RE: Anyone have a tree saddle?
I've used one for two years now and I'm a big fan.
There are a couple of tricks to make sure you are comfortable.
1. Make sure to get the right size. This is critical.
2. The neoprene or leather are most comfortable.But the neoprene is hot.
3. Use kneepads or better yet take a foam thermaseat and strap it to the treeat knee level. This allows you toactually sit in the saddle for long periods of time when you are tired of standing.
4. Alternate between sitting and standing/leaning (about every 45 min or so)
5.You can sleep in it before daylight. Just rest your knees on the tree and rest your head on the strap.
6. The strap needs to be at the correct height on the tree for maximum comfort and mobility. Experiementto see what's best for you.
7. You need a bow holder at eye level on the left side of the tree.
8. You'll need a couple screw in hooks to holdgear.
9. The best way to accomplish 7 and 8 is to order a Hang-it-All belt from Cabelas.
10. Lone Wolf sticks are the fastest way to get up in the tree.
11. Once you're up there, you need a platform to stand on and walk around the tree.The best system for me was to take 4 or 5 Ameristep strap on steps and put them on a single strap. These are comfortable and quiet to step on.
12. Ameristep strap on steps are the lightest and easiest to carry, but they take longer to set up than Lone Wolf sticks. They are much faster and easier than screw in steps.
13.The best way to hunt is to have a bunch of trees prepared preseason with screw in steps. Then you can climb up and hunt quickly as conditions / sign dictate.
14. Practice shooting from all different angles and practice creeping around the tree SLOWLY and silently.