Tazman 19-Apr-20. Nite Ize gear ties quickly became one of my favorite little pieces of gear for tree saddle hunting. Quick disclaimer. I started saddle hunting not long after I completed the Army’s Air Assault course. The platform adjuster bolt squeaks, so Dave suggested velcro or duct tape at the interface with the post. I frequently use a couple of knock-off Wild Edge Stepps placed on opposite sides of the tree. I mostly hunt public land in a state where you cannot screw anything into the tree so I don’t have much experience with this type of climbing. Below is a quick primer on some of the most popular brands of climbing sticks. I could swing around the tree like a monkey, hang upside down, anything to pass the time. But now Wild Edge is giving hunters an opportunity to ditch the plywood for something more sturdy. This platform sits closer to the tree . Don’t expect a saddle to fit perfect right out of the box any more than you would expect a bow to shoot bullseyes without any tuning. Another method is to strip to your base layers and get yourself and all your gear up in the tree in one shot. The key to overcoming the learning curve is knowing that if something doesn’t feel right you can keep making adjustments until it does. However, the Kite uses a mesh seat, simple hardware to cut down on weight, and the rope bridge is tied on. I obsessively check my connection points and make sure my ropes are routed correctly and the gates on my carabiners are closed. Shooting from a saddle is closer to this regular standing form than shooting from a stand. As far as general specs go, the Hawks are 30 inches long and weigh about 2.9 lbs per stick. Basically, what you have is a canvas seat reinforced with high strength webbing with tie in points on each side. New Tribe has been making tree climbing gear for decades, getting into the hunting game more recently. The Ambush Lite is an updated version of the original saddle. peterk1234 30-Jul-18. Other hunters opt for a single rope step/aider on the bottom of every stick to achieve extra height. There is a difference in the way you shoot from a tree saddle vs a tree stand. There are almost as many DIY platforms as there are saddle hunters. The key is that a tree saddle will allow you to climb difficult trees more safely than a stand allows. One of the best things about the Ambush Lite is fast shipping. Before you finalize your kit, make sure you browse around and look at all the different saddles, platforms, and accessories. The Predator is the original ultralight saddle hunting platform. Ring of Silent Approach Steps Run a search for DIY tree saddle platform on google images and you will see just how creative you can get. I ended the year using a DIY platform a buddy had used. If you aren’t happy with the saddle, New Tribe offers a 30 day return policy. These are truly the small batch whiskey of climbing sticks. However, they leave a little to be desired. But, what makes them unique is that the steps fold compactly into the main beam of the stick. Apr 21, 2020 - Explore Wbuchchanan's board "DIY saddle platform" on Pinterest. Trophyline keep their product in stock and can get you a saddle much quicker, like a week or less. I just need my platform to get here. Beast Sticks are drilled with weight reduction holes, and at about 1.7lbs they are probably the lightest on the market. Not going to lie to you dear reader, this is one of the dangers of tree saddle hunting of which there is no safety backup. Immediately I loved the feeling of hanging in a saddle vs sitting in a stand. Climbing sticks are hard to beat on DIY public land hunts where screw-in steps are prohibited by regulation. But just recently finished testing my diy platform and man im pumped about it. Taking a leak is easily doable from the saddle. It has a muddy seat as the platform, 12" section of a lone wolf climbing stick, and a XOP stand off bracket. If you have searched the internet in the last few years you have probably heard of tree saddle hunting. Honestly, the best advice I can give anyone is to just get in the saddle and start sending arrows down range. The Wild Edge Perch was another new tree saddle hunting platform introduced in 2019. The platform shown in the video is a Lone Wolf Assassin. Ambush Baits. Dan designed a sharp, multi-pointed footing in order to ensure his sticks bite into the tree even when placed at odd angles. That being said, tree saddle hunting can be uncomfortable if you fail to properly adjust your gear to fit your body. Regardless of whether you are using a stand or a saddle, the actual climbing of the tree and the step to your stand/platform is where the greatest potential for accidents exists. In a tree stand there is a chance you could fall and find yourself hanging by your tether and safety harness. At about 18 inches between steps, this requires you to stretch your legs a bit more than with 3 step designs. Homemade tree saddle. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges or a router with a round bit. That’s another benefit of tree saddle hunting, it naturally encourages you to actually use your safety equipment because you are already wearing it. One of the unique features of the Muddy Pro sticks is the rope cam system used to secure the stick to the tree. It loops around the tree and uses carabiners to connect to the tie in points on your saddle, which keeps you connected to the tree during the climb. Saddle hunting has been around for decades. The option on the right is made from a wheel chair foot rest. Gravity will be working against you more than if you are positioned closer to the tree. If you are interested in tree saddle hunting I’d strongly recommend giving it a shot. DIY; hunting; DIY Camo. This equipment has been around for a few decades but in the past few years its popularity has soared. We’ll spare you the full history but just know that grandfather of saddles, the Trophyline Ambush, was primitive compared to what is available now. DIY saddle platform Massachusetts. As you can imagine, fatal hookups can apply to tree saddle hunting as well. In this case it helps to have insulating bottoms that unzip to let air in. Don’t get me wrong, it’s easy to get cozy and be still in a saddle. I’ve never really had any issue with this. The only thing I don’t like about this setup is that you have to tie each individual Stepp to the tree. I’ve read dozens of forum posts online of guys saying they never used any kind of safety equipment until they began using a saddle. The saddles on the market today simply blow the old ones out of the water. Yes, this means they aren’t cheap but in this case you get what you pay for. Tree saddle hunting is easier to get into than ever before. This presents a problem for hunters in cold weather states who rely on a layering system when temperatures dip. These are pricey at $50-$60 but I’ve never heard of anyone regretting the purchase. You can get very creative in this area. I bought an Aerohunter Evolution saddle after reading about tree saddle hunting in one of the Eberhart’s books. In my opinion, this is where a tree saddle really shines. There is usually a way to hit the same shot with good form. Don't see one in third thread. https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/home-made-platform.7661/post-120274, https://www.mackspw.com/Muddy-Ultim...sjDdE179xlb6e370XmNP4U4IMnGzSyzBoCDNsQAvD_BwE. Some people like more lean away from the tree than others. You need to integrate it into your shot process and check it every time you draw back and settle into your peep. Login/Register access is temporary disabled, Tree Stands vs Tree Saddles for Mobile Hunting, Different Types of Shots in a Tree Saddle, 6 Best Single Pin Bow Sights For Hunting 2019, How to Choose the Best Bow Sight Pin Size and Colors. Matthew Pokusa Trophyline Ambush Lite Tree Saddle Most manufacturers sell all of the above as a kit. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I’ve tried to “fall” out of my saddle before and never been successful. This is just something to keep in mind especially if you are buying used. Carrying a tree stand on your back also adds some extra size to your frame have to be aware of when you are moving in the field. One of the things I appreciate about my tree saddle is that I always feel locked in and secure. Body position and shooting form are both things you will always want to pay attention to when shooting from a tree. Adjust the leg loops on your saddle, or the position of your tie-in points until it feels right. The 5.11 Rush is a good pack covered in Molle. Tree Saddle Platform Insanity! I have heard stories of saddle hunters who *thought* they locked in their Lineman’s belt correctly, only to lean back during a climb and realize it wasn’t. Tethrd has a ton of different purchase options so you can buy just the saddle or everything to include all your ropes plus a platform. With any DIY project there is a level of risk involved. One of the drawbacks with this method compared to a traditional platform is that it’s harder to take weak side shots. One of the most common methods is to use the seat off of an old hang-on tree stand as a base. I’ve seen people using other materials for the base of the platform but none of them are as rugged as I would like. I have seen a seat similar to that one but haven't seen that particular seat. New Tribe also offers 3 different bridge options with the Flex. Your learning curve should be much quicker. Yes let us know how it turns out. Next we will put it all together and try it out. Someone suggested a new thread for this platform and here it is. One caveat, while the tree saddle itself is extremely mobile, your choice of climbing method and platform can make it or break your overall setup. It’s pretty obvious that if you are going to hunt from a tree, whether you are in a tree stand or tree saddle, you need a climbing method. Most hunters are aware of the shooting limitations that come from being in tree stand. Enjoy. Components are priced individually. There has never been a better time to get into tree saddle hunting. By design, the steps do not fold. Often these DIY setups