Tree Saddle Systems

[SkolMNDuckHunter]

Anyone running one? Good, bad, ugly? I'm highly considering investing to open up more trees and more public maneuverability. I currently have two climbers that are beasts to pack in. Then you need a good tree. The saddle systems seem to be pretty large investments after factoring in sticks and a platform.

 

[Farm4wildlife]

I still use an old lone wolf. Can't remember what they were called, Assassin maybe? Also have an old TrophyLline, everyone calls it my diaper.

Like many things, they have pros and cons. I think they are best when you know where your shots will be. In my opinion you only get good shots off of your strong side (left side for a right hand shooter) it's not impossible to spin in them, but with your knees facing the tree, very few people will be able to shoot very well with something behind them. It just is too much twist in your body, your form at release will suffer. So you need to swivel around the tree, which might or might not be more movement than just rotating your feet a little on a traditional tree stand platform.

Shooting off your strong side tho you will likely be steadier than standing on a platform, just because your body has more support.

I think they are worth having if you have the money to invest in another tree hunting system, but I don't use them that much, also I'm not in a situation where I frequently need to carry a stand in to hunt.

If looking to try one on the cheap, look at treehopper. They have a remake of what was the original Anderson saddle from years ago.

 

[Muggs]

I use a saddle and sticks for public land hunts. Opens up Plenty of opportunity. Its a lot cheaper than leasing and you can get deep into areas with little weight and bulk. I use a Cruzr saddle and Lone Wolf custom sticks. I replaced the straps on the sticks with amsteel rope.

 

[darkvibe]

I have several friends that use and love the. I went with a lightweight stand and sticks instead and I can see why a saddle is more attractive. Even a light stand is a lot to pack any distance, mostly because if you put it on your back then you have a backpack to deal with hung off the stand.

 

[beretta buster]

I'm looking into a system myself, the price point is killer though. I usually haul my summit viper but never set up exactly where I want to be due to the availability of trees. It's also a pain haul in, no two ways around in. I think the pros far outweigh the cons of a saddle, especially the speed of set up and ability to hang 10-12 foot up a tree in good cover.

 

[SkolMNDuckHunter]

Exactly the boat I'm currently in. I see some good deals on the Hawk Helium full kit for ~$200, but I've read that their ropes are garbage and downright dangerous.

 

[Miker17]

Buy once cry once. I switched to saddle set up. So much better can go anywhere and almost any tree. It takes a while to get your routine and setting up, so practice your method and you’ll find what works for you. I went with a h2 saddle, Hawk three step climbing sticks with an aider on each stick and the tethrd platform. Will never go back even if I had private ground. Hunted a lottery permit spot this year with the ability to hang stands for half the season and just used my saddle. One of my last hints I decided to get a little closer to a scrape and shot a buck because I had the ability to move into a tree 20 yards closer than where I was the hunt before. Oh yea definitely get the rope man one acsender and forego the prusik hitch for your tree tether and lineman’s ropes

 

[Muggs]

If your going to go this route, spend the money and get quality, proven equipment. Check on recalls for climbing gear, sticks, stands, etc. They happen more frequently than they should due to striving for the lightest setup.

 

[C M Wings]

Tried it. Not a fan. Carry my climber and can be up and hunting 5 minutes after reaching tree. Might not be able to climb every single one but can always get into a good spot though maybe not the best, but the best is subjective. There is some extra weight but the stand rides comfortably. I never feel like it limits me.

 

[Kbetts]

Been using one since the 90's. I've gone through a few designs and currently use a Drey the majority of the time. I either predrill trees for bolts or carry LW minis. I shoot a trad bow and find this setup gives me the most flexibility.