Folks who are new to saddle hunting often question why saddle hunting is beneficial over ‘traditional’ methods of hunting and climbing. Here’s JRB’s perspective, and specifically when using JRB’s climbing techniques described on this website. Remember, JRB does not use climbing sticks. Why? Because there are no advantages to using them, only disadvantages:
- Elevation is an advantage. Many are archery hunting from the ground, putting themselves at a disadvantage for detection by sight and scent by a wary whitetail. If we want to get a broadside shot opportunity on a mature buck, he can’t detect us first. He is also unlikely to be the first deer we see. We need to remain undetected by ALL passing deer, not just on this hunt, but on every hunt.
- Greater safety. JRB’s saddle climbing methods ensure we are always tied to the tree, on minimal slack, with a rappel path to ground at all times, ensuring that self rescue is possible in the event of a catastrophic failure of our footing device. In fact, we are never dependent on our footing and prepared for the possibility of a stick, step, treestand or platform malfunction. This is NOT true of the folks going up on sticks with a lineman’s belt, or even those who are advancing a tether. This is also not true of the hunters wearing a Fall Arrest Harness; the FAH is not designed for self rescue… and we won’t always have cellphone reception to do so.
- Less gear, greater mobility. When heading to tree with a paracord preset, a saddle, rope, and platform are all we need. If we want to be able to pick out a new tree, we add a Maverick pole, throwball or both. No treestand, no ladders, no sticks, no steps, no aiders, no tether, no lineman’s rope, no kneepads, no mechanical devices and no backpack to put it all in. A small shoulder bag is big enough for accessories and necessities.
- Greater shot selection. Unlike conventional treestands, when set up properly on a rope, we can step around the sides of the tree and shoot in all directions, even on the other side of the tree.
- Speed. Every minute we waste getting into hunting position represents the potential to be detected by passing deer, even in darkness. JRB climbs quickly and silently. 5 minutes is typical.
- Low Noise profile. With no sticks or treestand components to bang and clang, all we need to worry about is our platform hitting a carabiner when we install it.
- Inexpensive. Although a saddle and rope and accessories might cost more than one cheap treestand, a saddle hunter has an unlimited number of trees which can be climbed. Imagine buying 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 us to return to that tree at any time and get a rope in it to climb.
- Greater Tree Selection. We want to be able to climb any tree that is in the right location and not search for a tree that works for our climbing system. 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. Big and complex trees with a few branches are a GOOD thing. They help obscure us.
- Comfort can be a huge advantage, but it depends on the DETAILS of the system. JRB is more comfortable in HIS saddle than in a hang-on treestand.
- Works with traditional treestands. Even if headed to a conventional treestand location, JRB wears his saddle (instead of a Fall-Arrest Harness) on a lifeline and well managed slack profile. This allows wider shot positioning opportunities AND greater safety given the ability to self-rescue in the event of a loss of footing (rather that wait for a rescue out of a harness.)