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Post by (Not Ronald) Reagan on Nov 29, 2019 17:32:21 GMT -5
Has anyone tried it or interested in it? I just started playing around with the Tethrd Mantis this summer and it’s amazing.
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Post by medic22 on Nov 29, 2019 18:52:30 GMT -5
I dove into it this year. Im really glad I did, I was able to hunt some great trees that I never would have been able to hunt before. Ive already started on some off season changes, but I had it nearly dialed in this year.
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Post by swetz on Nov 29, 2019 20:15:04 GMT -5
I saddle hunt. Well, the few days a year that I get out there at least.
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Post by 36fan on Nov 29, 2019 23:09:40 GMT -5
I am intrigued by it, but I haven't made the investment, yet.
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jh47
Junior Member
Posts: 48
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Post by jh47 on Nov 30, 2019 8:18:40 GMT -5
I primarily saddle hunt if I’m not on the ground. Only my second year doing it, but I really like the mobility of it. Beats hauling in a hang on stand for sure. It takes some forethought to set up properly. I’m still struggling with weak side shooting, we’ll actually maneuvering to take a weak side shot. It’s just like anything else learn your equipment and know tour limitations. I won’t go back to a tree stand for hang and hunts.
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Post by parkerbow on Nov 30, 2019 10:15:58 GMT -5
I started saddle hunting last year with a Rock climbing harness and a fleece saddle. I enjoyed it and it definitely has its place in my hunting arsenal, But I cannot say it will replace all my hang on stands or my climbers. It does help you hunt smaller trees and trees that you cannot use a climber on or a hang on. I use hawk helium sticks and a platform built on my top stick.
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Post by swilk on Nov 30, 2019 13:14:01 GMT -5
I bought a saddle and an assortment of new toys this year and while I only got one actual"hunt" in I like it. I'll not be replacing my loc-ons but the saddle gives me options I did not have before.
I played around with fleece saddles too and after doing so I think I can improve on the comfort level the Mantis saddle gives me.
A few things I've learned transcend to regular treestands as well ...mainly in hanging them. Using a saddle while hanging a regular stand will give me a level of security and comfort like nothing else.
Using a treehopper hand drill to set bolts gives me a flexibility while setting steps I've never had before.
In all, a worthwhile tool in the kit ...
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Post by buckert on Dec 1, 2019 8:43:05 GMT -5
I got this mantis saddle this fall and like it a lot. Still getting used to it and working out some setup options but it was a good choice. I even wear it in my fixed stands in place of a traditional harness because of the additional comfort and versatility
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Post by (Not Ronald) Reagan on Dec 1, 2019 9:00:52 GMT -5
That’s awesome to hear there’s a growing saddle community in Indiana. I’m going to use one in TN for their rifle season in the coming weeks. I thought it’d be difficult to steady yourself but it’s really not being anchored off of the tree
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Post by harmonist34 on Dec 1, 2019 21:33:02 GMT -5
Just bought a Mantis on Black Friday. Hoping to enjoy it!
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Post by (Not Ronald) Reagan on Dec 2, 2019 11:56:22 GMT -5
What’s everyone’s climbing method? I’ve been borrowing sticks, but I’m looking at Muddy Pro sticks... spurs don’t exactly look like the safest option
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Post by swilk on Dec 2, 2019 12:37:33 GMT -5
Private ground, 6" grade 8 bolts. The treehopper drill is actually easier than a power drill for me. I use about $10 worth of bolts per tree and use them for loc ons as well.
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Post by swetz on Dec 2, 2019 12:44:04 GMT -5
I have muddy pro sticks, hawk helium sticks, and a seat from a climbing tree stand that I use as a climbing platform.
I don't like the muddy pros and retired my set this year. Too much play in the stand offs and doesn't feel very stable or safe.
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Post by (Not Ronald) Reagan on Dec 2, 2019 14:47:04 GMT -5
I have muddy pro sticks, hawk helium sticks, and a seat from a climbing tree stand that I use as a climbing platform. I don't like the muddy pros and retired my set this year. Too much play in the stand offs and doesn't feel very stable or safe. Would you be interested in parting with them? If i wouldn't want them I know a buddy who does. |
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Post by swetz on Dec 2, 2019 16:08:57 GMT -5
I have muddy pro sticks, hawk helium sticks, and a seat from a climbing tree stand that I use as a climbing platform. I don't like the muddy pros and retired my set this year. Too much play in the stand offs and doesn't feel very stable or safe. Would you be interested in parting with them? If i wouldn't want them I know a buddy who does. Sorry, but no. I don't find them safe/stable enough, so I'm taking my set out of circulation. |
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Post by (Not Ronald) Reagan on Dec 2, 2019 16:23:17 GMT -5
Would you be interested in parting with them? If i wouldn't want them I know a buddy who does. Sorry, but no. I don't find them safe/stable enough, so I'm taking my set out of circulation. Fair enough 👍🏼 |
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Post by buckert on Dec 2, 2019 17:38:30 GMT -5
I also have hawk helium sticks. I’m sure the others are great, this was just the most affordable option for me. I do like them though and I have added stealth strips to them and other metal surfaces with my setup for silencing
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jh47
Junior Member
Posts: 48
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Post by jh47 on Dec 2, 2019 18:35:49 GMT -5
I use muddy pro sticks and love them. They pack tight and they’re short so easy to walk through the woods with them. I use my saddle tether to carry them over my shoulder. I carry 4 sticks and use a short single step moveable aider and can get 18-20 high. I also use a couple strap-on steps from time to time.
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Post by medic22 on Dec 2, 2019 19:48:36 GMT -5
Hawk heliums. Best value for price versus weight in my opinion. Mine currently have a rope mod with lone wolf versa buttons so theyre lighter than advertised. Im either going to amsteel or braided amsteel to cut more weight for next year. I carry just the 3 sticks and with an aider (climbing rated tubular webbing and a section of washing machine drain hose) I can get my platform to 25 feet without really trying.
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Post by welder on Dec 2, 2019 20:05:42 GMT -5
I find this whole thread very interesting, I have never given any thought to saddle hunting. Is it really better than a climber? By no means am I being disrespectful, what are the pros and cons of this?
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