I went back to the Cold War stand and sold my saddle. Had two different bucks come in on my weak side last year and got busted trying to get turned to shoot.
Step 1, raise your tether to top of head height. This lets you move around the tree better while saddle hunting. It gives you more range of motion when twisting to that odd 3-5 o’clock shot. Step 2, learn how to shoot in the different saddle positions. There is no angle you can’t shoot out of a saddle. Even the awkward 3-5 o’clock angle can be done with very little movement. If you were right handed, how would you have taken a shot out of the hangon setup if you were sitting in the seat and the deer came to your 3-5 o’clock? The only option is to shoot left handed or you would have to stand up and turn around…that’s awfully a lot of movement with 2 deer at 40 yards.
Started out over 25 years ago using a summit climber, have used lightweight hang ons/sticks, saddles/sticks, and now plan to start utilizing my climber more again. All options have got the job done, but I believe comfort is important during the most critical moments in the woods. I think I’d rather suffer during the walk in and be more comfortable with a stable shooting platform during the time that it matters most vs. a lighter walk in and having a less comfortable sit or feel like I’m going through a ropes course to get a shot off at some awkward angle. Also, the climber does a good job of doubling as a frame pack to haul meat out 👍🏻.
I am more comfortable in a saddle than I am in any stand I have ever used. That is mostly due to a previously existing back injury making sitting for long periods very painful. The lighter walk-in is just an added benefit to me. I’ve been in a saddle for a decade now, and my lone wolf assault 2 has about 3 sits in it since then.
@@Isaacmantx glad you’ve found a comfortable way to stay in the woods after a back injury ! Everyone likes different stuff, which keeps things interesting. They all get the job done.
@@justinlusk86 yep. One of my best hunting buddies is about a 95% mobile tree stand hunter. He shoots trad, and his form doesn’t hold up as well in a saddle as it does standing/sitting on a stand. He keeps trying to convert me, and I keep trying to convert him 🤣
Im working on some "Two for Tuesday Bowhunting tips," I address this same situation in the video I just uploaded, it is most of us, trad bow or compound practice in more of a "stance" then you stick your feet together on a tiny platform and accuracy degrades, because we are used to shooting from a wider foot stance. I believe that is what your buddy is talking about and I agree on so many levels, I love my saddle for a lot of situations, but it is not the best wya to hunt and or a cure all in my book. Thanks for sharing and keep up the fun videos. Dale
I can’t find a neg to saddle and gun. I can shoot without trouble from any angle with a gun. However with a bow I’m not real comfortable but can shoot most angle except the normal tougher ones and sure that with practice I’d figure that out. I have switched to a trad bow this yr and that is an absolute no go from saddle for me right now. I can’t get to a consistent anchor even after hrs of practice so I purchased an XOP Coldworld and luv it!!! Still use my saddle as a safety belt so I go hybrid just to give my butt and back a different position during long sits. Great video!!!
I also have the Mutant saddle, is it normal for the waist and leg straps to loosen while walking in or climbing the tree. They don’t seem to want to stay where I adjust them to.
