The Pros and Cons of Tree Saddles for Deer Hunting | Saddle Hunting Costs, Benefits, Techniques

[@galinswigart]

One of the only things I don’t like after 4 seasons in a saddle is that a deer that sneaks in behind you can pick you off pretty easily if you aren’t EXTREMELY cautious with all movement. In a tree-stand with the tree to your back, you can get away with being a little bit more careless with your movement. Obviously, you should always be careful about movement when hunting but on an all day sit, inevitably you will have to adjust and move a little bit. Having your back exposed can bite you if you have a moment of weakness at the wrong moment. Other than that, a saddle is the better option for me.

[@reganjeremiah08]

Yes, that is a great point.

[@natesims6585]

I would totally agree with this!

[@blakejewell8209]

That is the con, but the pro to facing the tree is you can position yourself in a way that allows you to use the tree as cover from trails that deer are more likely to come from

[@BlaesRacing]

I try if able, to have a backer tree, ie. a tree behind me for this reason (not leaning against it, just as a visual blocker). Easier to do in my area, but I agree with your assessment. That is a downside

[@yabba5696]

I've found that at 30' and above (I stick to around 35) I have less problems with being busted. In he south we don't get a constant wind direction so you have to do everything you can to give yourself any advantage

[@joseantoniorubiogonzalez9602]

This is a great stand, period! It's lightweight, climbs easy kzbin.infoUgkxlQ7TDIrnnSXXbRgFFaxqwullRJJIuYAs and feels solid while in the tree. The seat is easy to fold up for climbing and sits comfortably for long days in the woods. The only downside I have is that it might be too comfortable, but I like napping in the tree anyway. This is the second Summit Viper I have owned. The old one is steel making it heavier, but this aluminum version is about 9-10 lbs lighter. I recommend buying a better fall harness as the one included is clunky and not super comfortable. I think it will work fine if you NEED to use it, but there are lots of other more comfortable options out there.

[@Bryan-wc3et]

Been saddle hunting 30 years and never owned a regular treestand. I have 28 ladder stands on 5 farms, I use the seat as my platform to stand on while in my saddle and add a few steps to be able to get around the tree. I use climb paws to get up a tree when not using a ladder stand. I’m 66 and spent 246 hours in a saddle last year. I use a foot platform ( podium) to sit on while in my saddle and use a back sling saddle companies sell and couldn’t be more comfortable. Above all else they are THE safest way to hunt. Still you do need to be in as he says in relatively good shape. So I work out 4 days a week 3 hours a day year round to hunt the way I do. Great video 🏹🏹

[@jschodron6741]

I have found saddle hunting more versatile and easier than setting stands. I am 59 years old and fell in love with it. I still have a couple stands set up but with the saddle I am more apt to move to a different location when needed. Great video.

[@captainjoesanglingadventur4894]

Thanks for a truly comprehensive view of this style of hunting. Been looking at them for about 18 months and KZbin is FULL of videos and to be honest the wealth of information is overwhelming, I'm turning 62 and am told I'm in pretty good condition and will be putting on a friend's set up after the season is over. I want to start using this method for sure and your video just helped me make that decision more solid. The shooting aspect is something I never took into consideration but it makes perfect sense. I can see where Hanging from a rope is going to be totally different from a shooting stand point then sitting or standing on the ground

[@keithkempenich6401]

I love my saddle, even for firearms seasons. I hunt a heavily pressured property and the saddle let me get right in where the deer felt safe to move while everyone else sat on the field edges during the MN rifle season. It payed off.

[@kellenbergerexcavating6441]

Great video, very informative. Thanks

[@jonathansimmons4253]

I have one and it is another tool in the belt. I don't find them that comfortable compared to a nice ladder stand, but they are great for public land hunting and moving location when the deer aren't coming to my ladder stand until after dark.

[@GRockBlues]

Excellent advice and a fair assessment of saddle hunting...one thing...whether I have permanant sets with cheapie hang ons or not...I always use my saddle and rappel system...its the best of all worlds

[@TheGisjoey]

GREAT video and explanation! I gained much from this. Thanks so much

[@OmarHunts]

For hunting private land, I set up sticks on trees I want to hunt from and simply take my saddle and platform. I find it more cost-effective to buy climbing sticks (some older models are super cheap) instead of a tree or ladder stand, which is heavier and more expensive to set up. Also, it's much easier to move climbing sticks to a new tree compared to moving a ladder stand.

