My Saddle Hunting Setup (Gear, Climbing Method, and Setup)

[@JSJTOUTDOORS]

Thank you for taking the time to show all of that. Most channels don’t go that deep into detail and it really helps seeing every step.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@land4deer887]

Thanks for the thorough video. As someone just getting starting in saddle hunting this video was extremely helpful.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad it was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@asse1112]

Enjoyed the video. What I do around the ol’100 yd mark of approaching my tree is I get my saddle on and most everything ready to climb so when I get to my tree I don’t have to put my backpack on the ground and make a disturbance around where I’m hunting.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Cool! Thanks for sharing your idea!

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

High quality breakdown of how you get up in the tree and back down as well as what you do with all your gear once you are up there. The only thing that I didn’t see you break out is your budget knee pad. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I guess I did fail to mention that in this video. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

@@TheBudgetSportsman it's okay Nate, takes a lot to produce an informative video such as this, something is bound to be left out. You are welcome.

[@ScottWConvid19]

I was wondering if he wears knee pads. lol. Even when hunting, 50% of the time I forget something. Thankfully, it's never something of importance like a safety harness or a bow or release...lol

[@huntsail3727]

You have a great channel, coming from a sticks and lock-on system, seeing how you pack in your saddle equipment was very helpful, learning a lot here. Thanks

[@markkahler1130]

Very helpful! Great step by step for a guy like me who is just exploring this option.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@sarafayelawton652]

Nice video. There's many ways to do this, but your video is clear and concise. Thanks much

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks Sara, I didn’t feel like this video came out quite as I hoped so I appreciate your kind words.

[@1Whitetail]

Nate I have to tell ya, I like your videos. I even like this one knowing I will not use a saddle nothing against them but just to old and stiff lol. I'm confined to gun hunting and mostly from the ground. Bottom line is you have good info and present it easy to understand. Keep them coming.

[@Smithwise]

Great video thanks for posting! One tip I have is to attach your pull rope to the limb of your bow closest to your nocks. Last year I pulled my bow up from the other end and cracked a nock without knowing it because it got pushed into the mud. The nock broke on the shot and made a loud whistling noise.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

That’s a great tip. I’ve always done it the other way because I’ve had problems with catching a branch and pulling an arrow out of the quiver.

[@anderton1993]

Thanks for the video, just ordered my first saddle setup and this is very helpful.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad you found it helpful. There’s a ton of ways to do it, this is just my way…for now, until I change it up 😃

[@thebluecollarbowhunter360]

Great video very informative. Saddle Hunting has changed the game for me been hunting out of it for 3 seasons now and wow the possibilities. Only thing I would say is you don’t always have to get so high up a tree I’ve shot more deer at 10’ in cover than at 20’. Depends on what the tree gives you.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Sure! thats definitely true. As a guy who is coming from using a climber to get up 25-30 ft, only being at 16ft feels super low. I am definitely working on learning to use cover to my advantage.

[@thebluecollarbowhunter360]

@@TheBudgetSportsman awesome Channel though👍

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks

[@vincent2662]

Great video from what appears to be a regular guy! We need more videos on KZbin like this. I’m gonna check out some of your video thanks again

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Yes Sir, I am just a regular guy. Thanks for watching and I hope you find a few more videos you enjoy.

[@ExperiencedNovice2024]

Nicely done video! Good pace and thorough. I'm looking to start saddle hunting next season and this gave me a lot of good pointers. Thank you.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Great! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@seldomseen_outdoors]

Just got a saddle setup a couple weeks ago. Can't wait to try it out next season. 😁

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Awesome. Enjoy!

[@stevegermain1222]

Just ordered my saddle last night subscribed your channel hope to learn something we'll keep an eye out for your other videos

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks for subscribing. I have a variety of content, not just saddle hunting, but I like to sprinkle some saddle stuff in from time to time. Here my saddle content playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLYlc3M98PqhQxl9DAkgBzqivUEd2ch2TB

[@bennyclowney7506]

Add a kydex hook on your quiver for hanging it on the strap

[@nicknash331]

just getting into saddle hunting. great video! great info!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad you enjoyed! Good luck with your new endeavors.

[@pop4725]

Excellent demonstration of how a mobile system works

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks.

[@HuntingFarmerOfficial]

A very good demonstration! Thanks Nate for taking the time to put this together 👍

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks my friend.

[@bkbowhunter1]

I hang my quiver with a s- biner keeps it handy for a second shot. You’re set up is similar to mine. I’ve been wanting to do a video of mine also probably have to wait till a break in the weather. Good video 👍

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks my friend. I don’t want to fiddle with an s biner since I don’t have loops in my gear strap like most folks do. Usually I clip it into the same biner that holds my backpack. This video was recorded a couple months ago and I just got around to getting it posted. 😂

[@Zelleram55]

Just put a small aluminum carabiner they sell at Lowes on your OCB. Then hook your quiver to that. I use the nite ize #4 aluminum one, but I put it on my HYS strap.

