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Post by swilk on Oct 30, 2019 7:30:23 GMT -5
What are your thoughts so far? I have not hunted out of my saddle yet but have spent a few hours in the backyard and I like it but want to tweak things. I actually made a fleece saddle and combined with my rock harness I might just go that route instead of a commercially made one.
Im not sure I like the tethrd platform though .... I think I prefer a ring of steps made from bolts as it allows me to easily rotate to all sides of the tree.
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Post by medic22 on Oct 30, 2019 9:41:57 GMT -5
Ive hunted in it 3 times so far. Been doing a lot of ground hunting cause thats just what deer movement dictated. So far I love it. The first two sits were great, the third was uncomfortable, but the saddle never felt comfortable from when i first put it on, lesson learned there.
Ill start saddle hunting more heavily over the next few weeks but I already love this method. Im still tuning my preferred style. I may switch to amsteel diasy chains for my climbing steps next year.
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Post by teenhunter00 on Oct 30, 2019 10:02:50 GMT -5
So I've been debating about whether or not I should get into this, I like knowing what I'm getting myself into before I go and start throwing money at yet another hunting item. After some digging into this I still have a few questions. How much are you guys spending on your setups? I've been having some trouble finding stuff that is budget friendly. Would a quality rock climbing harness work just as well as some of the hunting harnesses I've seen? Comfort aside, from a functionality stand point, would it work?
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Post by swetz on Oct 30, 2019 11:41:06 GMT -5
So I've been debating about whether or not I should get into this, I like knowing what I'm getting myself into before I go and start throwing money at yet another hunting item. After some digging into this I still have a few questions. How much are you guys spending on your setups? I've been having some trouble finding stuff that is budget friendly. Would a quality rock climbing harness work just as well as some of the hunting harnesses I've seen? Comfort aside, from a functionality stand point, would it work? Commerical saddles are usually around $225 or so. I think Trophyline just started selling a $175 or so saddle. Often this doesn't include everything you would need (e.g. tether and line man's belt). The rock climbing harness isn't very comfortable to hang on for an extended period of time because the straps cut into your legs. Also, you probably wouldn't be able to pivot for shots as well, hanging from the loop in the harness rather than a bridge. For a long time the go to DIY saddle method was to use what is called a sit drag, which is NOT rated or designed to be used off the ground, backed up with a rock climbing harness. Here is an old YouTube video that covers this kind of setup. youtu.be/z_OVhk7U2JYYou will also need a climbing method. Sticks are the most common and maybe you already have them depending on how you hunt now. Most people also use a platform or ring of steps. Now, the most important thing before you start trying anything is safety. Saddle hunting has a steep learning curve. The types of rope and cord you use, how knots are tied, and how you climb is the difference between a good hunt and dying from a fall. A couple people in the saddle hunting sphere recently had some nasty accidents. Fortunately, no one has died yet, but they easily could have. I don't want to discourage you, but I wanted to make sure you take appropriate precautions. If you want to explore further, check out the saddle hunting forum and read everything you can.
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Post by medic22 on Oct 30, 2019 12:00:18 GMT -5
Though im sure there are cheaper ways, the entire nature of saddle hunting requires complete confidence in your equipment. There just arent many places to cut corners. You can save money by ordering rope for linemans and tether and tying your own knots. Join the saddle hunting groups and watch for deals. Though as backlogged as everyone is, there wont be many to find. A platform is nice but you can use the top of a climbing stick.
Often overlooked, youll need a way to carry this all in, I use a carbon frame pack but a backpack with cinch straps will work.
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Post by swilk on Oct 30, 2019 12:42:52 GMT -5
I've become fond of the fleece saddle....and, I will probably make a "raptor" as found on the saddle hunter forum. Either of those can be had for under $30....add a rock harness, ropes and steps or bolts....
I'd say $75 is a safe bet as a bare minimum to saddle hunt safely.
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Post by Ahawkeye on Dec 3, 2019 4:43:05 GMT -5
I received my saddle the week before gun season, I didn't get it soon enough to mess with it too much this year, I worked on a climbing method using the one stick method, just need to get a long length of climbing rope for repelling down and I'm set, I'd rather have too much stuff than not enough so I went overboard a little so my price is closer to $400 I've got my buck already and looking to get a doe for a friend, got my buck sitting on the ground I may try to get the doe via saddle but again I'm waiting on repelling line. Pretty excited about the whole set up!
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Post by medic22 on Dec 10, 2019 11:57:34 GMT -5
One of the things ive been considering is switching to amsteel on my climbing sticks and changing my bridge to spliced amsteel.
So today I ordered all the things to do that. Going to splice a loop in the amsteel to go over my versa buttons and I ordered some elastic cord so I can secure the loose end during packing.
I intially opted for a tied bridge, which is samson predator cord, i felt the bridge was a little long for me, as Im 5'7" so I can only get my tether so high. I had a spare sewn prussik so my initial fix was to make my bridge adjustable. I like it and it worked, but its extra bulk on my left side. Ill likely do a spliced bridge while im at it, then I can make it the length I want.
I also cashed in some points on my debit card for an REI gift card. Im going to use that for a ropeman 1 on my linemans belt.
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Post by esshup on Dec 10, 2019 13:40:39 GMT -5
One of the things ive been considering is switching to amsteel on my climbing sticks and changing my bridge to spliced amsteel. So today I ordered all the things to do that. Going to splice a loop in the amsteel to go over my versa buttons and I ordered some elastic cord so I can secure the loose end during packing. I intially opted for a tied bridge, which is samson predator cord, i felt the bridge was a little long for me, as Im 5'7" so I can only get my tether so high. I had a spare sewn prussik so my initial fix was to make my bridge adjustable. I like it and it worked, but its extra bulk on my left side. Ill likely do a spliced bridge while im at it, then I can make it the length I want. I also cashed in some points on my debit card for an REI gift card. Im going to use that for a ropeman 1 on my linemans belt. I like Amsteel for it's light weight and it's "no stretch" properties. While it isn't hunting related, I have a piece of 1/2" Amsteel that is 150' long that I use for helping to pull trees the correct way when cutting problem trees down. I typically use a good sized tractor with someone I trust running it while I cut. The bad thing about Smsteel is that if it's used in a situation where it will generate heat (like a capstain) the heat will weaken it.
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Post by swilk on Dec 10, 2019 16:01:33 GMT -5
I am currently using an amsteel whoopie as my bridge .... im sure ill settle on a fixed length eventually but until then i like having the adjustable.
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Post by medic22 on Dec 21, 2019 23:36:06 GMT -5
Finishing up splicing the amsteel for the climbing sticks. Ill likely wait till tomorrow to splice the bridge.
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Post by willy7948 on Dec 22, 2019 0:56:13 GMT -5
My 220 pound self will never consider this lol. I’ll fall off when I try to itch my leg.
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