Benefits of Saddle Hunting vs. Tree Stand Hunting

Saddle hunting presents several benefits to hunters who enjoy elevated hunting compared to other methods.

• Size: Saddles are incredibly compact and can easily be stowed in a pack or worn into the woods without excess bulk. Saddles often come with pouches to store straps, climbing aids, and other accessories for convenience on foot and in trees.
• Weight: Saddles are more lightweight than tree stands, which make them much easier to handle in and out of trees. Saddles are typically less than five pounds while tree stands range from 10 to 45 pounds depending on the type. When paired with ropes, climbing sticks, and a hunting platform, the total weight of saddle hunting equipment is usually just 10 to 15 pounds.
• Noise: Saddles are silent. Tree stands, hang-on stands, and climbers are bulky and make a lot of noise when moved through the woods. Most tree stands are made out of aluminum or steel for durability and stability, but this material can cause loud noise during setup that can scare away game animals. Saddles and their ropes are soft, durable material that resemble the sound of clothing when moving.
• 360-Degree Shooting: Saddles used with a lineman belt and a properly set tether provide more mobility in a tree than tree stands. Tree stands require the hunter to remain still in one position and direction for safety. Saddles ensure secure tethering to the tree with arm, torso, and leg mobility for the hunter. Hunters in a saddle can easily move around a tree horizontally with the platform below their feet and turn their body to aim at game in any direction from a tree.
• Safety: Because of the tether keeping hunters secured to a tree at all times during the climb and hunt, the risk of falling from the saddle is low. While hunting in tree stands, it is easier to fall if the hunter is not wearing a FAS or the stand is not properly attached to the tree while the hunter is using it. More information on saddle hunting safety is included later in the course.