Updated March 2023
It seems that tree saddle hunting has recently gained notable popularity as a competitor to traditional treestands among whitetail hunters. So, what exactly is all the hype about? Hunters are now beginning to realize the many advantages of hunting from a tree saddle and the application saddles have to various hunting situations. This article will cover what a tree saddle is, how to use a tree saddle and advantages of hunting from a tree saddle.
What is a Tree Saddle?
In simple terms, a tree saddle is comparable to a mesh hammock that you sit in. It is worn like an electrical lineman’s belt with a rope looped around the tree that you lean back into in a semi-seated or standing position. For example, the Hawk Helium or XOP-Xtreme Saddle System tree saddles are popular saddles trusted by numerous bowhunters. Most saddle hunters affix a small platform or ring of steps to the tree for their feet, allowing for increased maneuverability and 360-degrees of shot opportunities.
How to Use a Tree Saddle
Now that you know what a tree saddle is, it’s important to know how to use one. The basic components of a tree saddle system are the saddle, lineman’s rope, bridge rope, tether and platform. Each of these pieces are interrelated and work together in climbing a tree and securing yourself in a tree. The first step is to put on the saddle which has pockets containing the lineman’s rope and bridge rope. Next is climbing the tree.
Some hunters prefer to climb up the tree simply using the lineman’s rope, whereas other prefer to use climbing sticks or screw-in tree steps to get up to their desired height. Either method is effective and comes down to your comfort level. Once in the tree, you attach your bridge rope to the saddle’s tether and then wrap it around the tree. Now you can attach and position your platform to the tree for standing or leaning on. Once positioned to your desired spot in the tree, utilizing a gear strap or a mobile bow hanger makes access to all your gear conveniently in front of you.
The Hunting Public has a helpful video explaining how a tree saddle is used with visual demonstrations:
5 Advantages of Hunting from a Tree Saddle
1. Lightweight Design – First and foremost, tree saddles are incredibly lightweight compared to traditional hang on stands or climbers, with most tree saddles weighing in at around 2 pounds. Their lightweight design makes them easier to transport and carry in the field. This makes tree saddles a great minimalist option for hunters hiking in far distances, by allowing them to go further with less weight in gear. Also, a lot of saddle hunter put on their lineman’s belt at their vehicle and walk to their hunting spot with it on, leaving less gear than needs to be carried.
2. Mobility – Tree saddles rate high in the mobility category for their general versatility. For those whitetail hunters that are constantly on the go, or regularly hunt public land, tree saddles are great for quickly moving your setup or adapting to various situations. There is nothing more frustrating than getting set up in a tree and seeing deer traveling down a trail just out of range. This is where the fast and quiet mobility of a saddle comes in handy by allow you to quicky move closer to where the deer are. Similarly, many hunters find that tree saddles open up a wider array of tree choices to hunt from. Smaller diameter trees that may not work for a hang on stand or a climber are now an option with a tree saddle.
3. Maneuverability – One of the biggest advantages of hunting from a tree saddle is the nearly 360-degree shooting opportunities. Compared to traditional treestands where the trunk of the tree blocks shots directly behind you, tree saddles allow hunters to swivel, pivot and swing in almost all different directions to allow for just about any shot direction.
Also, by carrying less bulk on your back, you are able to maneuver through the woods and thick areas more efficiently. This can be cumbersome with a traditional treestand on your back. With a saddle, you are able to get into thickets where the big bucks live with less resistance. Finally, transporting, setting up and using a tree saddle is quieter than a traditional treestand. There are no metal parts that can banged or clanked around creating unwanted noise
4. Concealment – Another useful advantage of hunting from a tree saddle is the concealment factor. Compared to a traditional treestand where you are sitting out in front of the tree, a tree saddle creates less of a side profile of your body. By sticking out less and remaining tighter to the tree, you reduce the chance of deer picking you off.
5. Comfort – One of the most common questions asked by hunters considering a tree saddle is “how comfortable are tree saddles?” The sling-style hammock-shaped seat is fairly comfortable for most whitetail hunters. For all day sits, tree saddles make shifting your position and body weight easy in order to maintain comfort. Most saddles are made to be adjusted effortlessly to fit the user and to reduce any pressure points. Some saddle manufacturers even sell back/lumbar support attachments.
Aside from comfortability, may hunters find themselves questioning the safety of hunting from a tree saddle. This is a valid concern as climbing up a tree with a small fabric saddle may feel dangerous. The reality is that tree saddles are relatively safe compared to traditional treestands. Once up in a tree, you are secured by both a lineman’s rope and a tether. It may be frightening at first leaning out and away from the trunk of the tree, but you will soon get used to it and learn to trust your saddle.
As you have read, there are many distinct advantages of hunting whitetails from a tree saddle compared to a traditional treestand. Their lightweight design, mobility, maneuverability, concealment and comfort all add the many reasons why more and more hunters are turning to tree saddles to go further and get into places traditional treestands can’t. Try a tree saddle for yourself to see if it’s right for you. For related articles, check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!
