: Beast Gear Sticks, Tethrd Phantom, Amsteel daisy chain straps, Ropeman Ascenders, Predator Platform, and one step aiders for each section.

[@brpnw4r94]

A buddy from TN, Jerry Grose, sent me one of his saddles and some modified Hawk Heliums. I may be the only saddle hunter up here in the PNW come September. I'm trying to climb daily. I gotta work on that weak side shot for sure. Good stuff!

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

New sub here, thanks for sharing, looks like an interesting way to hunt, especially for those long hikes back to a good area. Thanks again for sharing and have a blessed week. Dale

[@G2Outdoors]

You got it! Hopefully it helps!

[@kianatom3]

Ordered mine this week cant wait to try it out.

[@mikeherpel6308]

Also you can shoot straight down under your stand by moving your one foot up the tree and leaning over towards the ground, it has worked for me a few times.

[@jeffsalsieder640]

Great video. Very helpful for beginners. I can never find trees which are straight. Always some lean of varying degrees. I keep hoping someone will actually show how to saddle hunt out of these real world trees. It severely affects your effective shooting arc, stability and comfort. It would be great if you could honestly address those challenges

[@G2Outdoors]

Good idea. With a severely leaning tree, it does affect your ability to shoot 360 to some degree.

[@sawtoothscream1521]

Need to play with my sit and drag one more. Tried a few times in the yard and decided I defiantly wasn't going to use it last season. That weak side shot is one big killer of this system for me. With my hang on or climber I can get a shot off any where the deer comes out pretty easy where wit hteh sit and drag one it jsut feels awkward. Have several months to mess with it, will see. Love the idea of the saddle system esp for longer hikes. Just going to take awhile for it to not feel awkward.

[@G2Outdoors]

None of the shots are difficult. It just takes some time to figure it out. The advantages of saddle hunting far outweigh the negatives.

[@sawtoothscream1521]

yeah, im going to take my setup to my tree over the summer and bring a bunch of old arrows I dont care if I break. Do some stump shooting out of the saddle. Will see what comes of it. If I end up liking it ill keep this saddle in mind, looks great. Like that platform as well. You guys have any plans to make some different types like the ameristeps?

[@wesmac68]

Not sold yet and I will wait till prices drop. $500 is a lot to drop for the saddle system.

[@billfresh3776]

didn't see the link you mentioned about beginners in saddles

[@clarkansas6590]

Good info

[@guysalescars6411]

Good info. Do they make saddled for us big boys?

[@softkc66x71]

They're rated up to 6,000 lbs were good brother

[@Howardhandupme]

Guess I'm one of those lucky few. I can shoot my bow one handed. So shooting out the back is easy. I own a hickory creek. Going to start saddle hunting soon. Getting gear together. 8-12 weeks for my wild edge...bummer

[@JacobSchmittDeerHuntingSchool]

How in the world do you shoot one handed???

[@BrandenFarmer]

Where do you find the ring style platform that goes around the tree with the little steps on it? That seems cool

[@G2Outdoors]

They're called Ameristep Strap On Steps. You can find them occasionally on Ebay and Craigslist.

[@Dutch.1722]

Plan on a single point sling if you wanna use an xbow.

[@thereelaccountant9246]

If you don't feel like packing the platform, how good would it wok using the top of your last stick to put your feet using the saddle? I honestly thought of putting one wild edge step on the left and right of my last stick

[@alekart781]

You are sneaky!

[@underdogoutdoors]

Is it difficult to use a crossbow from the saddle?

[@underdogoutdoors]

Thank's, I was thinking that can be an issue! I already shattered a limb from a hang on treestand!

[@michaelkarr6353]

Great question I was curious as well. If you were to practice the shooting movements do you think it would minimize problems. Also how wide is your crossbow when drawn? Thanks.

[@underdogoutdoors]

@@michaelkarr6353 I believe it's about 15 inches wide at full draw.

[@michaelkarr6353]

underdog outdoors thanks for the info.

[@bloodstainedoutdoors8552]

Great educational video Greg!

[@G2Outdoors]

Thanks. Hopefully it helps.

