I made the switch to a saddle on January after hunting season and there are a couple things I've noticed doing practice climbs. 1. The branches on both sides of a tree matter more. If I set my stand I'm getting in a gap between branches and shooting forward in a saddle you need a gap on the side you're hanging and the branches on the opposite side to give you a shooting lane. I'm sure I'll get more in tune on the trees to select but it has been a bit of an issue. 2. On densely branched trees in a stand I can have a lower profile because I can sit and shoot so my vertical profile is only 3 or 4ft. In a saddle I'm fully vertical and need almost 6ft of clearance between branches. Those are just a couple things I've noticed in a about a dozen practice climbs. However, the weight and profile of a saddle are going to be so much better hiking in on 3 or 4 mile hikes. Additionally I found with a stand I either have to get my harvest out of the woods and leave my stand or take my stand back to the truck and then get my harvest. With a saddle I'll save a trip that way. Then peace of mind my saddle isn't going to slide of my kayak and sink like I've feared many times paddling a stand in. I'm also using squirrel steps as my "platform" which are awesome have a scout platform but prefer the squirrel steps much more, y'all should take a look at them.
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff dude! I’ve never thought about the kayak benefits that a saddle brings. Also, we will definitely look into those squirrel steps!
@DanielHunter3 жыл бұрын
Solid review there! Year 2 for me on pretty much strictly saddle hunting and still learning the tricks. Setting your last stick (or only stick) to the right and level with your platform is key for me for widening your foot base when needed and helping shot angles. Oh, and nice kill numbers!
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Now that’s some solid info! Good tip man.
@davidrussell6313 жыл бұрын
I used and soon sold a couple of that exact same Hawk stand, as well as a Millennium. Lone Wolfs or my Novix Echo are much better choices to hang and hunt. Not only are they easier to hang they’ll work in a lot more trees with the leveling capabilities. I’m still debating on the saddle. Although I love the idea of carrying less weight for run and gun hunting I’m afraid I’ll have to climb higher so I don’t get picked off by deer. Got a buddy who’s really noticed the difference it makes to the deer when he’s silhouetted in his saddle. Good video.
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Good information! We definitely saw both the good and a little bit of the bad of the saddle. Got silhouetted once for sure, but we’re learning how to set up in the tree to avoid that.
@tylerjonesoutdoors3 жыл бұрын
Almost got my dome donked at 0:12!
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Y’all are some dome donkers!
@tylerjonesoutdoors3 жыл бұрын
@@TheElementWild harvesting dome donkeys in the woods!
@ricksears33303 жыл бұрын
I agree on the CruzR. I did a lot of research and put hands on a few of the others but spent hard earned money on the CruzR. Been testing it before whitetail season and plan to knock out a few hogs over the next few weeks
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
We got some Cruzrs to try! They seem legit so far!
@RiverBankRay3 жыл бұрын
CruzrXC might be the standard Saddle. 🇺🇸🤙🏻😎
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
It might be this year!!!
@tylerjonesoutdoors3 жыл бұрын
Man that ain’t a lie! 💪🏿💪🏿
@redsoxwinagain20073 жыл бұрын
I love using a climber. Summit viper. However, i think tree shopping while trying to hunt sucks. Hang ons are either comfortable and heavy or lite and uncomfortable. Thinking of saddle hunting and bought a sit and drag 2 years ago to try but seems sketchy and may just buy one.
@QuiseSama2 жыл бұрын
I’ve been gun hunting since I was 12 and now I’m 21 and starting my first bow season this fall. I still can’t decide between a saddle or a hang on as you guys made good points for both. The area I’m gonna be hunting is a field with a creek in the middle with hardwood on the other side. So I know the area pretty well but which one do you guys think would be best for the area and a beginner bow hunter? My friends and boss won’t shut up about how good a saddle is lmao.
@TheElementWild2 жыл бұрын
If you plan to hunt multiple spots, a CRUZR saddle is hard to beat. If you plan on being in the same spot, the ease of a prehung stand is nice.
@QuiseSama2 жыл бұрын
@@TheElementWild Thank you for the input man! I love informative videos and I’m always willing to learn from other experienced hunters! You’ve definitely earned a sub!
@deeranddeerbehavior60733 жыл бұрын
That platform is pretty light!
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Better than ugly dark!!! 😆
@redsoxwinagain20073 жыл бұрын
My fear with a saddle is being seen. My deer herd has magnifying eyes. Can tell you stories of them picking me off over 130 yards just sitting still in full camo, in a natural blind, downwind and only blinking my eyes.
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Yea, maybe a different backdrop will help. We love saddle hunting, but I doubt it will help you hide any better. That’s not really the point of saddle hunting. Hope this helps and that you have a great SZN!
@naphtali1237 Жыл бұрын
I have both. Soon to get rid of my cruzr xc. Saddle is lighter for going in and out but not as comfortable. Plus I move around alot in the saddle. Way too much, especially when the deer came in from behind. Imo I bought into the hype and regret it. Going to hangons. Don't be like me and forget the hunting aspect of hunting. I got too easily carried away with gear
@kalebsmith21553 жыл бұрын
Primo!!!
@danbeelerttu3 жыл бұрын
2:09 😨
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Toad mode!
@M93U3 жыл бұрын
Let me know when they make the Tree Recliner, then we'll be in business.👍🏻😁
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
😂 😂 😂
@corey81343 жыл бұрын
Check that JX3 Hybrid out. It’s pretty close.
@Michaeldpress143 жыл бұрын
I just don’t ever see me hanging a traditional stand ever again
@TheElementWild3 жыл бұрын
Isn’t it weird!? I mean, I’ll prolly have a few permanent stands on my place, but otherwise it’s saddle SZN.
@thewhitetailexperience60553 жыл бұрын
i am deff bigger in late november .... hahaha thats funny