Any Saddle Hunters on Here?

[BoTheHunter]

I was wondering if there were any saddle hunters on here. Im running a tethrd mantis, treehopper ring of steps, and im one sticking.

 

[woodsman92]

I’ve fooled with it a little this year. Using a tree hopper sling and hawk helium sticks

 

[theprofessor]

I use wild edge steps and a sit-n-drag. Been putting together the pieces of the puzzle for a year or two, but the properties I hunt have so many blinds, huts, and already-set ladder stands, and the time I have to dedicate to hunting is so tight this year, that my motivation is pretty thin.

 

[HeadedWest]

I use wild edge steps and a sit-n-drag. Been putting together the pieces of the puzzle for a year or two, but the properties I hunt have so many blinds, huts, and already-set ladder stands, and the time I have to dedicate to hunting is so tight this year, that my motivation is pretty thin.

How do you like those wild edge steps?

I had thought about going that route but ended up with sticks instead.

 

[HeadedWest]

The saddle hunting is nice, but traditional stands are nicerer.

 

[useyourbow]

Started just this season. Using it to hunt public land. Have already changed out saddles due to comfort and functionality. Running with Tethrd Phantom, Hawk Helium sticks (4) with two aiders, a Tethrd Predator Platform. Still developing a system but already have been able to climb and get situated with less noise and about the same amount of time as a climber. The ability to utilize most any tree and being able to get situated amongst branches/cover is awesome. Granted I would prefer to walk in, climb a stick ladder and hunt from a stationary lock on but its a great tool in the arsenal.

 

[bigredhunter]

I started this year. I have hawk helium mini sticks, Tethrd phantom, and predator platform. I agree, its much easier to have established ladder stands to walk in and just climb. I have been using mine to jump around to different food sources as they change. I also gained permission on a farm that multiple people hunt. The saddle allows me to change places easily when deer move due to pressure. Still haven’t harvested anything out of it yet, but hoping to in the coming weeks.

I found it pretty comfortable for being a big guy, I’m 6ft and about 240lbs. I really like the versatility of it. I have used it to hunt the same places but different trees depending on the wind that day. It’s hard to have enough established stands for all wind directions.

I’m still working on my pack and carrying it all. I went with a cheaper tactical pack from Amazon, its working fine but not the most comfortable and won’t carry clothes during the cold season.

Setting everything up the first couple of times was challenging, but each time gets a little easier. Mentally speaking, trusting the equipment was a hard part for me. Hanging by a rope backwards 20 ft in the tree took some getting use to for sure.

 

[woodsman92]

Started just this season. Using it to hunt public land. Have already changed out saddles due to comfort and functionality. Running with Tethrd Phantom, Hawk Helium sticks (4) with two aiders, a Tethrd Predator Platform. Still developing a system but already have been able to climb and get situated with less noise and about the same amount of time as a climber. The ability to utilize most any tree and being able to get situated amongst branches/cover is awesome. Granted I would prefer to walk in, climb a stick ladder and hunt from a stationary lock on but its a great tool in the arsenal.

What kind of aiders and how much higher you get with them? I been using the hawk helium sticks, 4 of the 20 inchers. But that don’t get me as high as I like

 

[theprofessor]

How do you like those wild edge steps?

I had thought about going that route but ended up with sticks instead.

I haven't really been able to use them enough to get as good with them as I'd like. I have the knaider/swaider, and once I get good enough with that, I think I can get to 14' platform height with 3 steps, plus use two more as platform, which then isn't too bad--five steps is like 4 pounds?

I don't have anything to compare them to, though--I've never used a climbing stick in my life.

I will say, they can be nerve-wracking. UNless they're on just right, they'll shift a little, and that's scary, especially higher up in a tree.

And I've slipped off one, trying to deal with the kn/swaider. My belt caught me, but I was hanging and swinging for a sec there--and of course, my buddy watching the whole time going 'you should just borrow my climber.'

 

[Nock]

How comfortable are they? All day sets?

 

[Whitetail Nut]

Well I jumped into this last year. I bought a kestrel flex and some wild edge steps. It is still hard for me to trust a rope and face the tree. It’s comfortable to sit in but I can’t get up a tree fast enough for my liking. I just bought a Lone Wolf sit and climb. I like it better!
Not saying I will not use the saddle or Lock ons but for me the climber is the way!
I am 56 6’2 230 FYI. A younger guy might like saddles better!

 

[useyourbow]

What kind of aiders and how much higher you get with them? I been using the hawk helium sticks, 4 of the 20 inchers. But that don’t get me as high as I like

Made my own out of rope and six inch piece of hose to keep it open. They are 20" loops that hang from the first and second set of sticks. You gain 40" with each aider. If I was a younger man I would use aiders up higher and carry fewer sticks but those days are behind me. YouTube is loaded with info. With my set up I get 20' up.

 

[BoTheHunter]

How comfortable are they? All day sets?

Ive never made an all day sit, but there are so many different saddle and some are more comfortable than others but on most of the comfy ones you sacrifice simplicity and stealth.

 

[BoTheHunter]

I dont really like my ring of steps. Some guys love them but they are designed to move 360 around the tree and i like to stay in one spot. Id like to trade them for a platform.

 

[Mountain Man4life]

I have the tethrd phantom and hawks helium sticks. I can sit comfortably for 3 hours or so. If I get me some knee pads I could easily sit longer. However I love my summit and will continue to use it when I need to sit longer. The pros of the saddle is being able to be mobile and hunt areas I didn’t before with getting deeper in the woods. Hunting primary in eky is tough and anyone that’s been here knows these hills aren’t a joke. With my setup I can hike in a few miles if needed kill a deer and debone the animal and pack it out. I also bought a nice western hunting pack for my setup. I started buying stuff last season as the setup isn’t cheap.