I hunted out of a saddle last year hunting three different state lands in Ohio the first day it took me close to an hour and by the fourth day I was setting up at 20mins and by the ninth day I was set up in ten to fifteen minutes for me it was learning to gear and most of all was trusting my gear I’m 47 and all the stands I have ever used this setup is hands down my favorite because you can literally hunt anywhere with almost zero limits now I’m learning all the little tricks to pack it and and bring up my gear
After buying the sticks last yr and finally getting them I watched your video late summer on your stick setup. I did exactly what you did and it’s worked AWESOME!!! 50+ climbs during season last yr and system worked great every time.
@@NextStepOutdoors I used webbed aiders instead of amsteel but think I may change that in the end and go to amsteel. I prefer webbed but think it’s just a mental thing. I had an ultimaider I split apart for s double step on bottom and a single on the second stick and none on top two. I had bought it and set it up on my wingman to one stick with when my latitude sticks weren’t coming in but they thankfully came in a week before the season so I didn’t have to one stick. Some guys make that one stick thing look effortless but I seemed to fight it a ton even after practicing for two months while being sure my new sticks weren’t coming in. After watching your video though he elastic shock cord was an epiphany!!! Need to stealth strip them more but that really my only criticism is they can be loud when you bump them into unstealth stripped areas. No different then any other sticks really but that’s my only nit pick.
This coming season will be my first full season in my saddle. I have received so many helpful tips from you. Thank you for helping all of us newcomers.
Last year was my first only saddle season and the first few sits will seem super intimidating. After a few reps it will feel super natural and the more you do it the better it will get. You won’t regret it!
Another great video. At 49 I was skeptical of the saddle, and I honestly felt like a monkey f***ing a football the fist couple times I used one. But I'm a convert now! I love it for all the practical/mobile reasons, but also because it's given me a fresh challenge and new perspective after hunting fixed stands for a hundred years. Follow Aaron's advice and direction, and you're 75% past the learning curve before you even climb.
What’s the bow hanger you use? I have been using a screw in which I know isn’t technically allowed on public plus it’s just a pain in the ass to put in and take out every time. Thanks man, great demonstration!
Latitude is dropping two new bow hangers this year. Stay tuned for those. They are pretty slick and I’ll have videos on them at some point this summer.
Where I hunt all the trees are tall and for the most part straight, I use the new lone wolf custom gear climber which weighs 11.5lbs and I can set up in just under ten minutes. But the best part is the break down, same amount of time! I can only imagine how long it takes once your back down from the tree to package up all that gear,ropes, aiders and so on. No thank you!
You can rappel down. Takes about 10 seconds to get out of the tree and maybe 2 minutes total to collect and nest the steps. Maybe another minute to stow your your pull rope and rappel line and you're off the races. It really is pretty slick.
Just got my first saddle stand this year. Very different practiced today. Your videos have been extremely helpful appreciate them. With all the options as far as fear and accessories it’s been overwhelming to say the least. Spending some of tomorrow practicing and shooting from the saddle at low height
Lineman belt backpack hanger just shattered my entire universe 🤯 nice not to have to fold that rope back up into the bag, and I’ve had it kinda get in the way like that.
Fair honest video. I've climbed as fast as 2 minutes 45 seconds to 25 feet, but in actual hunts and taking my time, it's about 10 to 12 minutes with no sound louder than my breath.
I'm looking at getting into saddle hunting myself. Yesterday was a great example why. I have a summit climber. It's a fantastic stand if you can be quiet and if you can find the right tree. I'm not the best with heights simply because of putting trust in my gear. But, my climber has given me a high success rate now. I've hunted from it 5 times (counting yesterday) and killed 2 nice bucks. This is my second climbing stand and I haven't had it long. But, yesterday I couldn't find a tree that I would feel safe in. They were either too small, the bark was too smooth (maple and beech), or the tree was leaning out at too much of an angle and too crooked. I ended up choosing a tree based on my stand's limits instead of where I needed to be. The hike to my spot is 1.5 miles according to OnX and I didn't go all that way with a climber on my back to just walk out without hunting. Not to mention I took the day off from work based on temperature drop from a cold front. Come evening when the thermals started dropping, I got busted by what I'm presuming was a buck in the brush because I wasn't where I needed to be. I could have been set up in a spot based on where I needed to be instead of what tree was required. Next year, I'll be in a saddle. Oh, and not to mention, I won't have a mile and a half hike out 85% uphill over fallen trees with a bulky climber on my back anymore either. Thanks for the video. I think if I get a saddle in the off season I'll have no issue practicing with it and becoming proficient and speedy with it to start hunting with it next year.
It will be life changing. Even if only for the reason of not catching on tree branches and brush as you hike in to your spots. Makes such a massive difference having a low profile. Hopefully, you really enjoy it. I’ve posted a ton of beginner saddle hunting content here and have a lot more that people have been asking for I’ll get around to after season!
