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Saddle hunting advice
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:14 am
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:14 am
Lately I have been intrigued by the allure of mobility and the lack of limitations when hunting with a saddle compared to a climber. I ordered a buzzard roost set up and hawk 30" sticks yesterday so I can start playing with it and getting comfortable before I just run off in the woods and start swinging from a tree. Any advice for a new guy?
10
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:31 am to Wildman 22
Saddles are awesome.
Always stay connected to the tree.
Always stay connected to the tree.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:31 am to Wildman 22
Just make sure what you are strapping your sticks and platform with. Had a friend buy those Hawk sticks that come with a little bungee on the end of the strap. He used the bungee on the button of his stick. That bungee is just for tidying up the strap when packing.
Could have been bad, but he got lucky. I wanted to hate saddle hunting, until I did it. Now I one stick, rappel down and all that. At first I would try and pick a straight tree until you get the hang of it. Yes you can climb and hunt crooked trees, but gravity wins, and it can swing you like a pendulum depending on how you are set up.
Could have been bad, but he got lucky. I wanted to hate saddle hunting, until I did it. Now I one stick, rappel down and all that. At first I would try and pick a straight tree until you get the hang of it. Yes you can climb and hunt crooked trees, but gravity wins, and it can swing you like a pendulum depending on how you are set up.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:41 am to Wildman 22
no platform? if not, get a platform, your feet will thank you
invest in a few Kong Ducks
you will want to upgrade those Hawks sticks in a few years
invest in a few Kong Ducks
you will want to upgrade those Hawks sticks in a few years
This post was edited on 10/29/24 at 8:44 am
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:41 am to Wildman 22
I see the Buzzard Roost recommended a lot. Should be a good saddle.
The Hawks will work but there are much better out there. A really good, lightweight option for not crazy money are the XOP X2s. Invest in a good pack to haul everything, if it's purpose built it makes packing/unpacking a lot easier. Premium ropes help a lot as well. I forget what knot I have on my tether but it allows you tighten/loosen with one hand, way easier than the prussic knot. Shoot your bow from every position imaginable in it. I wanted to hate it but once I tried a friends set up I was all in. I haven't used a climber or lock in in a couple of years now. I one stick so I'm down to about 11 lbs total.
Are you getting a platform?
The Hawks will work but there are much better out there. A really good, lightweight option for not crazy money are the XOP X2s. Invest in a good pack to haul everything, if it's purpose built it makes packing/unpacking a lot easier. Premium ropes help a lot as well. I forget what knot I have on my tether but it allows you tighten/loosen with one hand, way easier than the prussic knot. Shoot your bow from every position imaginable in it. I wanted to hate it but once I tried a friends set up I was all in. I haven't used a climber or lock in in a couple of years now. I one stick so I'm down to about 11 lbs total.
Are you getting a platform?
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:43 am to Loup
I need to upgrade my platform - I have a Tetherd Phantom Saddle and I have really liked it but have a basic platform from Hawk I don't care for. Also need some suggestions on the right gear to rappel down - would really help my process.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:44 am to TigerDog83
quote:
Also need some suggestions on the right gear to rappel down - would really help my process.
here you go
LINK
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:47 am to Loup
Do you like those XOPs? I was between them and the skeletors m, but I think I like the way the skeletors attach to the tree and the rope storage system better.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:47 am to Loup
After multiple recommendations for buzzard roost, the fact that they are a local company and then the owner calling me from his personal cell phone to answer my questions and telling me to save his number incase I need anything I was sold.
I looked at the XOP sticks and they're still a possibility. I'm a short fella so I went with the Hawk 30" to start with mainly for the extra height starting out but they were on clearance $99 for 3 of them .
I went with the "roost kit" from buzzard roost. It's a complete starter set up platform tethers pouches the whole deal minus the sticks.
I looked at the XOP sticks and they're still a possibility. I'm a short fella so I went with the Hawk 30" to start with mainly for the extra height starting out but they were on clearance $99 for 3 of them .
I went with the "roost kit" from buzzard roost. It's a complete starter set up platform tethers pouches the whole deal minus the sticks.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:51 am to sloopy
quote:
Do you like those XOPs?