[@michiganoutdooraddiction4543]

I love my saddle. I switched over my entire hunting setup on my 50 acres in Southern Michigan and tailored it to saddle hunting. I have over 20 spots that I hung sticks and the only thing I take in with me is my platform. It’s changed the game tremendously. I just don’t trust how cheap the stands are made anymore. The saddle for me has been a great upgrade 👍

[@williamshaver5524]

20 spots 50 acres hmmm

[@tomrouse4726]

@@williamshaver5524 something wrong with that? I have 9 spots on 20 acres. Thinking maybe your not a hunter.

[@58landman]

So, how much do you have ínvested' in climbing sticks or ladders, etc.

[@wk9953]

I don't mind a saddle but really prefer my hang on for my mobile hunt. The couple of extra pounds for the better comfortability and easier shooting with my longbows and recurves just sells a hangon for me. I used a saddle for a summer and killed 8 pigs out of it and ended up selling it to my friend because of the comfortability for me

[@cb4623]

Jx3 hybrid.

[@fairviewman3924]

@@cb4623 Yup. I got my JX3 a couple of years ago. I tried out my brother's Tetherd saddle and had terrible hip pinch, so I went with the JX3. It has been great. I am 61 and a good 40 lbs over my playing weight and have had no issues with the JX3. I use Tetherd Skeletor sticks along with a knaider/swaider. I can get to 16-17 feet with 3 sticks. The JX3 allows you to skip the platform and just rest your feet on the steps of your top stick. I may try some squirrel steps this year to aid swinging around the tree. This system has been good enough that I sold my Lone Wolf climbing stand after last season.

[@justin81011776]

It’s a tool in my toolbox. There’s a time and place for it. It’s not a be all end all. It has reinvigorated my love for bow hunting.

[@JD-mn8cx]

That mustache is a huge upgrade from that little goatee !

[@dawheele1]

This systems saddle is not the problem, the problem is the climbing method. There isn't a safe, welghtless and quiet system to climb with out there. Great video and thanks for being honest.

[@Bofum69]

Cons It’s uncomfortable in long sits Lots of extra movement Hard to get into pockets Stick out like sore thumb(unless In trees with limbs) You get cold easier Pro It’s easy to carry because it’s lightweight

[@adjustablereddot]

Great informational content guys!

[@mlcatfish75]

Great video.. thanks for sharing your thought.

[@UpNorsk]

After switching I will climb up the sticks of an old pre set location and hang my platform next to my stand because it's much more comfortable to sit in a saddle. The biggest issue I had was my knees being bent much past 90° leading to discomfort and them getting cold in the last season. Disadvantage of having a 38" inseam

[@indianapublicland7429]

There is way more discomfort for sure. Tried saddle not for me i guess young and no knee problems your good!

[@toddhatten354]

Great video. Thanks for the helpful info.

[@austinbell81]

I have the idea of buying a saddle and cheap hang ons and sticks and using my saddle for the climbing safety aspect, and comfortability in cheaper hang ons.

[@jax9224]

In my opinion I don’t think it really takes to much fitness as it does just practice. That’s if you want to be efficient in your saddle and the price but I feel way more safe and have more options and more comfort and just a lot funnier in general and I wouldn’t trade my saddle for anything and I love it and im on my 4 year and it barely shows any wear at all. It’s super quiet is another huge thing.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Only one thing i hate about it, early season heat. You eeull pour sweat unless you have a pre set tree with steps. Best thing us a hang on in early season

[@brandonellis9221]

Thanks for the list. I am planning on getting a setup this season. I hunt public land 95% of the time and the ability to move around and hike in without carrying a climber is a really big draw. The climber became such a drag that I went to ground blinds and stalking about between runs at barking squirrels (which works pretty well). Hope the saddle works out better.

[@rickwellens2543]

I was wondering if you could skip the sticks and use a climbing rope and ascenders. You would throw a bean bag to a limb then attach ascenders and climb the rope. Then attach the saddle at the desired height. The unknown is the strength of the limb.

