I hunt in an area of PA that sees very heavy pressure, so tree stands can be an issue (stolen, used by other hunters, etc.). I have heard of the Tree Saddle different time, and just wanted to get some opinions on it. Is it safe? Maneuverable? Worth the $200-300?
I have used it on out of state hunts because its easy to pack. I have killed deer with it. Used correctly, it can be pretty comfortable for a few hours. I always felt very safe in mine.
Wish I could help you more, but I've never hunted out of one. I have a friend who does, and he seems to like it.
I've considered getting one for long deep in hikes where I can just pop up a tree. Or for heading to our more remote mountainous regions and be able to set up at random.
I hunt with mine occasionally. I like it a lot because I can move around the tree I'm in and kind of hide from the approaching deer. Its very comfortable. The first time I used it I sat from sun-up til sun-down just to see the comfort of it. Anyway I am getting some Lone Wolf tree sticks and this will help me use it more. Can't wait. I see your from T-town. I went to Elk Lake. That's cool. Good luck if you decide to go with one.
My advice would be to save a little more $ and get yourself a climbing stand. Bring it in, take it out. Never leave anything in the woods that you can't afford to lose.
I love mine but there are some issues to consider. I'm not sure where you've seen them for $200-$300 whenever I see them on eBay they go for $300-$500. If you're hunting public land in PA then you can't use screw in tree steps for the platform you would need to use single strap on steps they work but they're not as sturdy and they can be hard to come by as ameristep doesn't make them anymore you need at the very least 3 and you would be better off with 4-6. The ambush model ( mesh lightweight version) is the better one to have I find the neoprene model to be bulky and hard to pack in a backpack and will sag on you if you wear it into the woods and I could never get rid of the rubber smell and I've had it for about 7 years. Make sure you get the proper size. I don't remember off hand what waist size corresponds to what size saddle but you can find that easy enough. If you get a size too small it will pinch your hips and legs and make for a very uncomfortable sit. Large is the most common but generally the most expensive. All that being said it really opens up the possibilities for spots that just can't be hunted with a hang on or climber but it's not for all trees so I still own traditional stands. I feel it's very safe and extremely maneuverable allowing almost 360* shooting
IDK. I like the idea but are they seriously that expensive? It's webbing isn't it? Wow! My first tree stand was a rope with a 18 inch 2 X 6 on the end. I would throw the rope over a limb and pull myself up to a limb and stand on a limb while sitting on the board. It worked great for gun hunting. I was 16 and even more stupid and reckless than I am now.
Unfortunately they do sell in that range and I'm talking about used ones on eBay not a brand new item. I was fortunate to buy mine when they were still being manufactured but even then the went for around $250-$300. I've seen them go for as high as $600. I don't know if I would be willing to spend that kind of money on one but they do allow me to hunt some spots that would be very hard to do without one so I'm glad I have the option.
I've never even seen or heard of one till now. Seems interesting. I don't think I would buy one though.
Thanks for all the helpful info. I do have a Summit Climber that I use regularly along with a couple of hang-ons, I just wanted to check out some other options. Oh, and yes, I think I under-stated the price by a couple hundred dollars...hadn't actually priced them in quite a while. I was checking out some info by the Eberhart's, and saw that that is what they use.
I didn't know they still sold them and anyone used them. My buddy has one but he's never hunted out of it.