I use a Novix mini but I've borrowed the XOPs before and really liked them. If I were buying another they're probably what I would go with.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 8:52 am to TigerDog83
quote:
I need to upgrade my platform
I have the Hunt Arsenal RZR. I really like it. I had the Predator XL platform before and it was too big. Was aggravating to pack up and such.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 9:34 am to Wildman 22
Saddles are so body dependent but I prefer a two panel. As far as repelling goes, I’ve tried petzel and the madrock….i much prefer the madrock safeguard. I carry 30ft of oplux in my pack, a madrock safeguard, I hate sticks so I use the lone wolf climber top method, I’ve started carrying 8 Cranford ezy steps in case I run across a super limby tree I need to be in.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 9:54 am to Wildman 22
Practice a lot. Climbing in the dark and with bulky clothing on is a lot different than in a pair of shorts in the back yard in the middle of the day. Do what you can to get as much experience going up and down different trees before you venture off into the woods on a hunt. You’ll eventually get a system down and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can get setup.
I started with those same Hawks before eventually ditching them for something lighter and easier to use. Currently I’m running beast sticks with a 3 step aider on my first stick and single aiders on the next 2 sticks. I use the versalink attachment for my sticks and platform and have had no issues. 18-19 ft is about my max but I have long legs
Platow packs it all very nicely
I started with those same Hawks before eventually ditching them for something lighter and easier to use. Currently I’m running beast sticks with a 3 step aider on my first stick and single aiders on the next 2 sticks. I use the versalink attachment for my sticks and platform and have had no issues. 18-19 ft is about my max but I have long legs
Platow packs it all very nicely
Posted on 10/29/24 at 9:59 am to Wildman 22
quote:
Practice a lot
Posted on 10/29/24 at 10:06 am to Success
quote:
Saddles are awesome.
I bought one last year but haven't used it yet. While I have sticks, you guys with experience see any issues also using it in lieu of a FAH on an existing tree stand? Basically using the stand as a platform with the tether instead of FAH?
Posted on 10/29/24 at 10:48 am to Putty
I use my buzzard roost as a harness in existing stands. I keep my tether very tight.
People always laugh at the little sticks and platforms, I never feel more in danger than when I’m climbing on some sticks and a rusted stand that have been ratcheted to a tree for 3 years.
People always laugh at the little sticks and platforms, I never feel more in danger than when I’m climbing on some sticks and a rusted stand that have been ratcheted to a tree for 3 years.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 12:32 pm to sloopy
Get the new XOP sticks, if you decide to go with them. The original versions steps for some reason have a downward cant to them. I have a set and not crazy about them. Honestly think there are better options for steps out there.
This post was edited on 10/29/24 at 1:12 pm
Posted on 10/29/24 at 12:42 pm to Wildman 22
I've been saddle hunting for several years. I got a JX3 couple of years ago (deep discount) after I hunted out of my brothers original Guido Saddle. JX3 bought them and redesigned them. Its by far the most comfortable stand (saddle type) I've hunted in. It is not as "mobile" , weight wise as some of the traditional saddles, but I use a lot of presets so I'm not hauling sticks around. Definitely a learning curve with this one or any saddle for that matter. Spend a lot of time climbing , moving and shooting with whatever you choose. DO NOT buy it and try to figure it out when you get to your tree before daylight. LOL. That said, I've been looking at the more traditional saddles for truly mobile hunting so I'm following this thread to see what other folks are using. been looking at the Tethrd Saddles.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 5:07 pm to mcpotiger
quote:
more traditional saddles for truly mobile hunting
If you could find a used TX5 minimalist, it’s what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, tx5 merged with latitude so you can’t buy them new anymore.
To the OP, be careful with those hawks man. I had a set and my second one kicked out and dropped me. Cut my hands up pretty good. They actually made me hate saddle hunting. I ended up splurging for 4 tethrd one sticks and it changed the game for me. I run those 4 with a 2 step aider on every stick and they never ever kick on me.
Platform is an arsenal RZR, also a great product that bites hard into the tree. It won’t slip on you.
That buzzard roost is going to do you good. I personally use a latitude method 2, but I know a lot of guys rocking those buzzard roosts and they all love them.
Also, get you some good knee pads. I recommend latitude knee pads, or buy the Alta’s that are the same as the latitudes. They’re not cheap, but they’re quiet on/off and they’re quality.
Posted on 10/29/24 at 5:42 pm to Wildman 22
If you’re looking at the skeletors they just came back in stock today. I just picked up a pair to replace my hawk heliums. This is my second season using a saddle so don’t take my word on them. I don’t care for the way the heliums attach to the tree and I’ve read about a few kickouts with them.
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