First season in a saddle coming up and I heard that you should really practice setting up before going to the woods. I practiced the setup at ground level a few times to get the order down and get an idea of my own “system” of setting up. Made it sooooo much easier the first time I actually went up a tree.
Yes, this is a GREAT tip! It’s all about the reps. If you can practice a few times to where it’s second nature, you know where every thing goes, what is most comfortable, etc you will thank yourself come season.
Can you show us how you have your sticks held together while you’re climbing and how you hold them together for packing them in and out of the woods. Great video
I believe he has shown it in other videos. If I remember correctly he uses para-cord loops that he put on each stick and attaches each to a carabeaner on his hip. I’d have to double check though.
Top Mods for Latitude Outdoors Carbon SS Sticks ua-cam.com/video/K4VCCTR2qJ0/v-deo.html This outlines a lot of what you are asking. To attach them to my pack I just run them vertically on the backpack with the compression straps.
Just getting into the saddle game and his year at 63 got my whole set up and with pack, bow the whole nine it took me right at 20 minutes my second time setting up. Just got this in last week so I don’t know if I’m going to make it to the woods This October but we gonna give it hell
I’m 60 and been hunting out of a saddle before it was cool. I only hunt public land. I use a 3 step aider. If I happen to sit in a hang on stand I always wish I used my saddle.
I tend to take way longer than my lone wolf sit and climb which was super user friendly and quietttt as all hell. I take longer using LWCG double steps, 4 of them with aiders and platform because im trying to be as quiet and as safe as possible. If i wanted to make a crap ton of noise and alert every deer within 200 yards im sure i can get up a tree way quicker
Slow and quiet is definitely key. I’ve done it so many times, I can still get up quietly and safely (the other key) in a relatively short amount of time. That should not be the main focus regardless of what method you choose though.
For me my first year was just a learning year. I’m from pa and we went on a trip to Missouri. My dad’s friend from marines had land there. But I just got the sticks and haven’t climbed once. The first time was pitch black on the first day of hunting. It ended up taking me around 30 minutes and I felt a little uncomfortable climbing. If I had to give tips I would tell anyone getting into it to practice multiple times. Try different ways. It took me a good 7-8 times before I could get up and ready in 10-15 minutes.
I have seen plenty of people use their lineman belts as a gear holder. Thanks for the video, good job. By the way, would you buy those carbon sticks again?
I have yet to try saddle hunting, but looking into it as an option…why not just use the tether to climb, instead of a lineman’s and then the tether? Just seems like one less thing.
New to hunting here. Do you leave your sticks in the tree? I'm assuming ppl could steal them on public land. Or is the community respectful and usually that doesn't happen?
Awesome video. I'm new to saddle hunting and done it a only a few times last season. I find your videos to be a huge help. I shoot my bow right handed. So can you please give me basic setup strategy on where on the tree you set your sticks and then your saddle relative to where the deer are most likely coming from. For example if deer are mostly coming from 12 o'clock, do you set your sticks at 9 o'clock on the tree and the platform at 6 o'clock to stand on it from sticks and use the tree for some cover? I always seem to get myself in a wonky position on the tree. What do you recommend as a strategy?
As long as it’s big enough to support your weight 🤣 ideally something about as wide as your waste I’d say, that way you can hide behind it when the deer come in.
How difficult is this in cold weather with multiple layers and gloves on? Seems like there are many times you could drop something, especially trying to do this in the dark.
I usually climb bare handed even when it’s cold. Very very rarely do I ever drop anything. Being connected to the tree and being able to use both of your hands is super helpful.
Great video bro. what camera arm gear strap are you using? I need to switch to that. I use screw in gear hook and the Florida pine sap is relentless on my gear. Thanks Subscribed
I think a lot of people are deterred by thinking this style of hunting will take an hour to get up and down the tree. Time is super valuable for a lot of reasons. There is no denying that anything past a half hour would be a major inconvenience and may prevent you from getting a quick hunt in here or there. Also, someone might think twice before hiking a mile in and then setting up if it was going to take a long time.
Nothing more than a trend, I used to climb with lineman pegs back in the day similar to this new trend, I can trek in with a Summit and climb up 20’ blindfolded and make less noise in 4 mins flat, not to mention sit more comfortably. Come on fellas, really
Saddle hunting has been around since the 1960's lol...There is a reason that less and less people are using climbers every year. Whatever works for you though.
I've been bow hunting for 37 years, I just don't see the practicality in this , can't change clothes if you need to based on weather changes, reliving yourself, stretching, let alone the noise you would make if you have to try and shoot behind you !!!!!!!
Can’t see the practicality in an ultra light super mobile way to hunt? I’m sure in 37 years, you are dialed with your set up, so whatever works best for you. The things you listed are not issues though. I constantly add layers, pee from my tree etc.