[@scottdanback4128]

Thanks for the ownisty

[@schoesa]

A missing point here for me is the type of hunt. I would always prefer a treestand for rifle hunting for a clean laid on shot and a saddle for bow hunting.

[@Ginoc22]

Your videos are awesome. I’m buying the same stick you use but a 15inch with the ultimate lower step. I think it will be more comfortable for me just starting out one sticking. Do you think that’s a good idea? Also I was curious to why you don’t wrap paracord on the edge?

[@snapcrack55]

A BIG negative is adding & subtracting layers of clothes like bibs. I really enjoy my Summit Open shot & rock climbing harness

[@anotheryoutuber_]

my stand set up and saddle set up weigh within two pounds skin out.... all the extra gear to make my saddle set ups work add quite a bit of weight and cost. saddles definitely wear faster than hardgear like stands and cost a bit more than a basic safety harness. to get the time on set up similar you need to practice quite a bit. good, better, best, dont really exist its just another tool in the tool box.

[@jax9224]

Support from Southern Indiana

[@buckrush8612]

I have saddle love it but I screwed up my back and haven’t been able to make that weird shot angle you gotta take sometimes since then have kinda been forced to use hang ons again

[@indianapublicland7429]

If you can get away with that kind of movement for a shot out of a saddle you are the man. Me i hunt cover and rarley move! But your still carrying a little platform and sticks and saddle so what weight u really saving 7 or 8 lbs tops. I do agree with the bulk. I have hunted with both and set up time with my setup vs the saddle hardly any time diff. Who pulls up the stand? ya have shoulder straps and carry it up lol! But hey i dont blame ya for trying to make money!

[@nathanheikkila9152]

It was pretty hilarious watching all the saddle KZbinrs last season blow opportunities or miss shots because of these jungle jim swings..

[@melvinsacromentoe]

Which ones have you seen

[@jesse4r5]

Another con is deer skyline you much easier in a saddle IME. Just gotta factor that in when you set up or if a deer is coming in on you.

[@LIFEONTHELINE-xn8gs]

Hope you take a look at my set up. I think it's going to be a hit.

[@travisbowers5143]

I've hunted from one for 5 years. Shooting to your 'weak' side sucks, biggest con. Tons of movement, awkward the way you need to twist and contort to make the shot. It never fails that the deer comes in on my right(im right handed) and i have to try and make the shot. I have shot 4 deer on my weak side so i've made it work but its by far the biggest CON. If you are in stand , it still takes some movement to get turned but you dont need to contort so bad

[@ken5042]

More to it than I thought...Traveling and then setting up climbing sticks seems like a pain as well as extra noise.

[@DeltaFlaugeOutdoors]

Enjoyed the content, saddles aren't for everyone and take some adjustment time.

[@snapcrack55]

Mark, how often are you really in a tree that you couldn't use a climber instead?

[@lovejoy1230]

What are the orange nightize gear ties around the bottom of your saddle used for?

[@indianapublicland7429]

Shooting is way diff for sure!!

[@russelllangworthy8855]

Two questions. First, what would you say is the reason for the resurgence in popularity of saddles? I remember them from about 35 or 40 years ago, thinking they'd be a great way to get away with trespassing. They never really caught on back then. Second, if you're using one for an all day sit, are you able to relieve yourself without taking off the saddle? I'm an old man now with old man health issues and I know for me, I have to urinate two or three times a day. (And yes, I still carry a bottle with me to pee into.)

[@reganjeremiah08]

I find the saddle comfortable for all day sits. The answer to question 2 is yes you can. Stand up straight on your platform.

[@russelllangworthy8855]

@@reganjeremiah08 Thanks. I've never tried one on so I don't know what the procedure is for getting in and out of one.

[@jesseauer7649]

​@@russelllangworthy8855 If you only need to urinate then it's rather easy. If you need to do more than that you will have to climb down and take off the saddle. For number 1 I prefer to stand up on my platform and then turn so my back is towards the tree and my tether is diagonally across my chest. This way the tether is kind of holding you to the tree and allows easy use of both hands. This position is also a good way to shoot when a deer is on your shooting hand side and a bit behind you.

