He’d purchased an Anderson Tree Sling off the rack at a hunting store in Michigan. The fleece is 3/4ths gone, and needs replacing. Like most bowhunters, I’d heard of saddle hunting before. Accessories can also be added a-la-carte from the shop. “Obviously, if it wasn’t comfortable, I wouldn’t be hunting out of it!”, The recent spike in saddle hunting’s popularity is not without good reason. “Saddles are designed to prevent a fall, not catch a fall,” he said. But when Trophyline’s ownership focused on other business, the brand faded away some 10 years later, leaving aspiring saddle hunters to begin modifying gear meant for other purposes or to look beyond companies that just catered to hunters. My platform is a 24" long 2x2 that also attaches to the tree via a choker. Our trees … I decided to try a saddle this year for mobile hunting on a trip to hunt Public Land in Ohio after last year when I struggled to find a straight enough tree for my hang on stand. New for 2021: Hoyt RX-5, RX-5 Ultra, Ventum 30 and Ventum 33. Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Wed Dec 05, 2018 1:04 pm, Unread postby hambone » Wed Dec 05, 2018 1:28 pm, Unread postby Bogle » Wed Dec 05, 2018 2:02 pm, Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Wed Dec 05, 2018 2:17 pm, Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Wed Dec 05, 2018 2:19 pm, Unread postby EdC » Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:47 pm, Unread postby EdC » Wed Dec 05, 2018 11:30 pm, Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 12:08 am, Unread postby Bogle » Thu Dec 06, 2018 12:58 am, Unread postby wolverinebuckman » Thu Dec 06, 2018 5:03 am, Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Thu Dec 06, 2018 9:12 am, Unread postby NH Teufelhund » Mon Feb 18, 2019 11:55 pm, Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Tue Feb 19, 2019 12:22 am, Unread postby DaveT1963 » Tue Feb 19, 2019 1:59 am, Unread postby Eddiegomes83 » Tue Feb 19, 2019 7:52 am, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests. “Let’s say I’m hunting in a mast tree where deer are going to be lingering for 20 minutes or more,” he explained. 1 – it allows the hunter a place to rest their feet and take some weight off the Saddle if necessary. I used a boat ratchet strap from Gander Mountain, because it's on my way home, $10. And nobody’s going to hunt my spots when I’m not there.”, Eberhart said another big plus is being able to easily shoot 360 degrees around the tree, as well as being able to use the tree itself as a shield from deer, since saddle hunters set up on the back side of a tree. “It wouldn’t even be a contest; there’s that big of a difference.”. The saddle hunter then hooks the bridge from his saddle into that carabiner. Tethrd’s Mantis weighs roughly 1.2 pounds, with a bridge attached. I was doing what everyone in the saddle-hunting community said you shouldn’t do: The post office had delivered my saddle kit that morning. This leaves the hunter facing the tree, typically leaning out with feet resting on either a small, lightweight platform or a ring of tree steps on nylon webbing that’s ratcheted down to the tree trunk. I had to be missing something, and I was determined to find out what. Made mine after Sam Potter posted about it. Limited time deal. To be honest, though, the concept never really caught my attention. In fact, many saddle aficionados insist it requires far less effort to climb a tree using a saddle rig than it does to use a climbing treestand. Great stand sites aren't born; they're made. For more tips on saddle hunting, check out: Comfort plays a vital role in successful hunts. It's the perfect complement to any Tethrd Saddle hunting setup. 1 Sheet of 3/4" plywood, $22. I can hunt any tree, any time I want, and no one is going to steal my stand. Hey bud, looks like you are absolutely killing it this year on these public land Florida bucks. I'm trying out a fleece saddle this year to get into the game with a saddle. There are 36 products. Sitting in fabric and hanging by ropes runs in stark contrast to being perched atop rigid metal stand platforms that are strapped tightly to a tree. See more ideas about hunting diy, platform, saddle. Before you finalize your kit, make sure you browse around and look at all the different saddles, platforms, and accessories. “Every year after that, with ongoing input from expert saddle hunters, we created improved Aero Hunter models,” Sparks said. Since the “stand” and safety harness are integrated as one unit, it was incredibly nice after getting down out of the tree to simply unhook my lineman’s belt, pick up my bow and start walking back to my vehicle. New Tribe had been designing and building tree-climbing saddles for recreational climbers, working arborists and canopy researchers since 1984. The