What is Tree Saddle Hunting? The Most Common Questions Answered

I needed more challenge in my hunting; something that forced me to focus and work hard. I felt that I owed that to the animals I was chasing.

It felt wrong to sight in my gun the day or two before heading out and simply pull the trigger when the time was right. This led me to pick up a compound bow and start the labor-intensive process of becoming proficient with my new weapon.  

I also moved out of the blinds and into the trees. Keep reading as we talk about tree saddle hunting! We'll answer some of the most common questions about it, including what saddle hunting is, is it safe, is it comfortable, what you need, and how to get into it.

What is Saddle Hunting?

In addition to learning my new weapon, there was another problem I had to address. How would I actually hunt?

Would I only use preset stand locations, or would I use a climbing tree stand and be mobile? As a new bowhunter, those were the only options I was aware of at the time.

So, like anyone with a question in 2018, I turned to the internet. It was there that I discovered saddle hunting.  

Saddle hunting is a style of hunting that involves using a harness-style seat that attaches to a tree via a rope. This allows the hunter to hunt from an elevated position, similar to a tree stand, but with significantly less weight and bulk. 

Because of how lightweight saddle hunting is, this style of hunting has really gained popularity over the last few years. 

How is Saddle Hunting Different from Tree Stands?

So, how is saddle hunting different from a traditional tree stand, and what exactly has made this style of hunting so popular? 

First, the mobility. Now, I know that you can use hang-on tree stands or climbers to be mobile, but I’m talking about just traditional tree stand hunting here. However, even if you include hang-ons and climbers, saddles are still much lighter and more packable, making them even more mobile than their tree stand counterparts.  

In addition to being extremely mobile, saddles are also really quick and easy to set up. Typically, I can climb a tree in five minutes or so. This ease of use really shines in hard-to-access spots on public land, such as places where you need to use water to access your hunting spot, or where you might need to hike a long distance to get there.  

Finally — and the reason that really pushed me into saddle hunting — safety. In a saddle, you are always tied to the tree. First, when you climb up, you’re tied to the tree with your lineman's belt. Then, when you reach hunting height, you tether yourself to the tree with another rope.

As someone who really didn’t like heights, having these extra security blankets in my climbing was a major reason I chose to hunt from a saddle.  

Is a Tree Saddle Comfortable?

At a glance, I’ll admit, a tree saddle doesn’t look very comfortable, and honestly, they’re not at first. It takes some practice to get comfortable in a saddle. It took me a few sits before I learned what height to hang my tether in the tree.

All saddles come with adjustable straps that can add or relieve pressure on different areas of your body. In addition, you can either sit, lean, or stand straight up in a saddle. So, frequently during my sits, I’ll change how I’m positioned to get more comfortable.

Now that I’ve learned what works for me, my saddle is extremely comfortable, and I can quite easily do full-day sits during the rut.  

Is Hunting from a Saddle Safe?

At the end of every hunt, we all want to make it back to our families in the same, or better, condition than when we left the house; free of harm and hopefully with a deer on the ground. 

As I discussed earlier, hunting from a tree saddle (when done properly) is extremely safe since you’re always attached to the tree with either your lineman’s rope or your tether. However, any time your feet leave the ground, you’re inherently taking on some level of risk. 

Because of this, it’s essential to inspect the gear you’re using regularly. Specifically, I always check my ropes, straps, and any points on my climbing sticks and platform that undergo the most stress. I make these checks each time I climb and never take my safety for granted.  

Can You Use a Rifle When Hunting from a Saddle?

Many folks think of saddle hunting as strictly for bowhunters. However, you can absolutely hunt with a rifle when using a tree saddle.

I use the tree as a way to stabilize my forestock with my front hand. In fact, just last season, I took my younger cousin on a saddle hunt during rifle season. It was the first time he’d ever been in a saddle, and he was able to kill a beautiful doe with our grandpa’s .32 Special lever action. He used that old rifle, with iron sights, and made a perfect shot at 40 yards.

Rifle hunting from a saddle is not only possible, it gives you a major advantage over the deer.  

What Gear Do I Need to Start Tree Saddle Hunting?

Ultimately, this comes down to a few key items, as well as some additional options that can enhance your saddle hunting experience.  

First and foremost, you of course need to invest in a tree saddle. There are several different brands out there these days. I’m partial to the saddles that Latitude makes. As both a partner brand of HuntWise as well as a Michigan-based company, Latitude checks a lot of boxes for me.  

Next, you’ll need a couple of ropes. This includes a rope for your lineman’s belt and a rope for your tether. For each of these ropes, again, several companies make premade options. 

But I like to look for a couple of things. First, the type of rope you’re getting. Personally, I’ve really liked using Oplux ropes. They're very strong for their size and very malleable, making it easy to pack.

Your lineman’s rope will have two carabiners, one on each end, that will attach to loops on your saddle. Your tether, on the other hand, should only have one carabiner that feeds through a loop on the opposite end after going around the tree, then clipping back to your saddle at the bridge.  