[@TheBearsButt]

Do you ever come to outdoor shows? Especially the one in Salt Lake City, Utah? We aren't normally tree stand hunters out here, but it's starting to catch on. I really am interested in this saddle hunting stuff, but don't know anything...and I mean...I don't know anything about this.

[@G2Outdoors]

I've never been to a show, but it could be fun!

[@coewhat]

Why in the world would you not walk CLOCKWISE to take the “weak side” shot, using the tree as a buffer??? Where is the logic to keep your body movements between the deer and tree while moving? Now, the single platform, with no additional steps, I can understand, but moving counterclockwise to take your weak side shot is well, asinine. When able, ALWAYS try and use the tree as COVER folks, not what is being taught here. Also, the knee on the tree ninja moves is not recommended either, unstable balance and noise will increase with this action movie technique. Aside from these highly not recommended moves, good job, buddy!

[@nathanprotz7468]

I’m thinking about going to a saddle this year. On the weak shot, wouldn’t it be easier to position yourself like in the top shot instead of shuffling and rotating counterclockwise? It seems like it would be less movement to simply turn to the right and shoot.

[@G2Outdoors]

You can do that for sure. There are multiple ways to make the weak side shot. On a pivot style platform, you can even stand up straight and rotate around on the platform without even going around the tree like I did.

[@greyhunter9287]

Heya G2, I notice on Saddlehunter that you communicate with BassboysLLP quite a bit. Does he have a youtube channel. What he wrote on Ozonics in thehuntingbeast and some of the stuff I've read in saddlehunter the guy is very knowledgeable. Would love to see you do a vid with him on ozonics and scentlok. John Eberhart makes a great case for scentlok and some folks I've communicated with, even though they were negative at first now swear by ozonics. Would love to get you two's take on it as I believe I saw you using scentlok clothes in a couple of your vids. New sub so trying to catch up between you and flingin, DIY, and a couple of the other guys you mentioned...lol!

[@G2Outdoors]

Pesky PopPop great ideas! I'd love to do a collab with John and Bassboys!

[@user-cx2kn2nj7h]

How do you handle putting on more layers, or taking off layers while in the saddle. I seem to have to get up in my tree, and then put on my clothes because I sweat really easily. So with a saddle I would get to the base of my tree, have to sit there for 5 min to cool off, then climb my sticks (get hot again) and then clip my saddle in. does that make sense?

[@G2Outdoors]

It's easy with jackets. You can add those in the tree. Your pant layers need to be put on the ground. One tip I use is to walk in with almost no insulating clothing, only base layers or lightweight layers. That keeps me from sweating on my walk in.

[@chandler5865]

what brand of platform are you using at 4:54 in the video?

[@G2Outdoors]

Custom made from an old lone wolf seat.

[@squatchfamilyoutdoors9041]

Hey man for a beginner would you recommend the kestrel flex or tethrd mantis saddle kits?

[@gant8408]

tehrd phantom more confortable than the kestral by far

[@squatchfamilyoutdoors9041]

After using both the kestrel flex is by FAR more comfy

[@toms2014]

What saddle are you wearing in this ??

[@thecaptainonline]

I'm considering making the move to a saddle. The one thing that concerns me is my hip comfort. I am 60 yo and have had hip issues my entire adult life. In a tree stand, I have to keep shifting my weight and standing/sitting to move my hips around to keep them comfortable. Also, my hips make it very difficult for an all-day sit. With a saddle, I am concerned my hips will be pinched. Anyone have any input or thoughts?

[@G2Outdoors]

It's possible. Hip pinch is a thing. Most hunters figure it out with a little practice. However, if you have medical issues with your hips, it might be a bigger challenge for you.

[@thecaptainonline]

Thank you so much for the info...great when hunters share knowledge. Much appreciated.

[@Howardhandupme]

My buddy uses a kestrall saddle. Both of his hips are replaced. They fit higher so weight is not transfered to hips more abdomen area. Lower straps tighten around thighs. He sits all day if wife let's him.

[@njgrplr2007]

Input? Yeah, see if your insurance will cover accidental hangings.

[@Takuplumbing]

I’m impressed you’d create a hunting style video wearing an anti-hunting company’s shirt (Patagonia).

