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:
- Getting in a tree give us an advantage. Attempting to hunt 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 /greater mobility. Compared to most saddle hunters, JRB carries an absolute minimal amount of gear, allowing him to walk for miles into new territory. JRB wears his saddle, with the Rope, platform and pole (when used) worn on his back. A small ‘cross body bag’ contains necessities. No treestand, no ladders, no sticks, no steps, no aiders, no tether, no lineman’s rope, 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. Although a saddle and rope and accessories might cost more than one treestand, if we want to be able to quietly and safely climb any of our favorite 10 or 20 or 100 trees, 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 get a rope in it to climb. Also, remember that if we take the investment in time to learn to climb safely, we don’t need sticks or steps.
- 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 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.
- Can be used in conjunction with traditional treestands. 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.)