Saddle Hunting Basics
Who is saddle hunting for?
Anyone can learn to saddle hunt.
With some practice, those that hunt from tree stands can quickly learn to transition into a saddle. Saddle hunting can be done safer than traditional tree stands, for those that are new to hunting this added safety element brings a bit of assurance to newly learned skills.
What is saddle hunting?
Saddle hunting is a lightweight, more comfortable, arguably safer alternative to traditional hang-on or climbing tree stands. By lightening the load and working with a more efficient “system” hunters can quickly adapt to conditions in the field. Gone are the days of hanging your stand once only to think “40 yds north would have been better”; now you can be in that tree quickly and quietly.
What equipment do I need?
There are four main components you need to get started; a saddle, your climbing method, a platform, and ropes.
Saddle
A safe and comfortable saddle is your first priority. There are different styles of saddles: single-panel, double-panel, pleated, and “hybrid”. Our Outsider Saddle System (O.S.S.) is the first and only commercially manufactured hunting saddle on the market. See our Differences in Hunting Saddles article.
Climbing Method
There are a number of different climbing methods and people are trying new things all the time. The most commonly used are multi-sticking; the easiest transition for tree stand users, one-sticking, climbing platform, single rope technique (SRT), and double rope technique (DRT). For a more in-depth breakdown of the different climbing methods read our Ways to Climb article.
Platform
This is what your feet will rest on while sitting, pressed against when leaning and shooting. Platforms can be stand-alone pieces of equipment or incorporated into your climbing method (most common in one-sticking and climbing platforms). Saddle hunting platforms are typically smaller than tree stand platforms.
Ropes
These keep you connected to the tree; it is ESSENTIAL that you are always connected to the tree. The three common rope systems are a tether (your connection to the tree while hunting), lineman belt (keeps you connected while climbing in multi-sticking and one-sticking), rappel rope (an efficient way of descending from hunting height; can be used as both tether and lineman belt*). With the ropes comes the way to connect to the rope; locking carabiners, friction hitch cord or device, and a rappel device are part of the rope category. See our Rope Work article.
*A slightly more advanced technique used to save weight and bulk. We recommend spending time practicing at ground level with ALL rope systems to become familiar before attempting to climb.
Where can I saddle hunt?
From private (with landowner permission) to public land; saddle hunting has become the public land hunter’s favorite means of accessing non-pressured spots. Regionally From the U.P. of Michigan through the farmlands of the mid-west, down to TX and east all through Appalachia up to the big woods of the North East; PNW, we even know of people in the Rocky’s who are using saddles. If there are trees and an advantage in elevating to take your prey you can do it.
Why would I saddle hunt?
There are a number of reasons to choose saddle hunting over traditional tree stands; the major benefits are increased mobility, safer, lighter, better concealment from game and ease of adapting to changing conditions.