Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Aldeer Bow Talk Any "saddle" hunters on here?

Thinking about switching to the tree saddle method and Wild Edge Steppe Ladder steps. I have an original tree lounge, and love it, but I just can't haul that sucker around anymore unless I know exactly what tree I want to be in, etc. This will also reduce the amount of stuff strapped to my kayak when I use it.

I'm a public land owner/hunter and run and gun is my normal tactic.

I've read all the stuff on saddle hunter forums, YouTube, etc; just thought I'd see if any of yall are running this setup.

I am interested as well. Seems like it would be a lot nicer than finding the perfect tree to climb that is not in the perfect spot.

I’m not sure that could make an accurate shot without standing on a platform.

I've worried about that as well, but they seem to be pretty stable and allow better "T" shooting form.

The whole reason I'm not flying planes in the Marine Corps anymore is because I had lumbar spine surgery. So for me, if can probably practice my shots and get "good enough" for a 20-30 yard poke while hanging that would be worth it not to have to hump around a crap ton of gear.

Decisions, decisions...

I've hunted from the Quidos web for a few years and switched to the Kestrel this year. I use 4 - 5 wild edge stepps to get to hunting height using an aider (swaider). Haven't used a climber since switching. As far as accurate shooting from my saddles I actually shoot as good in it as I do off the ground and practice out to 60 yards out of it. I love being so mobile and having more options to hunt the perfect spot due to more choices on trees you can hunt!!!

Is the kestrel comfortable? I've heard some people say it's bad about hip pinch. I need something comfortable enough for an all day sit.

Tetherd nation makes a small platform but if I need sticks or steps to get in the tree and a platform to stand on I might as well use my hang on

How do you take a leak in one?

If you're a bank walker you just lift your pants leg a lil bit and air it out.

I hunted out of it opening week in Kentucky and first couple of days I felt hip pinch but I lowered the tether height like other saddle hunters say to do and wore the Kestrel a little lower and it was really comfortable. The web is still the most comfortable saddle out but I like the Kestrel better!

Well I took the plunge and ordered an Aero Hunter Kestrel. It's backordered, so I'm hoping it will be here before the rut, if not...lesson learned and I'll just have to hump some gear in. Also waited to long on the Wild Edge steps, backordered too...

Plan on doing a lot of practicing in my backyard before actually hunting.

I'm really hoping this is the ticket for me, as I'm going to be using water access a lot around the state and the less gear/weight the better.

I'd like an honest review after the season if you get around to it. I might end up ditching the hang on and climber.

Definitely interested in hearing what y’all think about them

Will do. Was scouting an area today that's "way back there" and was thinking how nice it would be to not have to hump 15-20lbs of stand back there, not to mention after kayaking to it, and then I turned around and somebody had left a climber on a tree from last year. haha

I can only imagine how far that dude toted that stand in if he didn't get there by water...

No way to drop ass out of one of those.

I’m making my first hunt out of one now.

Thoughts?

I thought about getting one last year after reading one the Eberhart books. It was basically a giant ad for whatever saddle he used and carbon lock clothing...but it still sounded interesting.

So far I like it. I got 2 sits out of it. Second sit was better than first. I need a longer bridge (I bought it with a fixed bridge from a buddy and it’s to short for me). I also want to get the predator platform.

How is the comfort factor? I've considered one myself but not sure about the comfort part.