Saddle Hunting 101
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SADDLE HUNTING AND SOME…
What is saddle hunting?
Saddle hunting is the method of deer hunting from an elevated position using a tree hunting saddle. A hunting saddle, lineman’s belt or rock climbing harness is used to clip to a secure anchor when you reach your desired height on the tree, or you run out of climbing sticks!
Saddle hunting has been around for over 30 years and is now making its way into the mainstream hunting culture. It has many benefits over your traditional tree stand options and has helped mobile hunters fill tags season after season.
How comfortable is saddle hunting?
How comfortable your saddle hunting setup is will be dependent on the gear that you choose to hunt with. There are a variety of tree saddles, saddle hunting platforms and climbing sticks that make your experience as comfortable as possible.
What is the best climbing method for saddle hunting?
There are a variety of different climbing methods for saddle hunting. What style of climbing is for you depends on you and your style of hunting. Another factor to think about here is the added weight dependant on your climbing method. Some climbing methods for saddle hunting can be lightweight, while others can be quite heavy.
Some of the more popular ways to climb trees for saddle hunting:
High-End Price Points: Out On A Limb SHIKAR Sticks and Wild Edge Tree Steps.
Average Priced Sticks: Hawk Helium Climbing Sticks
The best method of climbing will be the one that you’re comfortable and efficient with. Note: If you’re looking to extend the capabilities of your climbing sticks for saddle hunting, take a look at adding a daisy chain aider.
What are the benefits saddle hunting?
Saddle hunting has an immense amount of benefits. From lightweight to mobile hunting product designs, saddle hunting is giving big-game hunters an added edge in the woods.
Lightweight Tree Saddles: Tree Saddles are lightweight, making you more mobile. Perfect for the Public Land Owner!
Little to no noise: With tree saddle, you don’t get the noise typically associated with pulling up tree stands.
Hunters Safety: While there have been lots of hunters who have fallen from conventional tree stands, when saddle hunting you are tethered to the tree from the moment you leave the ground until you step back on it after the hunt, making it almost impossible to fall. Remember, always stay tethered!
Minimal Impact: It’s about as ethical as it gets. Leave No Trace!
Should I make the switch to saddle hunting?
This is a question many maul over for years. You should definately giev it a try as many bow hunters are very thankful that they decided to start saddle hunting. It has all the advantages of hunting from a tree stand with the added versatility and mobility of using a saddle. Make sure to check out our JX3 HYBRID Saddle for the most comfortable saddle on the market.
JX3 Hybrid Saddle Features
- One of a kind patented design.
- 300 lb load rating/weight rating.
- Tested and meet or exceed industry standards.
- Sewn loop lineman, tether, and prusik ropes.
- Contoured EVA foam shoulder straps.
- Molle gear loops on the waist belt, main harness, and shoulder straps.
- Built-in pack frame harness with adjustable clamps.
- Built-in bow holder.