[@mobilehunterfitness2139]

Thanks Nate! Great info

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@brenthead8616]

Awesome video man!! Thanks!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Your welcome. Glad you enjoyed.

[@bradbishop1893]

Thanks for sharing , I made double step aiders for my 16” LW mini sticks I made and now going to try a 3 step movable aider to see which one I like better. I was concerned about my aiders swinging around on a windy day and a movable aider would solve that problem.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I hunted with my aiders all last season and really didn’t have a problem with them blowing, but I could see how it might be a problem if it’s very windy.

[@thechrisbolton]

Great video! I actually bought the predator platform pack and use it when I climb. Nervous about if I fall, will it penetrate me if it's dangling.

[@SufferingOutdoors]

I'm using 3 20" sticks and feel like that is good for how high I want to get. I also self film so appreciate seeing how you setup your camera stuff as well.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@rTrax]

I’ve been looking for a video like this to learn more

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

We got to get together and let you try it out for yourself.

[@rTrax]

@@TheBudgetSportsman I would love that! Let’s make it happen!!!

[@bulletsandbroadheads]

Genesis 3d printing have a great strap to hold your gear. Great video buddy 👍

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Yeah I’m familiar with their hanger but I don’t think it would work with me second angle camera setup, though o might be able to just get a hook from them.

[@voiceforthevoicelesstruth5480]

Nah wasn’t try to be offensive. I like your channel glad you made the video. It convinced me not to sell a summit for a saddle. Looks like a ton of gear and work for little reward. I bet you weigh all your gear saddle ropes clips backpack that’s massive by the way! To carry it all, sticks I bet weights basically a wash at this point. Only advantage I see is the ability to get in different trees? It’s a lot of money to get into I know that. Anyway thanks for the video it was informative. Also I don’t see climber companies constantly having to come up with some new way to stand set bend a leg to be comfortable. They have been untouched for years now. Every year there’s a new platform to stand on or a back band etc.. that makes saddle hunting great again. I noticed Dan Infalt even said the heck with it after 1 year! Maybe I’m missing something?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I know you weren’t trying to be offensive and neither was I. My point was that it isn’t for everyone. I will say that I have weighed my gear and it’s 6-7 lbs lighter than my summit climber(your open shot is lighter than mine I’m sure). The backpack is large because I carry a lot of filming gear. My buddy saddle hunts with a badlands monster Fanny pack. I understand that saddle hunting doesn’t look comfortable, and it does take some time to get used to, but I have significant back pains after 15 minutes in a hang on or climbing treestand. I can hunt pain free in a saddle. Again, it’s not my job to convince anyone, but it’s the first time in my life I’ve been able to comfortably and efficiently mobile hunt on public land.

[@6saturdaysaweekoutdoors]

Have you considered setting you platform and top of your top step at the same level. Seems to make it a little more stable when walking around to cover the 7 to 4 o clock shot, for me.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I have considered it. Generally I place the platform based on cover and where I need to be. Rarely am I in a tree that actually gives me 360 degree shooting and I set up for my shooting lanes.

[@kevinnielsen4321]

Good video you seem to have your system dialed in !!!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks. I’m sure it’s an every changing process but this system worked well for me this year.

[@ronmacdougall9612]

Very good show,thank you very much

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Your welcome!

[@ScottWConvid19]

Since we're talking "budget," what is the total cost of your gear minus video equipment?

[@davidcorley1146]

I was wondering the same.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

As a KZbinr I’ve been very fortunate to have some companies send me gear to try and review and that definitely offset the cost of my equipment and allowed me to try various options. On a budget here is what I would suggest. CGM sidewinder (similar to the phantom in this video but a little cheaper) - $175 Hawk climbing sticks $100 (have to watch for a sale) Hawk platform (similar to predator platform) I got mine for $60 on sale Ropes will really vary depending on what ropes you choose and where you buy, but I would plan on an extra $100-$150 for ropes, gear hangers pouches etc. Just to be clear, I paid for the sticks in this video while the saddle, platform and ropes were sent to me by tethrd. I love my tethrd products but I’m also giving some more budget options in this reply.

[@actionjacksondan]

Thank you, very informative video

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidsicard2651]

A very well done video, Thank you

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks David!

[@collincook3436]

How do you attach your climbing sticks to your molle loops using parachord? How did you tie the parachord to your molle loops to form the ring you hang the versa button on?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I just make a loop of paracord. Then I girth hitch that loop around the molle strap. You will be left with a loop hanging down. I just slide the versa button down it that loop.

