tree saddle users..

[fountain]

tell me a little more about them.  i have never used one, but hear a lot of good thingd about them.  i may know where one is i can get, but want more opinions.

[Boone the Hunter]

Hi Tj, I've wrote about the saddles before on here, they are great. Experience wise, me and my two brothers have been hunting out of them for about six years or so and have taken 90-100 deer out of them, we travel to different states a lot so it's nice to have one hunting system instead of dragging tree stands around everywhere. Right now I have 20-30 trees prepped and ready to hunt. As far as actual hunting goes, my body is behind the tree instead of in front, therefore hiding me a lot better. Also, you can hunt out of almost any tree, compared with a tree stand where the options are limited. They also provide the ability to shoot 360 degrees around your tree. Also, I relocate a lot during hunting, the tree saddle allows me to relocate easily and quietly. I could go on for hours about how much I like them, but basically they are very versatile and fit my hunting style and needs perfectly. Hope this helps.

[Zbearclaw]

I tried one for the first time this winter in late season North Georgia.  Hunting bears, deer, and hogs up there late season requires either you to either spend hours sitting in  a spot that may not be productive this year, or spend every second hunting the area that looks like it is the hottest.

I love mine, and next year when I hunt my usual NorCal wilderness I will be packing mine in 9 miles to a special little meadow that screams for a treestand, but also screams a brutal hike even with just bivy gear let alone a whole treestand.

Once you get the system set it is a snap to get comfy and is more comfy than any other stand I have hunted.

[Three Arrows]

I love using the Tree Saddle!  I can feel safe and well hidden using one.  My only advice is to set it up and shoot from it a couple feet off the ground all summer long.  I put mine on and walk back with it on to my chosen spot.  By using this set up with tree steps and a Thermacel, I have been able to set up in swampy areas in NE Ohio.  I am actually hunting deer and not trees now.

[bucksakemmer]

I use mine two ways, I use 4 lone wolf climbing sticks, or any make you choose. I attach one set to the tree, then climb up that step and use the saddle as a lineman belt, and attach the second. I have two other sticks hanging from the back of the saddle, I work my way up each section and then add another stick. 4 stick will put you 18 to 20 feet up. When I get as high as I want to hunt, I have a set of three strap on Ameristeps. This will let me walk around the tree to take any shoot I want. I like to possition myself so the deer has passed me. If I am hunting food plots I put up stick ladders and leave them with screw in steps at the top instead of the strap on steps. Regarding the strap on steps I bought three steps and cut the step off of two and threaded it on to the third step, this will let your adjust the steps to be equally spaced on any size tree. Another trick is to put candle wax on the harness this will let you slide into any possition you choose.
I also think this is the SAFEST system you can use because you are attached to the tree at all times if you use it as instructed.

[Boone the Hunter]

one more note that i would ad is to make sure if you get one to get used to setting it up and shooting out of it around home, like Mr Arrow up top said, it may take you a little while to figure out how to get comfy and use it correctly

[Arwin]

Do yourself a favor and get a small cheap set of foam knee pads.

 I love mine, it's not a Tree Saddle, but close to the same.  Play around with it at home like others have said cause you'll have to find the sweet spot that works for you. I didn't test mine before I used it and ended up getting really sore after a couple hours.  Test shoot from it too cause it's a bit different than a normal treestand.

[bucksakemmer]

If you get the Tree Saddle, get the leather model, and use knee pads so you can rest against the tree..

[twitchstick]

I started using one two year ago with fair success.Do shoot out of them first.Love them for remote elk locations.I leave pegs in traditional elk wallos hike back in light and esay with my saddle.Easy to move and resetup.