bars flexing can be a double edge sword. Eberhart wrote in his book Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails that he’d been employing the method for around 18 years — and that was written in 2003! “When you’re in a treestand, you have to be set up off to the side of the tree so you can make that shot. Relevance . Typically, a saddle will have a pair of loops on either side: smaller loops for a lineman’s belt and larger loops for the bridge. Discuss deer hunting tactics, Deer behavior. I caught movement just at the edge of my peripheral vision and turned to see a lone doe quietly making her way toward the nearby cut cornfield. Sometimes referred to as “hang and hunt” or “running and gunning,” savvy bowhunters have come to realize deer pattern them just as quickly as they are able to pattern the deer — if not faster. If you’re new to saddle hunting, this is a great way to build your kit. Hawk Helium Hammock Tree Saddle, Lightweight, Padded Removable Seat, Ultra Packable, Includes Climbing Grade Rope and attachments, camo, HWK-HHTS. https://saddlehunter.com/community/inde ... ddle.2358/, https://www.thehuntingbeast.com/viewtop ... 91&t=30244, Game fish, pan fish, and general fishing talk. So, bowhunters looking to get in the saddle-hunting game are advised to plan accordingly. $199.99 $ 199. Twenty four inches is about as short as I could make my bridge and still have room for the proper bury. So, there’s a big difference.”. All Petersen's Bowhunting subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Anybody using a fleece saddle? YouTube has all the videos for DIY splicing. How Do You Get Up the Tree for Saddle Hunting? Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. An avid saddle hunter himself, Walter uses a saddle when demonstrating his climbing system at outdoor shows and says comfort is the first question he gets from observers. “They took a 275-pound log and tied it into a saddle, hooked it up to a tether and then pulled it up and allowed it to free fall six feet, and the saddle stopped it. Not only was he telling me how comfortable it was, he was talking about things that mattered a whole lot to me, such as reduced pack weight and bulk and being able to get into virtually any tree he wanted. And that was it! Post your Hunting Stories, Pictures, and Questions/Answers. It is similar to the trophyline tree saddle, in how it works in the tree, but it's a hard seat instead of their method. Almost all can be broken down into two categories — either a platform or a ring of steps. Give a Gift   Here's how to prepare for the mental pressure of successful bowhunting. Understanding wind drift is a critical skill that requires practice. On the other hand, the saddle itself was very comfortable — I sat (leaned, really) for nearly three hours my first night with absolutely no pain or discomfort. Since saddles are constructed of fabric, they never creak, pop or make other unwanted noises. Andrew Walter is owner and president of Wild Edge Inc., maker of the SteppLadder climbing system that’s a favorite among saddle hunters. In fact, saddles and related accessories, such as high-end climbing sticks, are often on back order for several weeks or more. That said, you certainly don’t need to be a CrossFit champion to use a saddle. I attach both. Rider weight is a real concern for flex tree riders. I had anticipated this being one of my tougher shots to get, but it was going to be an easy one. 99 $259.99 $259.99. FREE Shipping by Amazon. I think it blew up and stemmed from that.”, Few folks know more about mobile hunting on public land than the young men who created The Hunting Public on YouTube. I consider myself a pretty hardcore bowhunter, and I take pride in going deep into places most people wouldn’t consider. HuntingBeast DVD's, Videos, Podcasts, Etc. I use a self climbing step system. Add your Saddle, Platform, Connection Kits and accessories. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be … Because the tree can flex it can cause pressure points on the horses back. In response, Walter said he will take his saddle off and put it on the person asking about it. Scott places much more of a premium on comfort than I do, which is why I was a bit confused about his newfound enthusiasm for saddle hunting. This allows the hunter to stay connected to the tree, and the bridge slides back and forth through the carabiner as the hunter turns from side to side. Hope that answers your questions. New Ravin R18 Turns the Crossbow World Inside Out, Untunable Bow? Absolutely. “We were so tired of having to get on Craigslist, Ebay and other forums to buy gear and then rip it apart and make what we wanted,” Godfrey said. The Predator Platform redefined hunting from an elevated position. Since saddle hunters are suspended from a