were made of plywood which is less than ideal. See more ideas about saddle, hunting gear, hunting diy. You will need a wheelchair step like the one used here and a folding frame like the one used in the big game turkey hunting seat. Some spray paint and or other camo material and a ratcheting loop strap. The bridge is adjustable nylon vs the static line that many other saddles use. This post will cover everything I’ve learned saddle hunting, why I like it, the struggles I have had, and gear recommendations to optimize your setup. Go. In my opinion, they are about equal for drop shots and strong side shots. There’s also the option to use multiple strap-on steps installed on the same strap. Bent trees, small trees, trees with too many limbs, or any combination of traits can pose a challenge. Things like the single rope technique, double rope technique, ascending/rappelling, etc. I’ve heard comments from guys saying that tree saddles look like a complicated and foriegn setup. One of the other common issues with climbing sticks is kick outs when the footings don’t bite into the tree. A fatal hookup is when you fail to loop your ropes around your carabiner correctly or lock the gate on your carabiner. Something as simple as a 5-Step Aider hung from your bottom climbing stick will add several feet right off the bat. Mark the cut lines on the slats and get the job done with a jigsaw. Thanks SH for giving us a place to do this. My foot stays where I put it . I believe this is one of the advantages because you are able to keep the tree between you and the deer. To me, hunting while hanging from a rope didn’t seem too different than rappelling out of a helicopter. Not sure about the one pictured above, but if you go to the below link this seat appears to have almost the same bracket that slomo used. If I had to guess I would say that this is still the preferred option for most mobile hunters and it’s what they are comfortable with. Here's a link to the cheapest platforms I could find: Here's a link to some comparison pictures of the XOP platform and this scooter foot rest platform: Good luck with that DanO. It consists of a mailbox metal plate mount and a steel support bracket with some grade 8 hardware. While this is an advantage, there are some adjustments that need to be made to keep you comfortable. No matter which way you lean for a shot you want to make sure you aren’t canting your bow. It's very stable and once cam locked in, … Another thing to keep in mind is that there was a recall on the older version of these Muddy sticks. With a tree saddle you lower this risk by climbing with a Lineman’s belt, and using a tether at final height. We will talk about that later on in this article. Click this link for information on how you can tell the difference. In my opinion, no other piece of hunting gear that has advanced so much in the last decade. I'm making a couple as well using this platform. This will help you maintain accuracy in the stand. You are wearing a diaper. The obvious advantage is more stability when shooting, especially when shooting the weak side shot. The next step is to experiment with the length of your bridge, tether, and the height of your platform. Hawk Helium climbing sticks are an option if you want three double steps instead of three single steps like the Lonewolf uses. If you aren’t satisfied, Tethrd has a 30 day return policy. Out On A Limb saddle hunting stands are the most advanced tree saddles on the market. The product came in quickly and is built very well. Cole Makes a DIY platform that fits in a Wild Edge Step.Link for Wild Edge Stepladderhttps://wildedgeinc.com/#/Link for Tethrd Mantishttps://tethrdnation.com Since a lot of tree saddle companies have a 6-8 week lead time you have some time to study beforehand. However, this isn’t exactly effortless and requires some practice to do it right. The Perch gives you the advantage of being able to access the weak side shot. Amazon is full of cheap imitations of this product. Articles; saddle hunting 101; 5 Reasons Why You Should Be A Saddle Hunter. See more ideas about hunting, bow hunting, saddle. If you choose to go this route, Eastern Woods Outdoors sells a lot of odds and ends parts to make it easy to complete your build. Joined Sep 23, 2017 Messages 90. If you wanted to go this route, it helps to have a platform like the predator vs the smaller wild edge steps as your base. More Buying Choices $59.99 (2 new offers) Teufelberger treeMOTION Harness for Arborists – Belt-and-Sit Saddle with Rear Tie-in Attachment (One-Size, Black) ... tree saddle hunting system tethrd phantom tree saddle DIY saddle platform Massachusetts. The Lineman’s belt is high strength static line used to safely climb trees. Spent 30-45 min in it to try it in the tree. Contributors to this thread: SloMo 30-Jul-18. It all depends on how you are packing your sticks but it’s hard to argue that folding steps aren’t more compact. ... Tree Saddle Platform Insanity! Compared to a tree stand, there is less bending at the waist to shoot which is what I think causes a lot of