A lot of times, there have been concerns among hunters about the comfortability of a saddle. I have seen a common question in many discussions and among new hunters: โIs saddle hunting comfortable?โ To answer it simply, saddle hunting is complex for beginners, but it will become comfortable if you are familiar with the tools and know how they work.
Like most hunters, I used to be at the same spot. But now, with time, I find the things that work for me and guide beginner hunters to do the same. Let me share my saddle hunting tips, which are tested and proven.
For a comfortable public land hunting, having the best saddle hunting accessories is the key. Practicing in these badboys is especially important if you are new.
8 Proven Saddle Hunting Hacks
Here are the saddle hunting tips that have worked for me, like most public land hunters’ comfort.
1. Choosing The Right Hunting Saddle
You might have noticed or not, but picking the right saddle proves very useful in your comfort during hunting. There are single and double panel hunting saddles. I prefer the double panel saddle as it provides more support and comfort during climbing and hunting. If this is new to you, learn what is saddle hunting.
Single panel hunting saddles have a common issue of moving up from their place, making hunting less comfortable. However, this issue is very much resolved by the double panel design, where the inner panel stays right below the hips, and you can adjust the outer panel according to your needs. This way, it provides more support and comfort during the hunterโs expedite.
2. Find The Comfortable Tether Height
After climbing the tree, the next thing that you need to do is adjust the tether height from which you are hunting. You can either raise or lower this, which in turn puts pressure on the part of the body depending on its angle of attachment.
The higher the angle will be, the more pressure it will put on the upper part of your saddle. Similarly, the less steep the angle will be, the more pressure will be on the lower part of the saddle. Therefore, it is up to you to find a happy medium that suits your needs and eases you while hunting.
3. Saddle Hunting Bridge Length Adjustment
After tether adjustment, which makes it look like a sling stand hunting, next is the tree saddle bridge length. This is quite important as its length puts pressure on the hip. The shorter the bridge will be, the more pressure you are going to feel. Therefore, a broader or longer bridge length is often recommended as it provides more comfort and ease of aim.
Unfortunately, there is no standard length for it, like tether height. It is all about finding your happy medium between shorter and broader bridge lengths for comfortable maneuverability.
4. Finding The Saddle Hunting Comfort On Your Body
You might have guessed it right. It’s all about trial and error. Some people find the saddle hunting comfortable on their waistline, while others with or below it. Thus, there is no right answer for it. However, you can use a hunting saddle harness to find a more comfortable spot for it in your body.
5. Use Knee Pads Or Knee Cushion
While climbing and staying on the tree for hours and sometimes even the entire day, knee pads add a level of safety and comfort to the legs. Moreover, it saves from knee sores while in sitting position and makes climbing and hunting more easy.
6. Use Saddle Hunting Back Band
When you are hunting for long hours of the day, using a saddle back band adds comfortability while waiting for your prey. You canโt just stay standing on a saddle; you need support for your back. This is where the saddle hunting back band comes to aid, allowing you to lean and even sleep while waiting.
This may look extra but you can use this while hanging, just put it in the best saddle hunting backpack you have and use it whenever you need.
7. Shape In With Your Saddle
Sometimes, it happens that the new saddle doesnโt feel comfortable. Therefore, by spending time in your saddle and getting your wits around it, you can get in shape with your saddle. It happens often with new saddles, and getting adjustments around it will make you feel more comfortable.
Every saddle is designed differently. It becomes comfy after using it several times for run and gun hunting. You can also explore a comparison between hunting saddle and climber.
8. Adjusting Your Feet
One last thing to consider is what you are doing with your feet. When you are climbing a tree and have reached the height you are aiming for. You need to settle your feet, and for that, you can use different platforms.
Now, there are different platforms that you can use to help yourself while standing and getting comfortable with your feet. Therefore, you must find the one that gives you ample space to place both shoes and aids in a comfortable hunting experience.
John Eberhart Saddle Hunting
John Eberhart is a renowned saddle hunter who has been hunting for years. He devised several saddles for himself and worked with different brands until designed the one that worked for him.
Johnโs designed saddle is now sold by Tethrd exclusively as Eberhart’s signature saddle. It is a sling stand hunting 2-panel saddle that offers not just comfort but also mobility and ease of maneuverability during hunting. In brief, this is a decent adjustable saddle that is comparatively easier to use and hunt with.
Conclusion
In summary, saddle hunting is comfortable if you know how to maneuver your way around it. There are a few saddle hunting hacks, like managing saddle bridge and rope, that you can apply to get more satisfied with it. However, your comfort level is increased with experience and practice using the same saddle over a certain period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of tree should be considered for saddle hunting?
Look for straight trees with multiple tree trunks at a height. This will give you appropriate concealment and ease of movement to hunt with saddle.
Is it possible to sit in the saddle all day while hunting?
Yes, the saddles are designed to stay in all day. If you are a new hunter, you will find it difficult, but over time, you will get used to it and be comfortable enough to stay in the saddle.
What gear or equipment do you need for saddle hunting?
You only need a saddle with a bridge, lineman rope, tether rope, climbing sticks, platform, and saddle hunting descender.
About Henry Liam
I am a father, veteran, database engineer and a hunter from Pacific Northwest. I am also the founder of Children Outdoor Adventure Network. I live with my wife and two children in Seattle. Since teenage I am doing run and gun style hunting on public lands and have visited all 50 states as well as Canada. Read More about me.
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