The info on this website is different than what you may find elsewhere simply because JRB doesn’t want you to take any chances with your safety. Take your time, educate yourself, and make a plan using the 10 steps outlined below.
Page Contents:
Terminology
There are a LOT of terms and acronyms used in Saddle Hunting. JRB has composed a dictionary: You can skim the whole thing or just use it when you see or hear an unfamiliar term:
Why Saddle Hunt?
If you are not sure that Saddle Hunting is for you, ask yourself why JRB (a hunter with a lifetime of success in minimalist, mobile whitetail deer hunting) uses it exclusively. Refer to the information on this page:
What are Your Priorities?
Before you do anything, recognize that individuals will have different priorities. Your friend who loves a particular climbing method or product may not have considered priorities carefully. Examples:
- Most saddle hunters are compromising their safety and are not even aware of it. Don’t make that mistake.
- Some may prioritize the bulk and weight over the amount of time it takes to climb. That’s a legitimate tradeoff.
- Some may not be able to afford the cost of the most versatile system. This is also a legitimate concern, but we CAN have a low cost system and meet all the other priorities as well.
Priority 1: Safety
Your safety is more important than ANYTHING ELSE. Thinking you are safe doesn’t matter unless you are SURE you are safe. If something CAN go wrong, it eventually will. Make your safety non-negotiable. Digest the info on the Safety page:
Other Priorities
These things are all are important, and the exact order will vary for the individual, but they are all in a massive tie for 2nd priority under Safety. Furthermore, we can have ALL of these things without compromising our safety.
- Weight
- Bulk
- Noise
- Cost
- Speed
- Comfort
- Versatility in Tree Selection
Regarding versatility in tree selection, most saddle hunters are stuck with a climbing system fit for a specific type of tree. But in order to be successful hunters, we do not want to be limited in terms of tree selection. The tree we need to climb:
- Might have many branches, alive or dead
- Might have multiple trunks
- Might be leaning or straight
- Might be 6 inches or 4 feet in diameter
- Might have vines
It’s ok to start with an approach to be able to climb “most trees” and then add features and know-how, enabling a more versatile system, capable of use with multiple methods, and allowing us to climb any viable tree.
What’s Your Mission?
Consider capturing YOUR priorities by creating a ‘mission statement’ that is used to guide you in your journey. List your priorities in order that they are important to YOU! Free to borrow JRB’s Mission Statement:
In order to maximize my success as a deer hunter, I need a climbing system which allows me to climb any viable tree with :
- Maximum SAFETY
- Minimum WEIGHT and BULK, allowing greater mobility
- Maximum VERSATILITY in tree selection
- Maximum COMFORT
- Maximum SPEED
- Minimum COST
The Steps
1: Educate yourself
Before you do anything, make a commitment that you are going to invest the time necessary to learn all you can. Be patient and take your time, using this website as a resource. Disregard dangerous advice from questionable sources. For example, outside of JRB’s videos, there are very few who demonstrate adequately safe, low slack, rappel capable climbs.
Review and understand the climbing methods. Think about what you methods interest you and in what order you might tackle them.
Review and understand the climbing systems, and think about what system(s) you want to build based on your priorities and mission statement.
2: Make a plan
Before you buy anything, make a decision on the system you are going to pursue. Buying a “saddle hunting kit” from a random supplier is probably not a good idea. For example, most kits are missing the most important safety component they need: a Lifeline.
- If you are starting from scratch, JRB’s recommendation is a Universal System, which can be used with any method. If you later decide to make a change, you can always shorten the rope.
- If you already own a quality rappel rope, you might want to start with a shorter system and consider a Universal System in the future.
3: Shop
What you NEED to accomplish the priorities above is likely different than what the industry is influencing you to BUY. You might already HAVE some stuff you can USE. Each climber should make up their own shopping list. Consider if you want to buy and get used to your saddle before committing to any climbing method(s). Use these pages to assist you:
4: Learn your knots
While waiting for your order, all you need is a piece of cord or rope to practice your knots. Use the website and the channel to help you. Some recommendations below.
- A cinching hitch for a carabiner: Poachers/Scaffold
- An anchor on a tree: Maverick Hitch or JRB Cinch
- A friction hitch: Longhorn Agile
- For rappel: The Munter Friction Hitch
- Bend: Hunter’s Bend
- Emergency Backup Friction Hitch: Hedden
5: Get used to the saddle
When you get your saddle, before climbing, spend some time in your saddle with it attached to a tree at ground height. Get used to it. If you are not comfortable on the ground, you are not going to be comfortable in the canopy. Bounce around. Adjust the bridge length. If you have a platform, install it. Move around. Simulate shooting one side or another. Close your eyes and picture yourself up at hunting height, with nothing under you. Get used to the freedom. Allow your system to earn your trust.
6: Build your system
Construct your chosen system, as per the info on the appropriate pages.
7: Learn to rappel
You can learn to rappel without actually climbing. JRB recommends installing your redundant bridge and practicing a rappel using the Munter friction hitch from a standing position, all of 2 feet until your butt hits the ground. Then do it 2 feet higher, then 4.
8: Practice climb
Your first few climbs should be conducted in a safe setting, with a buddy or friend. Please consider wearing a helmet. Regardless what method you are using, be sure you are always tied in and managing slack.
Your first solo climbs should be in a public location or a place known by others. Make sure you have your cellphone and reception. Make sure you have put together your emergency supply kit and have it on you. Consider bringing everything that you would bring on a hunt including your weapon, just to be sure you can get everything just right.
9: Hunting climb
Make sure that your location is known by others. Make sure you have your cell phone and reception.
10: Maintain & improve
Now that you have successfully climbed, it is your responsibility to maintain, inspect and improve your system and method(s). Don’t get complacent; examine any areas which could be improved and carefully consider and test any changes. Gravity is always watching us.