Learning how to set-up a hunting saddle and hunting platform, then practicing archery shots.

Saddle hunting is increasingly popular for several reasons. The tree hunting saddle is much lighter and more compact than any tree stand. Hunters also gain the advantage of a full 360-degree range of shooting positions when hunting from a tree. Unlike a tree stand, a hunting saddle allows you to pivot and turn so that there are no “dead zones”.

If you have never tried a hunting saddle, it is important to know that there is a short “learning curve” to using and shooting from a saddle versus the familiar tree stand. Do not make the mistake of going into the hunting season without practicing with your climbing system, setting up your saddle, and shooting your gun or bow.

My first exposure to tree saddles was with the Tethrd Mantis, a popular brand. When climbing the tree, the saddle is comparable to a lineman’s belt worn by powerline crews. Connecting a “lineman’s rope” to the sides of the saddle allows you to safely climb the tree. Once at hunting height, you attach an overhead tether rope to the saddle bridge. This tether then supports your weight when sitting or standing in the saddle or stand. The tether provides the range of motion so you can pivot around the tree for the perfect shot, even turning to shoot behind you.

I was pleased that I quickly felt secure in the saddle. The hunting saddle supports your weight even if you fall off the foot platform. You can’t fall out of the saddle! By the end of my first practice session I felt safer than in a tree stand with a full harness.

Here is a video of using the Tethrd Mantis saddle for the first time:

The video shows me practicing with my bow from both the “strong” and “weak” sides. For most right-handed archers, it is far easier to shoot on the left side of the tree. My practice session confirmed that this. I was much more consistent when shooting on the left side. However, with practice, I am sure I can learn to lean and brace myself better for weak side shots and shots behind me. In a tree stand you always feel unstable shooting at extreme angles and shots behind the tree are often impossible. ALL hunters hate these missed opportunities. I am convinced that the hunting saddle is not only safer than any tree stand, it also allows a much wider range of accurate shots on game.

For this demonstration, I was “tethered” to a post only one foot off the ground. This is a great way to start practicing in the off-season. Get confident in the security of the saddle before you try a shot 30 feet up in the tree!

You may also have noticed that I was standing on the Silent Approach Hunting Platform. This Saddle Hunting Platform consists of six Silent Approach Tree Steps attached to the tree by a ratchet strap. When spaced in a 180-degree arc you can walk around the tree for shooting opportunities from any angle – in front, to the side, and even behind you.

Like the hunting saddle, the pre-season is the best time to become confident in the safe use of your climbing system. I use the Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package to climb the tree and create the platform for hunting from the Tethrd Mantis saddle. The Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package will change the way you hunt! This full system includes 12 Silent Approach universal, right or left, non-metallic strap-on tree climbing steps. These steps are the lightest, most quiet, compact, versatile, fastest, easiest to carry, AND affordable tree climbing system.

This video shows how easy you can climb any tree with the Silent Approach Climbing Steps, then attach the “Ring of Steps” Hunting Platform for saddle hunting:

Twelve Silent Approach Climbing Steps weigh less than 5 pounds and include two carrying pouches. No system is more compact or lighter! The Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package is the perfect match for a lightweight hunting saddle.

With 12 lightweight steps you can climb over 20 feet in a just few minutes. You can quickly position the steps right and left of center for a natural climbing route, alter the spacing of the steps, plus attach the steps in a spiral to overcome leaning angles and branches. This versatility is impossible with climbing sticks.

Once you reach the desired hunting height, the Silent Approach “Ring of Steps” Hunting Platform is attached with one strap. Unlike a fixed hunting platform, the Ring of Steps provides a wider range of movement around the tree. The Silent Approach “Ring of Steps” is lighter than fixed platforms, attaches to the tree quickly and silently, packs in a small carrying bag (included) and costs less than fixed platforms!

At the end of your hunt, descending the tree is just as fast. With the saddle providing stability, you remove the Ring of Steps platform and each step, storing them in the carrying pouches. You only handle the steps once when climbing and descending. When you touch the ground, you are packed and can silently leave the area without any clanking and repacking.

The Tethrd Mantis saddle is the perfect match for the Silent Approach Hunting System. The total package is light and compact. Best of all, it is also more versatile than other hunting systems. With a hunting saddle and the Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package, you can set-up in marginal trees you would not use for tree stands.

The Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package is engineered for hunters who need to have the lightest and most compact climbing system to pair with their hunting saddle. The Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package is also designed for hunters on public land that must remove their stands and steps each day.

Visit BullmanOutdoors.com for more information on the Silent Approach Saddle Hunter Package and the 360-degree Saddle Hunting Platform with six steps.