I've been thinking about buying one of these this spring but, not sure if it is what they say it is. I usually hunt out of hang on stands and some ladder stands, but would like another stand that I could move around easier. Climber seems like it would be the same as hauling around my hang on stand when I walk in the woods. Anyone use these? Pros, Cons? Captain
I have gave it some thought in the past. But, All I see is hauling around a bunch of tree steps to screw in the tree. The saddle, then when you get in the tree you have to move your whole body to turn tree, just sounds like a lot of trouble too me. Sounds like something that would be hanging in the building next to my climbing stand an come season it would still be there after one year of screwing in steps.
Yeah I hear you. I was thinking if I got one, I would just buy 50 steps with it, set up multiple trees that I would use it at and just leave them there for the season. I have bought 2 new hang on stands last year that I put out in late July or something and we have ladder stands spread through out. I hunt on private property so people stealing things is rare, but does happen occasionally. I just think it would be nice to have this thing to hunt some of the areas with smaller trees or spots that a stand might stand out. Anyone with any expiernces with them would be great to hear from.
I know a few guys that swear by them, and i'm going to give one a try this coming bow season. They have some good selling points in my book. I've heard they are actually pretty comfortable, although I could see them getting sweaty during those warm early season days. Either way, I'm trying one simply for the versatility they offer. I see ur from Stillwater, I live just a little ways north in Taylors Falls.
John Eberhart, one of the best whitetail hunters in MI and producer of the Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails DVD series, swears by them. I've read his book, magazine articles and watched the DVDs and in all of them he really harps on how great the tree saddle is. I still am not sure I would like it, but I can see the benefits he speaks of. Primarily he has 360 degrees to work with when he hunts. He can shoot anywhere all around the tree and he positions himself high enough that he can swivel around the tree and not be noticed by deer. He also likes how quickly he can prepare a tree to hunt. He can climb a tree, clear branches and he's ready to hunt. You can then do this whenever you want, as long as you bring tree steps with you, you can hunt in many different trees, very easily. He claims its very comfortable, but who knows. I'm still sticking with a regular stand, but the tree saddle is certainly an interesting option.
I bought a tree saddle last year and love it. I use it with four Gorilla Silver Back climbing sticks and have numerous trees set up with screw in steps. I would definitely try one out, I was skeptical at first and am super happy I tried it out.
The tree saddle is like most things - a good tool to have in the arsenal that's tailor made for some situations and not necessary for others. I've used it for two full seasons, killed two deer out of it. If I'm hunting on my lease in a proven area, then you'll find me in a fixed stand, no need to use the saddle in that case. But if I'm hunting a new area or public land then the saddle is what I use. As far as climbing methods, I use steps, LW sticks or climbing gaffs. Each have there merit, but I'm in the minority being that I prefer the gaffs. I can walk up to a tree and be in a hunting position 20' high in less than 5 minutes. To me they are very comfortable, I've sat as long as 6 hours at a time and could have gone longer. I never found it difficult to shoot out of even the first time I practiced. Getting the correct size is important. ArcheryTalk has a 14 page ongoing thread about TS in the tree stand subforum. It has several videos as well as tips to be more successful and shorten the learning curve. Well worth the time to read that. Again, they aren't for everybody but they can be a valuable asset if used correctly.
I do, I have used it nearly exclusively this last year and a lot the year before. I can leave up pegs, sticks or whatever and have multiple places to hunt. I can move locations in less than 30 minutes. Trees do not have to be straight like they do with a climber. They are more comfortable than a hang on. Lighter than any stand you own and fit easily into a large fanny pack or small pack. I have a few options for getting to height, I use either LW sticks or a strap type tree step. What I have done this last year is to simply put in the pegs, trim lanes and not hang stands. This gave me the same options as having a bunch of stands but not having to have them out. Also, as mentioned, they are comfortable. I have sat many days for eight hours without a problem at all.
I have seriously considered getting one of these. Especailly after Eberhardt endorsed them so much. I think it would really expand the places I could get into to hunt.
I've thought about getting one, they look great, And you dont even have to have climbing sticks/steps. Just get the Boots with the Climbing attachment (not sure what they are called, I seen them in a Cabelas Mag a few months ago)
Won one at the deer and turkey expo years ago, sold it on ebay kind of wish I still had it. O well that's life. I have a good friend that correponds with Mr Eberhart and he sold me friend on buying one. I think it's more suitable for hunters with a small stature. personnel opinion
there not for everyone but if ur looking for an advantage over the competition on public land, this is the stand you need. it gets you where they cant be... but like i said its not for everyone.
Well I pulled the trigger and bought one a week ago. I haven't had it out in the woods yet, but am going out tomorrow with it. I wont be doing any hunting just trying it out. I ended up getting the older model because the newer ones are on back order until July. If you aren't still sold on them, check this site out. Great videos and tips and tricks that people have put out there. I read through the thread 2 or 3 times before I actually bought mine. http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=1024581&highlight=tree+saddle
