Saddle Hunting 101 For Us Old Guys ... It Really Is That Easy

Saddle hunting is the trendy thing do to. But is it really a "trend"? The entire concept can be overwhelming and intimidating. Saddle hunting can appear to be a "young man's" sport when you watch all of the hunting "influencers". Two years ago, I was intimidated by it as well. But after two full seasons of hanging in a tree by a rope, I have found that this style of hunting is not only effective but it has re-invigorated my love for deer hunting.

This video is intended to help those who are intimidated by the saddle hunting game. It is not intended to go into a deep dive of this product vs that product.

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Hunting Gear that I use:
Bows - Elite Ritual 33 (big game) and Elite Z28 (turkeys), both 60# and 29" draw
Sights - HHA and Sword
Rests - Vapor Trail Gen 7X
Quiver - Tight Spot
Stabilizers - Elite 7" (big game), Sims S-coil (turkeys)

Filming Gear that I use:
Camera Arm - Fourth Arrow Triple Arm on modified 3.0 base system.
Fluid Head - Manfrotto, 701 HDV
Main Camera - Sony a7Siii
Second Camera - Sony A7c
Lenses - Sony 24-105 f/4.0
Sony 20 f/1.8
Tamron 70-180 f/2.8

POVs - Insta360 One R Platform and DJI Osmo Action
Microphones - Sony Digital
Rode Wireless Go
Gimbal - DJI RSC 2

[roncoderre]

I started saddle hunting 2 years ago at 64 years old. Absolutely enjoy every aspect of it. My latest iteration of the method is climbing SRT (using a PETZL Grigri, Hand ascender w/foot loop and preset paracords in the trees). From the base of the tree to hunting height and ready to hunt on the platform takes around 15 minutes...including me dawdling and settling in in the dark. I can hang there for over 5 hours comfortably and easily. Plus, the safety factor is invaluable. I've actually dozed off a few times in the pre-dawn with no concern about falling. The best part is the rappel down the tree at the end of the session!

[tonydawson]

Just got a saddle and got up in a tree in my back yard. I’m almost 78 and I can tell you that by time I rappelled down I was burnt. Gotta get in better shape. Tree platform moved on me. That was scary. Sticking with it til I’m happy. Hooyah!

[garyjelsma]

65 here and I'm diggin' this setup. Definitely love the safety and maneuverability in the tree plus lighter and easier setup. Nice touch with the kneepads.

[keithmcneal]

Good video on all aspects of saddle hunting. I’m 66 and have been hunting out of a saddle since the 80’s. Back then I was lucky enough to be in the same hunting club with the person that first started making them. The fastest (not the safest without lots of practice)way we climbed trees back then was strapping on tree climbers (spikes). Those and a few screw-in steps were all you needed. Now that I’m older, I use sticks. I’ve been hunting almost 40 years out of a saddle and never looked back!

[jeffstillings]

I’m 54 so it’s good to see you explaining this system. Good video. Thanks

[perryrusso]

I'm 64 and have been hunting out of a saddle since 2018...absolutely love it. I use a predator platform with a row of steps around the backside of the tree and that creates a real stable attribute when having to shoot completely around the tree

[bkbowhunter]

Im 55 just did my 3rd year saddle hunting love it. I was actually on average jack archery podcast fewer years ago. That was one question he asked if I thought it was a young man sport. Absolutely not if anything I think it’s better for older guys because of the weight and bulk you save. Great video 👍👍

[GregorsOutdoors]

My younger brother and his son started saddle hunting around 3 years ago. He was then 51 and had zero problems with it. They've taken some large bucks on public land with this "run-n-gun" type saddle hunting. I'm now 58 and will be trying it out for the first time this season with my son. I appreciate your videos. I'm a former athlete but have let my weight get out of hand. I hope getting back into the woods bow hunting with my own son will change all that. It takes energy to hang stands and use a climber. I really don't see this as a no-go for me. Thanks again for encouraging others that might turn away from this method.

[georgemorrison]

Thanks for this video. I am 69 and have been on the fence about going to a saddle. Your video has convinced me that I can and should move to a saddle for the versatility, mobility and safety.

[walter]

I am 60 and on year three with a saddle. If only these things were in production 30 years ago. No better way to hunt out of a tree in my opinion. You make extremely good and informative videos. Keep them coming.

[JohnC-ol]

Been doing it for 15 years. Hunting since I was 12. I'm 58. For those who dare.
I don't know when the platform stuff started. I use 4 lone wolf sticks. I like to be 25 to 30 feet when leaves fall. I hunt only public land. Heavily pressured deer. I use screw in steps around tree. 4. That's where I put my feet. And I can get around the whole tree if I have too.
Most comfortable thing I've ever hunted out of in a tree. Super light weight. Durable. Great thing is you don't have to worry about some clown hunting out of your lock on stand or stealing it. Going in and setting up a lock in stand on the stop in the dark is a pain in the butt. Saddle is a breeze. I can get up in position pretty quickly and quietly.
It helps if your in good shape. I'm in the gym year round. So I'm good to go. I'd recommend reading any books John Eberhart has published. He's been hunting out of a Saddle forever. And hunting and killing huge bucks on public land with a bow.
Last thing. I swear by Predator camo. Brown Deception is my favorite. I've had deer look right thru me then go back to what they were doing. Really breaks up your outline.
Thanks for video. Do what ever your comfortable with and works for you.

[backrhodeskansas]

I'm 57 and have been saddle hunting for four years. My first draw to it is safety. I'm attached to the tree from the very first step off the ground. My second draw is the flexibility of set ups. I'm not restricted to this stand or that stand...I can go anywhere I want.

[dougieripley]

I love rock climbing and bow hunting and to be able to combine the two is amazing. Great video, I'm always after wise tips and tricks

[BoxieOutdoors]

Come across this and being 51 I can relate. I wish I would have saddle hunted years ago. 3 years in now and agree with everything you have brought up. i think the most important was what you brought up at the end. Get a system and practice it a-b-c-d-e up the tree and e-d-c-b-a down. Thanks for sharing. Have a BLESSED day and keep SHARING your PASSION

[johnkastner]

Will be 63’in July and have been saddle hunting going on 4 years now. Spent more money in those years trying different gear than the last 20 years . Love it

[lhb]

Started Saddle hunting in 2018 after watching Greg G2 do it. I am 71 now still do it. 😎🤠 easy Your video shows it can be done. Great video.

[lw]

Excellent video on how safe and gratifying saddle hunting can be for us "old" guys. I'm 65 and been hunting out of tree stands for a long-time using sticks, climbers or ladders to get up the tree. It's all changing this year. After watching countess videos and hours of practice I will be one-sticking, saddle hunting with repelling. The stick, platform and saddle are all DIY projects. Repelling turned out to be fun! Thanks again for sharing this video and keep em coming.

[michaeldrout]

I am 53, fist season in the saddle and love it. Also stated twin 14 year olds this year, new to all of us. We love it . As a Dad, I feel less worried for the boys as I believe saddles to be much safer.

[woodsdog]

I'm about your age ( a year or so older) and I couldn't agree more. Saddlehunting has made me feel young again and has made the process of hunting for deer fun again!! Great video especially for a beginner. Nice job.

[dennispalmer]

Over 60, started 2 years ago and love it! Started out DRT, now I 1 stick with an aider. Didn't get out too much this year but love the safety aspect of it! Always connected to tree. I use a figure 8 to rappel down with. Awesome set up for me.