tether in the tree, it is important to have a platform. Godfrey sums it up in one simple statement: “First sit, best sit.” As bowhunters began going in deeper and moving around more, it was only natural that they began looking for ways to lighten their load. I am thinking of making me one of these fleece saddles as an entry level saddle although i hear nothing but good things about it as a full time saddle not just as an entry level. The company has been working to keep pace with demand ever since. Where Do I Put My Feet When Tree Saddle Hunting? Apr 21, 2020 - Explore Wbuchchanan's board "DIY saddle platform" on Pinterest. I popped the hatch on my Jeep and reached in to grab my new tree saddle. The Anderson Tree Sling was eventually acquired by a company called Big Bucks and remained relatively unchanged until the mid-90s. With a saddle, you can be on the back side of the tree, and when the shot opportunity comes, you just slightly swing to the side and take the shot.”. Ranging from classic trail and ranch saddles to exquisite show saddles, Saddle Online is your one stop shop for western saddles! Bracing my right foot on the trunk of the tree and leaning out, I eased my bow back to full draw before bleating the doe to a stop. A lineman’s belt is used while going up and down the tree, no matter the climbing method used, which ranges from screw-in and strap-on steps to climbing sticks, modified rappelling techniques and climbing spurs. Saddles also eliminate another important element that probably saves more mature deer than anything else: the cringe-worthy clink of metal contacting metal. Basically my sling is attached to the tree with a choker strap. Ambushing deer where they are — rather than being able to direct them to a certain location via carefully groomed food plots and pinch points — necessitates a style most have come to label as “mobile hunting.”, Combine that tactic with the growing interest in matching wits with their quarry on public land, and the owner of Wild Edge said you’ve got the makings of the perfect storm when explaining the sudden groundswell of saddle hunters. I have a diy saddle made very similar to yours. The reason why weight is an issue is due to the fact that the tree truly flexes. Jan 7, 2016 - Fleece beanies and slouchy beanies . “The Kestrel and Kite are the finest of these so far, but it’s not the end of the line. ©2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Once I could see the lineman’s belt wasn’t supporting me at all, I removed it and placed it in the same pouch that had just held my tether. You can pre-order now. It offered no adjustments, and the bridge and tether, or “lead,” as Eberhart calls it, were all sewn together as one piece. I then weaved two ropes, one in each end, in and out of the rivets and tied a water knot in each rope rope. “The advantages of a saddle over any kind of conventional treestand are night and day,” Eberhart said. Sold as a set or individually. Aero Hunter’s Kite comes in at roughly 1.75 pounds, while the Kestrel comes in at roughly 2.5 pounds, also with bridges attached. “It’s the public-land thing, and it’s mobile hunting,” Walter said. Sitting in a conventional stand, I’m pushing it if I can get three hours,” he said. And, as Eberhart notes, investing the time and effort to get comfortable in a saddle is well worth it. Going from field tips to broadheads requires arrow tuning on a higher plane. I'm thinking my Amsteel is 7/16" but 1/4" is what is most popular and all that is necessary. With knee pads or a tree pad, you can pull the fleece up behind your knees and way up your back, adjust your tether and hang like a baby. Less than four hours later, here I was, strapping it on for the second time at the rear of my vehicle. Feb 27, 2020 - Explore Lois Grace's board "Fleece blanket edging", followed by 329 people on Pinterest. 4.3 out of 5 stars 76. The flex tree allows the saddle to flex from front to back and side to side. Good... New for 2021 are several hunter-defined products, such as the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow,... Bear Archery's newest bows - Redemption EKO and Legit RTH - are light, adjustable and fast. After strapping it around my waist, I slung the tiny backpack carrying the small Tethrd Predator platform and a few assorted accessories on my back; even with the platform inside, it weighed less than six pounds. Still, at well under 5 pounds combined, it pales in comparison to a hang-on or climbing treestand, which typically weigh anywhere from 15-25 pounds. The Predator allows you to shoot 360 degrees around any tree, with maximum comfort and ease. Relevance New products first Name, A to Z Name, Z to A Price, low to high Price, high to low In stock 12 48 96 Show all. The first time I put it on had been in my living room