Folks who are new to saddle hunting often question why it’s beneficial over ‘traditional’ methods of hunting and climbing. Here’s JRB’s take on things, given the tools we have in the JRB toolbox:
- Getting in a tree give us an advantage. Attempting to hunt deer from the ground at close range puts the hunter at a disadvantage for detection by sight and by scent by a wary whitetail. For example, if we want to tag a mature buck, he is not likely to be the first deer we see, and we need to remain undetected by ALL passing deer.
- Less gear means greater mobility. JRB carries a minimal amount of gear, allowing him to walk for miles into new territory, and be prepared to climb any tree. JRB wears his saddle, with the footloop in the saddle bag, and wears his Rope and Platform over his shoulders. No treestand, no ladders, no sticks, no steps, no backpack, no kneepads, no nonsense.
- Greater safety. JRB’s climbing methods ensure we are always tied to the tree, and on ZERO slack, with a path to ground at all times, and have redundancy for moving points of attachment. JRB is never dependent on his footing: there is no need to worry about a ladder, stick, step or platform malfunction.
- Speed. Every minute we waste getting into hunting position represents the potential to be detected by passing deer, even in darkness.
- Less expense. A saddle and rope and accessories might cost more than one treestand, but if we wanted to have 5, 10 or 100 treestands, what would that cost? And how long would they last? A piece of paracord lasts about 10 years, and costs less than $5 and allows JRB to return to that tree at any time and climb safely.
- Greater Tree Selection. We need to be able to climb any tree that is in the right location and not search for a tree with the right sized trunk and no branches. Between the throwball and the Maverick Pole, JRB can get into just about any tree with a section of fairly straight trunk from which to hunt.
Comfort is not listed above as an advantage, but it can be, depending on the DETAILS of the systems being compared. JRB is much more comfortable in HIS saddle than in a hang-on treestand. However, some ladder stands have very comfortable seats and roomy platforms.