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’s Your Mission?
Have you considered what your “mission” is? If you haven’t, consider creating one and free to borrow JRB’s saddle hunting 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, comfort, speed, & mobility, AND with a MININAL weight, bulk, noise & cost profile.
What are Your Priorities?
Creating a mission statement requires considering your priorities… and this is all stuff we need to do before we buy anything or decide on climbing methods and systems. After you draft your priorities, review your priorities with a best friend or family member. They might care prioritize our safety higher than we do. Here are JRB’s recommended priorities:
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:
Priority 2: Weight, Bulk, Noise, Cost, Speed, Comfort, Mobility
Yes, 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.
Priority 3: Versatility
The reason this is the lowest priority is simply because that’s where most hunters (who are stuck with a climbing system fit for a specific type of tree) tend to put it. 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 or none
- Might have multiple trunks
- Might be leaning or straight
- Might be 6 inches or 4 feet in diameter
- Might be covered in 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.
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.
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 cut the rope in half and build a 2nd system; the opposite is not true.
- 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.