Saddle Hunting Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re new to saddle hunting, you’re probably quickly learning that the method is considerably different than any other elevated method you’ve tried before. There is a learning curve. But once you figure it out, you’ll discover that saddle hunting is easily the most effective strategy for true mobile hunting.

Mistakes, they will come. But once you gain the confidence in your equipment, you’ll discover unlimited options for a more stealthy approaching to killing deer every season.

To help you avoid many of the pitfalls and mistakes rookie saddle hunters make, we’ve put together the following list of saddle hunting mistakes to avoid this season.

Setting Up On Wrong Side Of Tree

Saddle hunting allows you to make your shot, regardless of where the deer approaches. However, setting up on the right side of the tree allows for easier shot opportunities, with less movement. Right-handed shooters will want to set up where deer will approach from their front left side. The opposite applies for the left-hand shooter.

Set up in such a way as to use the tree for cover and concealment from approaching deer. The tree allows you to “hide” from the eyes of approaching deer. It breaks up your outline in the tree, effectively helping you go undetected.

Failing to Practice Before The Hunt

Learning to saddle hunt on opening day is one of the biggest mistakes we see a lot of hunters make,” says Rob Mendoza of Tethrd. “You wouldn’t go throughout the year without practicing with your bow and then show and start slinging arrows on opening day. The same applies to saddle hunting. You need to practice anytime you are trying something new.”

Mendoza recommends to start practice at ground level. Learn to set up and maneuver in the saddle just a foot or two off the ground. As you become comfortable, you can add 1 climbing stick to the mix to gain a little height, then a second stick, and so on as you become comfortable and confident with your gear.

Setting Up in an Angled Tree

Setting up in an angled tree is a mistake you won’t really understand until you make it. Yes, you can setup in an angled tree, but it’s just not the ideal scenario. It’s uncomfortable and it puts your tether rope at an awkward and unsafe angle should you fall and swing from the tree.

Trust us on this one! Don’t hunt from an awkward angled tree.

Not Adjusting to Maximize Comfort

That can’t be comfortable!

It’s usually the first thing skeptics say about saddle hunting. The truth is, once you find the sweet spot in your setup, saddle hunting can be very comfortable, providing great relief from the back and butt pains that come with long hours sitting on a small treestand seat. The key is to know how to make the necessary adjustments to maximize comfort.

Experiment with platform angles and adjustments to know what is the most comfortable position for your feet and ankles. Use a Recliner strap to provide better comfort for your back. This adjustable strap can be positioned in a variety of ways to increased comfort to your back, butt and legs. You can also make rope adjustments that allow you to drop into a seated position in your saddle to give your legs a break throughout the hunt. Check out more saddle hunting 101 videos from our friends over at Tethrd.

Forgetting Your Lineman or Tether Rope

Saddle hunting involves several key pieces of must-have equipment beyond the saddle itself. The lineman rope and tether rope are two such tools. Don’t leave home without these. The lineman rope allows you to stay constantly connected to the tree from the time your feet leave the ground. Climbing without a lineman rope is nothing short of foolish. Don’t do it! And once you’re in hunting position, you can add your tether rope connection and remove your lineman rope. It’s the ultimate in safety. Don’t leave these two tools behind. Drop pouches built for your saddle make keeping up with these ropes, and always having them at the ready, easier than ever.

Not Practicing With Your Gear On

Greg Godfrey of Tethrd says that not practicing with you gear on is one of the biggest mistakes saddle hunters make. “In the Army you’re taught to train as you fight,” says Godfrey. “Hunters should do this as well. Training in real world conditions can help reduce misses, and non-fatal hits. Hunters should think of their gear as a tool to accomplish their goals, as opposed to their gear being the point. Don’t be a Geardo! Buy gear that works for you and makes you more efficient, and know how to use it. If your gear doesn’t give you more confidence, you’re using the wrong gear.”

Failing to Adjust Tether and Bridge Height/Length

Your tether placement, as well as well as your bridge length and height can make or break your comfort and ability to maneuver for the shot. I’ve heard people complain about their saddle not being comfortable. After digging deeper and questioning their setup, I often find they have their tether rope set above their head. Remember, this is not a treestand harness! A tether rope anchored too high can add an uncomfortable angle on your ropes, or restrict maneuverability.

Take the time to adjust the tether height, possibly chest-high at most, and you’ll find a dramatic change in comfort in your saddle. The same applies for the bridge length. Better saddles have an adjustable bridge. Shorten or lengthen your bridge to help maximize comfort and manueverability.

Thinking You Have to Hunt as High as Possible

Don’t fall for the myth that you have to hunt at extreme heights when saddle hunting. That’s not the case. Saddle hunting is the most versatile method of elevated hunting. You can hunt most any tree out there. That means you can tuck in at shorter heights with ample cover. This often brings greater comfort and more visibility. Rob Mendoza agrees that thinking you have to climb high can be a big mistake saddle hunters make.

“If you are hunting in a pine tree in the Deep South, by all means, get as high as you think you need to go; but one of the best parts of saddle hunting is its versatility,” says Mendoza. “Saddle hunters have the ability to get into trees not possible with other forms of hunting. Finding trees with good coverage allows the hunter to hide themselves much easier and eliminates the need to get as high as humanly possible. Every year, I see giant-sized guys kill big deer 10 feet off the ground out of a saddle because they were able to conceal themselves lower to the ground.”

What about you? What are the biggest mistakes you’ve made or see other saddle hunters make? Comment below, and let us know what you think.

Brodie Swisher

Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, seminar speaker and Editor for Bowhunting.com. Brodie and his family live in the Kentucky Lake area of west Tennessee.