Finally, you will need climbing sticks and a platform. Climbing sticks allow you to ascend the tree without screwing spikes into the tree or using a ladder.

These sticks are usually about 20 inches long with either a single step on the top and bottom, or double steps on top and bottom. They will often fasten to the tree with a strap, although it’s becoming more and more common to use Amsteel or another strong, lightweight rope to attach them to the tree.  

Once you’ve climbed to your desired hunting height, you will place the platform that I just mentioned. A platform is simply that: a metal platform where you place your feet as you hang from your saddle. I like to use a lightweight platform that comfortably fits my size twelve rubber hunting boots and can take a lot of side pressure. I frequently move around the tree and stand on the edges of my platform, so having an extremely secure platform is critically important to me.

As with climbing sticks, your platform will generally use a strap to be secured to the tree, although some hunters are opting for lightweight ropes here as well.  

Customize Your Set-Up

After you’ve purchased those basics, you can customize your saddle hunting kit a little bit. For example, many hunters opt for knee pads on those longer sits because they allow for more comfortable positions when hunting. A back band for additional lumbar support is also a great way to increase comfort.

Personally, my favorite gadget to use with my saddle gear is a ropeman ascender (this one from our partners at Tethrd is a good one). This little gem allows for single-handed loosening or tightening of your lineman’s belt while climbing.

When I first started climbing, I used a prusik knot and would need to stretch around the tree with my left hand to help hold tension to loosen the knot. Now, I simply pull a cable on my ropeman or pull my lineman's belt through the cam on the ropeman. I can’t imagine hunting without one now.  

How High Do I Need to Climb?

Really, there's no set answer for this, just like there isn’t for a tree stand.

If the best cover is at eight feet, only climb eight feet. You should adjust your hunting height based on cover and shooting angles. That being said, with four sticks and a platform, I can typically climb to about sixteen feet. If you’ve got shorter legs, your climb height may vary from that, but sixteen feet is a good rule of thumb for your max hunting height.  

How to Saddle Hunt for Beginners

Now that we’ve gotten through the most commonly asked questions, let’s dive right into the steps to saddle hunting from the ground to hunting.  

Start on the Ground

First of all, and I really can’t stress this step enough, you have to practice, especially if you’re tackling saddle hunting completely on your own. It's critical to practice tying your tether around the tree and adjusting your saddle to it. 

When I first began saddle hunting, I would lean in my saddle after I tethered myself to the tree, with my feet still on the ground. Not only did this give me loads of confidence in my gear, but it also helped me to understand how my rope needed to be tied and how I would be the most comfortable.

Practice Climbing

After I practiced with feet on the ground, I’d put my platform on the tree a foot up and stand on that. Then I’d slowly add sticks until I get to hunting height, taking baby steps and ensuring that I was completely comfortable every step of the way.  

Choose the Right Tree 

One thing I like about saddle hunting is that you can really climb and hunt from just about any tree. I’ve hunted in oaks that are only about four inches in diameter, and I’ve hunted in pines that are so big I could barely fit my lineman’s belt and straps around them.

However, we’re looking for the perfect tree — and for that, you’re going to want to find a tree that’s somewhere between six and twenty inches in diameter. 

Personally, I prefer trees with bark that’s a little rough, such as an oak or cherry tree, rather than one that’s smooth, like a white birch or popple. The texture of the tree bark isn’t really critical, but you will find that your climbing sticks and platform bite a little bit easier when the bark has some texture. 

The last thing I think about is branches. Having to trim or climb around branches is a pain. It’s possible, and sometimes necessary, but if I have my druthers, I like to find a tree that has no or minimal branches until I get to hunting height.

Then, at hunting height, it’s nice to have a few for some cover.  

Organize Your Gear

After I’ve found my tree, I like to make sure that I’m actually ready to climb. For me, that means ensuring that all of my gear is organized where I like it.

I have a dump pouch attached to my saddle that I keep my ropes in, and I always keep my tether underneath my lineman’s, as I know I’ll be using my lineman’s rope first. In addition to my ropes, I make sure that my climbing sticks and straps are where I like to keep them. Generally, I attach them to my saddle and climb with them dangling off the sides.

If I really need to be quiet, I’ll keep them strapped to my backpack and take them off one at a time, slowly and quietly. My organization continues after I get to climbing height, but I’ll address that shortly.  

Start Your Climb

When you begin climbing, it’s important to climb safely. Always stay attached to the tree with your lineman’s belt until you’re at hunting height.

Then, attach your tether and step onto your platform. When I climb, as I’m climbing, I always check my ropes and straps as I place them on the tree.

One hunt last year, I was climbing and noticed that one of the steps on my climbing sticks had loosened a little bit. It probably would’ve been fine, but I chose to carry that stick back to the ground and leave it there. I cut my hunting height by about three feet, but I was able to hunt safely and still had an enjoyable experience.  

Set Up Your Tether and Platform

Once I reach climbing height, I make sure to set my platform even with, or even slightly below, the top of my highest climbing stick. That way, I’m able to set my tether and tie into it before I try stepping on my platform.