to check for size and fit. FREE Shipping by Amazon. “I’m 6 feet, 250 pounds and have had multiple back surgeries. I hung a small bag of Wild Edge Stepps on my side, picked up my bow and started walking, thinking how weird this felt. The incredible weight difference between a saddle and treestand is probably the single biggest reason most people consider saddle hunting. Sort by. 4.3 out of 5 stars 71. Also including an elastic cord and non-climbing rated carabiner for attaching to your belt/saddle so you don’t drop it. The Down Side of a Flex Tree Saddle. “That was the safest thing the TMA (Treestand Manufacturer’s Association) ever tested,” said Eberhart, speaking of saddles. Aero Hunter provides a hunting safety setup that replaces both a tree stand and a full body harness. “All-day sits have been out of the question for about nine years. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Aero Hunter tree hunting equipment allows a hunter to suspend safely from a tree strap on the trunk, wearing a super lightweight and comfortable tree saddle ideal for long hours of sitting. With knee pads or a tree pad, you can pull the fleece up behind your knees and way up your back, adjust your tether and hang like a baby. “Then when we started hunting out of the saddles and filming out of them, we realized we weren’t missing much — if anything at all — by using one of these things.” He said they haven’t completely ditched their arsenal of treestands, “but we’re certainly moving to hunting more out of our saddles in the future — especially if we end up packing in any distance.”, Tethrd’s Godfrey issues a caveat to aspiring saddle hunters, though: “It’s not as plug-and-play as treestand hunting; there is a learning curve,” referring to the time and effort it takes to become comfortable with the method as “getting in saddle shape.”. Saddle Trees are the most important aspect of the saddle. I've got Amsteel ran through the seems on the opposing ends of a fleece blanket. We're biased...but we think it's PERFECT. Were is the best place to buy this? All Rights Reserved. He’d sent picture after picture of the various new parts of his saddle rig, from rope bridges and tethers to various carabiners and nifty little platforms he was experimenting with. We currently have another model in the works that could revolutionize saddle-hunting comfort.”, Greg Godfrey and Ernie Powers, diehard saddle hunters who met via the online forum saddlehunter.com, had watched closely over the years as saddle hunters modified various products to suit their purposes. We’re all about hunting a new spot, almost every day if we can.”. Subscriber Services. I do have thick synthetic fleece pads as well as a gel pad I use under all saddles … Ernie and I were like, ‘Maybe we can sell, like, 200 of these things … so we’ll get some free gear and then maybe go on an elk trip next year.’ ”. These pads only cover a small portion of the horse's back under the saddle tree. My saddle weighs about a pound and a half, rolls up to the size of a softball and fits into my backpack. 99 $279.99 $279.99. They may have gel or foam centers for shock absorbency. Trophyline entered the saddle market in the mid-80s and launched several saddles, including one Eberhart helped design with a mesh seat that became its most popular model. No sitting at the base of the tree packing up my stand and then slinging it over my back before being able to leave. Here we will show how we accomplish these three concepts. Ive sold my XOP stand as I wont be needing any more. The combination of the two factors makes for slight variations in the saddle industry. Components are priced individually. “Everybody in our group has kind of a different approach,” said Aaron Warbritton, one of the hosts of the popular channel, “but there’s one key area where we find common ground, and that’s mobile hunting. Now — years after my first exposure to saddle hunting — here was my buddy (who I honestly didn’t consider as “hardcore” as me) touting its virtues. Nov 19, 2014 - Stickbow.com's Leatherwall The largest traditional archery site on the internet. Make a warm, fuzzy blanket, quilt, or other craft with some of this fleece fabric available by the yard at JOANN. Throwing it around the tree trunk at head height, I threaded its length back through the loop on the end, bringing with it the ascender and carabiner so it hung directly in front of my chest. I turned around and looked directly behind me to my 6 o’clock position, or the “drop-shot position,” as it’s sometimes called. I have a fleece saddle that I have used a few times this year Basically, I doubled the material over and hammered in rivets in to the edges of each side. The Mantis is very comfortable, extremely light weight, and so much easier to use than traditional tree stands.