[@russelllangworthy8855]

@@jesseauer7649 Seems like a lot of trouble, but sounds like you have a system.

[@will3879]

The main reason they never took off 25 years ago is because no one took the time to explain them. With the boom in KZbin videos and saddle manufacturers teaching, is what made things work this time.

[@borneinsane509]

just started using a saddle. I hunt a lot of public land and love it for that. The one thing i cannot figure out is the bino harness. Mine gets in the way a lot. I like to have my binos and range finder right on my chest. Anyone else have this issue or how they solved it? Thanks!

[@Bryan-wc3et]

Me to , been saddle hunting 30 years and I find if you lean away from the tree and expand the bridge as far out as it will go it opens up the chest to get to bingos easier. Hope this helps good hunting.🦌🦌🏹🏹

[@borneinsane509]

@@Bryan-wc3et thanks my guy. I actually switched to a FHF harness which had a smaller profile and it has made a world of difference.

[@N2theBlue1]

This is an old video I know but one thing that wasn’t mentioned was the price. I just priced out a timber ninja system and with the ropes and platform it came out to over a thousand dollars. That’s ridiculous for a piece of fabric.

[@shaydu1967]

Does a 13 lb lock-on really get that heavy?

[@davesi56]

Doesn't take anymore strength than a standard hang on stand, still gotta climb.

[@timothyronez9452]

I can see it better than a climbing stand but how is it better than a ladder stand.

[@jimtart4271]

The fiddle factor with saddle hunting fir me sucks. Especially when it's cold out.

[@acebuck3487]

My sit and climb I'm in a tree 10 times faster than a saddle ....me and my friend did a comparison and I won 🏆 🙃

[@WolfinWolvesClothing713]

Try it in trees with branches.

[@knuckledragger2412]

Love my saddle, but you do tend to move more. Swinging...

[@PhotoBob]

No way saddles are more comfortable than most other stands. Mine is comfortable but not like a ground blind, a good climber or a ladder stand.

[@BelowAverageRazzleDazzle]

Saddles are all fun and games, until the tree you need to be in has a heavy lean to the left, right, or towards you...

[@short-hand4312]

I don't like this. looks like more trouble than it's worth. I'll stick with ground blinds and hollow trees.

[@58landman]

Just another gimmick. You still have to drag along some kind of ladder to get up off the ground. Buy a good lightweight Summit climbing stand, or some other brand you like, include a harness and safety rope and you'll sit all day if you desire.

[@lovejoy1230]

Not a gimmick, but a tool for your tool chest. I one stick with top step being a scout platform... weighs in at about 3 lbs. total weight with saddle and ropes is about 8 lbs. about 10 lbs lighter than my summit mini viper... not including adding a harness and tether. I don't think one is necessarily better than the other (saddle vs. stand) just gives me options for different situations. I primarily use my saddle due to being a public land hunter and the need to go deep into the public land, sometimes up to 4 miles in. After some a few seasons using a saddle I am just as fast from base of tree to set up with my saddle vs climber, but I have more options in tree selection as branches and forks are not an issue in my saddle. But, I am not trying to convince anyone that one is better than the other, I hate that stance. Everybody has different needs and likes, use whatever works best for you and your style of hunting!

[@matthewgriffin5123]

wayyyyyy to much movement in the saddle. deer will see ya move, FACT! And if you already have sticks in the tree you might as well have a stand there.

[@WooghaWhoogashwoogha]

Pro: Better in almost every way. Con: Not for fatties.

[@thejuror2009]

Your analysis is a fallacy of false alternatives. You speak as if lightweight climbers like a Open Shot from Summit don’t exist. Saddle hunting is uncomfortable and dangerous. One single thing fails and you’re sailing to the ground.

[@lizzleyt5682]

Cons: None 🤣

[@indianapublicland7429]

As your pic shows you in a big blind lmao!

[@lizzleyt5682]

@@indianapublicland7429 Hey when you take two kids hunting with you it's hard to fit everyone in a death diaper lol

[@larryhobbs8769]

The saddle is just a fad. Just something for someone to post on their social media to look cool or something.