[@DerekBraid]

good stuff, very similar setup myself. I'd like to add a few step aiders in this year, and have a ton of rope to do it! Not sure on the best way to secure to my sticks.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I suppose that depends on the sticks and the aider. I have my Amsteel aiders girth hitched through the cutouts of the hawk step. I really like that because they aren’t over the top of the step and they don’t slide off.

[@heavyd2249]

I have the same setup minus the saddle. The pack is great even when I use bolts on private.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I love the backpack. It’s extremely versatile for all different kinds of hunting

[@charlesreed6404]

As a Climber (Summit Viper) hunter, this seems like way more work. Maybe it's not but sure does look like it.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I used a climber for a long time and after switching to a saddle I can’t see myself ever using my climber again. It’s way lighter, more compact to carry in and more versatile in tree selection. I’m not saying it’s right for everyone but it’s not even a consideration for me. The summit hasn’t left my attic in a couple seasons.

[@kigaku_yt]

oh yeah buddy you get a like for this one, fo-sho!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks!

[@TristanPT]

What is the secondary camera arm you are using? I’m dialing in my setup and still trying to decide the best way to setup my GoPro for a secondary angle. Thanks!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Send an email to [e-mail] and I’ll shoot you some pictures and details.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I have the new phantom and it IS better than the mantis, however it only comes in one size and it's a little big on me even as tight as I can get it. I'm a 31"!!

[@fabianrichburgh6517]

Why not tether vs lineman’s belt when ascending?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Technically, using the tether may be a little safer. However I find that advancing the tether is a bit more difficult than advancing the lineman’s and having the line right in front of you may make it more difficult to hang the sticks as opposed to the lineman’s ropes being to the side. If climbing with tether works for you, it is certainly a safe and acceptable way to do it.

[@ronniejohnson3781]

I have the 3 step hawk sticks with no aiders at all and go 20ft all day long

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Have you ever measured because that math doesn’t work. 20 ft is 240” I’m assuming you have three 30” sticks. That’s 90”. Leaving us 150” to get to 20’. So you have 3 spaces between your sticks. 150”/3 is 50”. So unless you’re putting more than 4’ between each stick, you’re not at 20’ Now on the other hand of your measuring to the top of your head and not the top of the sticks then that math works.

[@ronniejohnson3781]

@@TheBudgetSportsman I use 4 sticks, my first time using them I climbed up a tree next to a 15ft ladder stand and the bottom of my top stick was at the seat of the ladder stand, no its not exactly 20ft but it's close enough

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

@@ronniejohnson3781 ah. Ok. 4 sticks makes a difference. I assumed you were comparing to my 3 sticks.

[@gregmiskinis4373]

Thanks for the video good info

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

No problem 👍

[@Seakaye2s]

Seems like a ton of steps, extra rope and more bags for convenience. Light weight but I’d need tons of reps I think before use. Tons of movement equals noise.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

There are a lot of guys who definitely have their system more streamlined than myself. But this is the first system where I’ve really been able to be mobile on public land. It payed off for me last year.

[@Seakaye2s]

I’ve gotta say I do want to try it now. I know rucking a fixed “mobile” stand is a pain. Great vid

[@stevenblystone3844]

Great video

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks Steven!

[@ianhoose4784]

Really good video what kind of aiders do you use

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I used Amsteel and made my own.

[@chadgoebel7476]

How do you like the EZ V bow sight? Also what are you using for a bow hanger on your ocb strap?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I haven’t used the EZV a whole lot yet. I put it on after season and have only played with it a little so far. So far I think it’s an interesting concept for a sight picture using the tick marks on the sight but I’m not so convinced on the “ranging” part of it. I’m using a hook off of a HME gear hanger. The only reason I didn’t use the HME strap is because of the way I mount my second angle camera from the OCB strap.

[@dmchenry2444]

Do you have a video on you gopro arm?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I don't have a video dedicated to that arm. You can see it a little bit in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWPceYGLZq6kiqc

[@fromontario6954]

How long should the tree tether be?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

That’s very personal preference. I usually put mine about nose heigh when I’m standing on my platform and adjust the length to my comfort. You can play around with a higher or lower position to see how it impacts your personal comfort.

[@fromontario6954]

@@TheBudgetSportsman Thank you for your reply, but I meant the overall length. Is 6 ft long enough?

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Oh I’m so sorry. I misunderstood your question. I would recommend going longer than 6 feet. I believe mine is 8 or 9 feet. I’ve used a shorter 6’ tether and it was too small on some of the larger trees

[@fromontario6954]

@@TheBudgetSportsman Good to know. I want to be able to around most trees but don’t want to pack too much extra rope if I don’t need it. Ok thank you for the tips and info. 👍

[@ericulry4743]

Does saddle hunting make your legs sore standing up like that for 4+ hours???