misses and bad shots. If you are trying to build a strap-on step platform be advised that the good steps are hard to find and prices are inflated as a result. This is not a sales pitch for you to ditch your tree stand. Owning a bow sight with a bubble level is a must have for tree saddle hunters. They are no longer made. by admin on March 19, 2018 in saddle hunting 101. The lightest tree stands on the market are around 7lbs compared to a 1-2lb saddle. Top shot refers to the frontal zone directly in front of the tree. Here is my tree saddle platform that I just built. Here you can lean into your tether and execute the weak side shot without much trouble. It was developed in the early 1960’s as a light weight alternative to the tree stand, however we’ve seen a huge spike in popularity in recent years. What you choose for a climbing method and platform will also affect your learning curve. Climbing sticks and tree steps are the most popular and easy to use options. This has the effect of more gently cradling your body as opposed to the rigid bleacher-like feel of some tree stands. A rope bridge runs between the tie in points, some manufacturers make these adjustable and others are fixed at one length. You can set them as close or far apart as you want. Would seem to get in the way when you are pivoting around to shoot the weak side or at twelve oclock? When you reach hunting height the tether loops around the tree and attaches to the rope bridge with a carabiner. Yep I'm a saddle hunter. Sooner or later the supply will run out so gettum while ya can . Drop shots also require you to reposition your feet and rotate your body to hit the zone behind you. It’s not uncommon to find deer living in places where there are no great trees to set up in. That being said the cam system on its own doesn’t totally secure the rope. The Gen 2 Predator Platform added extra reinforcements to shore up the weak spot. The Wild Edge Perch was another new tree saddle hunting platform introduced in 2019. The Hawks aren’t the only double step option. Personally, I hate carrying one and that’s what drove me to saddle hunting. Our newest tree saddle, the RIDGE RUNNER saddle offers the most versatility of any tree stand on the market. Part 1 shows the gear I have bought so far. Mar 20, 2020 - Explore Matthew Minnier's board "saddle hunting" on Pinterest. You can’t get as high with 4 Muddy sticks as you can with 4 Lone Wolf or Hawk Heliums. It’s also worth noting that the bridge is Amsteel blue that is permanently spliced on, so if you wanted to change this you would have to DIY it. I’m not saying this to deter you from this platform, just be sure that you get the Gen 2. Now that tree saddle hunting has surged in popularity in recent years, Trophyline has re-emerged. They use different materials and hardware similar to what they use for their arborist and recreation line. Most saddle hunting lingo breaks this down into four shot types, strong side shots, weak side shots, top shots, and drop shots. Dan chose to go old school and have these sticks manufactured in small runs with great care taken to ensure quality and tight tolerances. The first step of the project is to build the sides of the saddle stand. Lone Wolf also uses a pivoting standoff bracket, which some hunters like and some don’t. It is easier than ever to get into because saddle hunting gear has evolved so much in the past few years. All of the Kestrel saddles are fairly similar. The end result is that the New Tribe Saddles seem to look and feel a bit more rugged and weight slightly more than others. If you love your tree stand then you should keep it. In my opinion, this is the best DIY option. This is the method I find myself using most often. The climbing sticks on the market today are lightweight, pack easy, and make tree climbing a breeze. However, just sitting at hunting height is the easy part. Lean into the saddle and let the tether support your weight. Or, once you cool off from the walk in you can put on your insulating layers (minus your jacket) and climb very slowly so you don’t overheat. Extra Wild Edge Steps (2 or 3) as a platform and to allow movement around the tree. I too am doing the build with a couple XOP brackets, strap and 1.25" square tubing since finding that big game seat doesnt seem possible. You can still buy brand new. The granddaddy of tree saddles, the Trophyline Ambush, was discontinued years ago. The Generation 1 platforms had a design flaw that caused some failures, which are well documented on the Saddle Hunter Forum. Bought the 6-pack of the primal steps for $30. The saddle also integrates with a rope bridge, Lineman’s belt, and a tether. When it’s time to climb a tree you don’t have to take a stand off your back, mess around with it, and then haul it up the tree. A lot of guys on the Saddle Hunter Forum use aiders to extend the reach. I always hated doing this in a tree stand because I didn’t want to wake up as I was tipping over and falling out. Many saddle hunters have been known to piece together platforms using parts from old tree stands.