There are as many ways to climb as there are places to hunt; we won’t go too far down the “rabbit hole” here and only cover the major ones we have noticed people using.

This is by no means an extensive list. Again, these are the most common ways of climbing. We must stress climbing and hunting from an elevated position is inherently dangerous. Take all necessary means to reduce the risk of injury or death. If you are unsure of your skill, hire a professional. Climbing guides are a great resource for saddle hunting as rope work is their business.

We must stress this point JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE IT ON THE INTERNET DOES NOT MEAN IT IS SAFE.

Traditional Multi-stick

This method is a great crossover way to go from hang-on stand hunting to saddle hunting. The hunter uses their preferred number of climbing sticks and a lineman belt to ascend to hunting height by placing and attaching each stick as they climb, making sure to flip their lineman belt up and never allowing the belt to go below waist level.

One-sticking

This climbing technique takes a bit of practice, so start before the season. It involves a series of steps;

1. Hook on the stick.

2. Attach a lineman belt and climb to the top of the stick.

3. Attach the tether to the tree and then to saddle and transfer load from lineman belt to tether.

4. Reach down and grab the climbing stick and reset it higher.

5. Step on the stick.

6. Transfer load back to lineman belt and unhook tether.

7. Climb to the top of the stick and repeat the process.

People have added aiders to the bottom of their stick to give them more to climb before resetting. Stick manufacturers are now adding small platforms as top steps to help save weight.

SRT/DRT

Single Rope and Double Rope Techniques are ways of climbing using static or dynamic climbing ropes. These techniques are crossover from the arborist and rock climbing worlds and are more nuanced than any description here can explain. If you are interested in learning any rope climbing skills seek a professional climbing guide in your area.

Climbing Platform

A little less common but worth the mention. Much like a climber tree stand, this uses a platform that can be moved up with your feet. The hunter hooks a tether around the tree and to their saddle, they step up onto the platform, move the tether up weight it, “unhinge” the platform and raise their knees. They continue this process much like an inchworm until they reach hunting height.