Stepping onto your platform is when you’ll be taking weight off your lineman’s belt for the first time in your climbing process, so it’s important to be tied to the tree with a rope that doesn’t require tension to be safe. When I tie my tether to the tree, I like to make my knot slightly above head height. I’ve found that this makes me the most comfortable when I’m hunting.

If I want to stand up straighter or lean more as I’m hunting, I simply adjust the carabiner height of my tether to get comfortable.  

Get Ready to Hunt

Once I’m on the platform, I get everything ready to actually hunt.

First, I attach my gear strap to the tree so that I can hang my bow and my backpack. Once those items are hanging, I always nock an arrow and draw my bow to make sure that I can shoot in multiple directions quietly. I then place my bow back on its hanger and begin using my range finder to check distances in likely shooting areas. 

I’ve shot several deer with my bow now, and I’ve never actually used my range finder on a deer. I always know the range where I see them, so I don’t have to range them in the moment of truth. 

I’ll also shift and pivot around the tree quietly to act out possible shooting situations and work out any snags that might pop up before I have an animal in front of me.  

Stay Organized Up High

As I said, organization before you climb is crucial, but organization after you’re at climbing height is important to make sure your gear is ready for optimal hunting. 

I always keep my milkweed in the top pocket of my backpack or hanging in a pouch off the side. I always keep my bow on the left side of the tree, where it makes the most sense for me to grab it. I make sure that my binoculars are accessible, whether in a harness or on a strap on the tree.

Whatever gear I may need, I make sure I know exactly where it all is, even my coffee. 

Final Saddle Hunting Tips for Success This Season

Now that you’re ready to hunt, let me leave you with a few final tips for saddle hunting success before you make your way to the woods this fall.  

Practice. Practice. Practice.

Climbing with your saddle and shooting your bow from it are not innate skills. They need to be practiced and cultivated. 

Even after years of saddle hunting, I still practice multiple times every summer before I go and hunt. I’ll climb a tree in my yard and have my wife or a friend move a target around for me. I’ll shoot several arrows and climb down, then do it again.

Inevitably, my first few arrows are slightly off my aim point, but after that, I get situated and start shooting great. The gear and process become second nature after a climb or two, but that first climb is always loud and clunky. 

I’d much rather make those mistakes in my yard than when I’ve scouted and snuck into a bedding area hunting a mature buck.  

Inspect Your Gear

I’ve said it a lot today for good reason: inspect your gear.

Nothing is more important than safety. Given the choice, we’d all take making it home safely over any 200-inch whitetail. 

So, every time you climb, check your ropes and straps. Inspect all the components of your saddle, climbing sticks, and platform. Never skip this step and never take your safety for granted.  

Use Quality Gear

In the same vein of safety, always use gear from trusted companies.

Companies that have made a name for themselves in the saddle industry and are trusted by thousands of users each season. Tethrd and Latitude are always good choices (and you can save money on their gear using your HuntWise Pro or Elite subscription). 

As the market gets more and more saddle manufacturers, there will be companies that don’t adhere to safety standards the same as others. Some new companies will, and they’ll do great. But when I’m 20 feet high in a tree, I’d rather know for sure the company I’m using has been an industry staple and has kept people safe.  

Stay Stealthy

Finally, keep it stealthy.

Saddle hunting is intended to be a lightweight, mobile, and quiet option for hunts. Make sure you keep it that way, as that will give you the best odds to achieve your hunting goals.

Slow and calculated movements are key. Remember, slow is smooth and smooth is both fast and quiet. Haste makes waste, as the saying goes. In saddle hunting, haste really just creates missed opportunities and frustrated hunters.  

Get In the Saddle This Season with HuntWise

Saddle hunting has been an absolute game-changer for me. It’s revolutionized the way that I hunt and the joy I have for hunting.

I began using a saddle around the same time I started to use HuntWise, and that combination has been so fun and productive in my hunting experience. I can use HuntWise to scout a section of public land. Then, I can find a terrain feature, an oak flat, or a swamp I want to hunt. After I choose where I’m going to hunt, I simply put my saddle and backpack on and hike in, looking for sign along the way.

Then, I find a tree I want to hunt from and hunt. I’ve become both a more efficient hunter and a more successful hunter. Finding public land on HuntWise and going into a new spot blind to hunt from my saddle has become my absolute favorite way to hunt. Every hunt like this is an adventure, and adventure is the spice that really makes hunting fun. 

Now is the time to make sure you have HuntWise to start scouting for fall hunts! 
Download the app and enjoy your first week free.

Get more in-depth insights into how to get started with tree saddle hunting in our Field Guide⁺ video series for HuntWise Elite subscribers!  

In How to Saddle Hunt Like a Pro (Even if It's Your First Time), featuring Greg Godfrey of Tethrd, we cover everything you need to know to saddle hunt successfully, including the gear you need, how to set up, and how to shoot from your saddle. Check out the trailer below!