[@G2Outdoors]

I didn't know Patagonia was anti. I know they're a leader in conservation. YVON Chouinard, the co-founder, just spoke at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers event in Montana. I suppose I need to be better informed.

[@Takuplumbing]

G2 Outdoors no worries brother. Honestly, I really like the quality of their stuff. Just a shame when conservationists don’t see eye to eye with things. Regardless, keep up the great work!!

[@matthewpawloski6826]

Did you switch Bows? That looks like a Matthew's.

[@G2Outdoors]

Matthew Pawloski I did. Mathews hooked me up with a new one. The jury is still out though. I really liked that Bowtech.

[@greyhunter9287]

Does bassboysllp have a youtube channel as well?

[@G2Outdoors]

I don't think so.

[@15roundchamp4]

Does it affect your circulation?

[@G2Outdoors]

Nope. 100% comfortable.

[@15roundchamp4]

@@G2Outdoors i might have to give this a try. Im a public land hunter and I like to get away from the crowd. It takes me at least an hour to get to my spot and after walking through rugged terrain with a tree stand strapped to my back, it kinda makes my back ache a little.

[@njgrplr2007]

Only when the tether line gets caught around your neck.

[@pabloesquivel754]

Man I'm a lefty.....

[@SouthernHunter]

I’m a lefty

[@G2Outdoors]

No problem. Everything is reversed.

[@BenDownTooLong]

You're weird...lol

[@Nick-vr8li]

I’m for trying anything new in hunting but I’m just not digging it. Maybe if I was hiking in miles on some public but besides the weight factor, I’m not sold.

[@K4kashiSensei]

Too much movement for the weak side shot

[@G2Outdoors]

I disagree. With practice, it's easy. I've killed several deer on the weak side.

[@johnmarkello]

Good stuff! What about using your release arm to go under the tether, rotating left to shoo the drop the shot? Is this easy?

[@digitaldozer]

This video is from early 2018, Tethrd has demonstrated this very technique since then on a THP video.

[@johnmarkello]

@@digitaldozer Awesome! Thanks

[@chriskennedy8514]

Is 12 feet high enough to hunt effectively hunt from a saddle? 15 feet?

[@Njjb122]

Im looking build a mobile set up next season either a lightweight lock on or tree saddle my biggest concern with the saddle is the bridge and tether getting in the way is this something to be concerned about?

[@G2Outdoors]

Not a concern at all. Literally THOUSANDS of deer have been killed from a saddle now with no issues. I myself have killed dozens and the Tethrd team has probably killed well over 100 out of saddles. No issues whatsoever.

[@Cleedster1]

this doesn't look as comfortable as a summit climber. I fall asleep in those things.

[@G2Outdoors]

It's pretty dang comfortable. Plus there's no bulk, no weight, and no noise. Nothing wrong with a climber either if it works for your style of hunting.

[@Shockstar76]

Greg, I was practicing the weak side shot today and the tether is digging into my stomach hard. Any idea what I'm doing wrong? I played with the tether height but it didn't seem to matter.

[@JoryValley]

Nope... you’re weird

[@G2Outdoors]

Maybe so. Don't knock it until you try it. :)

[@JoryValley]

G2 Outdoors 2:27 I’ve tried and can shooting right handed but it’s def weird... in case you thought I meant saddle hunting, def not, love it...

[@G2Outdoors]

@@JoryValley lol! Now I get it!

[@ronringwald5120]

No comparison at all, treestand hunting is safer, more silent, less movement, SADDLES ARE FOR HORSES

[@perryrusso3764]

🦌🦌Saddle Hunting is quite, light weight to carry, your setup locations are concealed, very mobile. Saddle hunting isnt for everyone, but if you hunt large tracts of public ground then saddle hunting should be considered....the other big advantage is your ability to adjust your setup location or move your location let's say 60 yds away from your original spot without disturbing your location...virtually no noise and still being able to hunt effectively. I also like the fact that your mobile saddle can never be stolen like conventional hang on stands. All in all my biggest decision for choosing saddle hunting was the weight on my back 35 to 45lbs...now I only carry between 10 to 15lbs on my back...that's much easier....