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Sometimes the first hunt or two of the season, I do get tired. But after getting used to it, it’s not bad at all. I do tend to change positions from time to time.

[@pardo94]

I would like to be a deer just to stare you from behind the bush, and see this amazing procedure of yours.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Haha. Thanks for watching.

[@garrettstraffon608]

Yea I would love to try all that. But the climber is just easier. That seems like a lot and a lot of money just to try it

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I used a climber for years. I will never go back. Once you get your system down it really isn’t that hard and you can climb just about any tree. I will admit that currently the prices are still high. I think the prices will come down over the next few years as we have more and more options on the market.

[@sarafayelawton652]

Not really. I used a climber for 20 years and hunted from a saddle all this past year. I can get in trees I couldn't get into with a climber. But they are both just tools.

[@joshandhuntersadventures5046]

I’m still really not sure about the saddle deal yet

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I understand. I don’t think it’s for everyone. I still say that for me, I tried it once and it all clicked. The last couple of years I had been using a hang on stand and for me the size compactness of this setup alone was a huge upgrade.

[@wolverinekut]

👍💯

[@sgreene2036]

Good video brother! Wish the tethrd set up wasn’t $1,000.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

I agree with you there. Tethrd setup is great, but there are some really great companies out there offering quality products at a more affordable price point.

[@rTrax]

Make an episode on how to safely sleep in your saddle set up LOL

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Haha. I’ll be honest. I haven’t quite mastered that yet.

[@paulcrave3112]

Put your head up against the bridge and snooze away. Helps if you’re a sitter.

[@paulcrave3112]

Genesis 3D Printing makes a nice hook you can slip onto your gear strap for your quiver. Otherwise a simple nitize gear tie works to hook it on there. Just leave the gear tie right on your quiver permanently.

[@rTrax]

@@paulcrave3112 good info brother👍👊 I’m gonna try a saddle this year

[@voiceforthevoicelesstruth5480]

Lol I’ll just slip up that tree in my summit open shot in 5 seconds!

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Hey, if it works for you more power to you. I own a summit climber and never use it anymore. My saddle set up is more compact, lighter, and more versatile to get in a variety of different trees. Oh and did I mention that is 10 times more comfortable.

[@johnnyjohn5506]

The budget hunter has 400+ dollar set up.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Watch this video please. How to enjoy the outdoors on a BUDGET! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouxcoB8iNWmd7M

[@flushot6513]

Funny budget hunting there nothing about tethered being budget mystery ranch hmmm

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Check my channel. A few weeks ago I posted a saddle hunting setup for under $300.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Also watch this video for what “budget sportsman” means to me.

[@randy3577]

Looks.like a tangled mess with stuff hanging everywhere. I think I'll stay with screw in steps and a tree stand.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Keep in mind that half of my straps are for film gear. Screw in steps aren’t legal in some places that hat I hunt and hanging a platform is way easier than hanging a stand. If you wear a safety harness it’s the equivalent connection as a saddle. Just something to think about.

[@randy3577]

@@TheBudgetSportsman is it comfortable for all day sits? I haven't ruled it out yet, just hate to drop the money and not like it. I'm in Canada and usually have to sit morning til dark to see deer.

[@BoostedYote]

Lol the budget sportsman my ass you ain’t never seen a real “budget hunter “ before have you? You should rename your channel the slightly below rich person status hunter 😂.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

You have no idea what you are talking about. When I started this channel I was literally living on $200 a month. I had $0 budget for hunting and fishing. My life has changed for the better but that will always be my roots. You also clearly do not understand the word budget. If you actually care to know what this channel is about, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouxcoB8iNWmd7M

[@catfart879]

It good idea in theory. It is so uncomfortable no matter how ya do it. Plus legs get tired way to soon. Not good for long hunts. All the gear is expensive. Just my opinion.

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Sorry to hear it doesn't work for you. If I sit in a hang on or climber, my back hurts. Saddle hunting is about the most comfortable way I can hunt.

[@berryr571]

I use Nite ize carabiner like someone else posted, you can find them in plastic but I used some left over stealth strip to make it quite (IM I’ll send pics........2-Pack 1.56-in Stainless Oval Wire Carabiner www.lowes.com/pd/Nite-Ize-2-Pack-1-56-in-Stainless-Oval-Wire-Carabiner/50188835

[@cohenbryan8822]

Great video

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks Cohen

[@h3_outdoors171]

awesome video

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thank you!

[@6saturdaysaweekoutdoors]

Great video

[@TheBudgetSportsman]

Thanks