I hunted out of a saddle last year hunting three different state lands in Ohio the first day it took me close to an hour and by the fourth day I was setting up at 20mins and by the ninth day I was set up in ten to fifteen minutes for me it was learning to gear and most of all was trusting my gear I’m 47 and all the stands I have ever used this setup is hands down my favorite because you can literally hunt anywhere with almost zero limits now I’m learning all the little tricks to pack it and and bring up my gear
Practice makes perfect. Reps makes all the difference. Even 20 minutes isn’t bad.
Lineman's as pack hanger is a good tip.
I’m shocked more people don’t do it!
After buying the sticks last yr and finally getting them I watched your video late summer on your stick setup. I did exactly what you did and it’s worked AWESOME!!! 50+ climbs during season last yr and system worked great every time.
50+ climbs is a lot! Anything you tweaked that made a big difference?
@@NextStepOutdoors I used webbed aiders instead of amsteel but think I may change that in the end and go to amsteel. I prefer webbed but think it’s just a mental thing. I had an ultimaider I split apart for s double step on bottom and a single on the second stick and none on top two. I had bought it and set it up on my wingman to one stick with when my latitude sticks weren’t coming in but they thankfully came in a week before the season so I didn’t have to one stick. Some guys make that one stick thing look effortless but I seemed to fight it a ton even after practicing for two months while being sure my new sticks weren’t coming in. After watching your video though he elastic shock cord was an epiphany!!! Need to stealth strip them more but that really my only criticism is they can be loud when you bump them into unstealth stripped areas. No different then any other sticks really but that’s my only nit pick.
This coming season will be my first full season in my saddle. I have received so many helpful tips from you. Thank you for helping all of us newcomers.
Last year was my first only saddle season and the first few sits will seem super intimidating. After a few reps it will feel super natural and the more you do it the better it will get. You won’t regret it!
I’m super happy that you’re getting value from these videos. Most of these tips were learned the hard way through school of hard knocks 😅
Another great video. At 49 I was skeptical of the saddle, and I honestly felt like a monkey f***ing a football the fist couple times I used one. But I'm a convert now! I love it for all the practical/mobile reasons, but also because it's given me a fresh challenge and new perspective after hunting fixed stands for a hundred years. Follow Aaron's advice and direction, and you're 75% past the learning curve before you even climb.
What’s the bow hanger you use? I have been using a screw in which I know isn’t technically allowed on public plus it’s just a pain in the ass to put in and take out every time. Thanks man, great demonstration!
Latitude is dropping two new bow hangers this year. Stay tuned for those. They are pretty slick and I’ll have videos on them at some point this summer.
@@NextStepOutdoors awesome thanks!
Where I hunt all the trees are tall and for the most part straight, I use the new lone wolf custom gear climber which weighs 11.5lbs and I can set up in just under ten minutes.
But the best part is the break down, same amount of time! I can only imagine how long it takes once your back down from the tree to package up all that gear,ropes, aiders and so on. No thank you!
And in the dark.
You can rappel down. Takes about 10 seconds to get out of the tree and maybe 2 minutes total to collect and nest the steps. Maybe another minute to stow your your pull rope and rappel line and you're off the races. It really is pretty slick.
I’ve been saddle hunting for 3 years now I am always adding new gear but I really liked this linesman’s trick
Just got my first saddle stand this year. Very different practiced today. Your videos have been extremely helpful appreciate them.
With all the options as far as fear and accessories it’s been overwhelming to say the least. Spending some of tomorrow practicing and shooting from the saddle at low height
That backpack trick is awesome, gonna use that for sure
Super clutch. Still so shocked I rarely see anyone do it.
Lineman belt backpack hanger just shattered my entire universe 🤯 nice not to have to fold that rope back up into the bag, and I’ve had it kinda get in the way like that.
Fair honest video. I've climbed as fast as 2 minutes 45 seconds to 25 feet, but in actual hunts and taking my time, it's about 10 to 12 minutes with no sound louder than my breath.
I'm looking at getting into saddle hunting myself. Yesterday was a great example why. I have a summit climber. It's a fantastic stand if you can be quiet and if you can find the right tree. I'm not the best with heights simply because of putting trust in my gear. But, my climber has given me a high success rate now. I've hunted from it 5 times (counting yesterday) and killed 2 nice bucks. This is my second climbing stand and I haven't had it long.
But, yesterday I couldn't find a tree that I would feel safe in. They were either too small, the bark was too smooth (maple and beech), or the tree was leaning out at too much of an angle and too crooked. I ended up choosing a tree based on my stand's limits instead of where I needed to be. The hike to my spot is 1.5 miles according to OnX and I didn't go all that way with a climber on my back to just walk out without hunting. Not to mention I took the day off from work based on temperature drop from a cold front. Come evening when the thermals started dropping, I got busted by what I'm presuming was a buck in the brush because I wasn't where I needed to be. I could have been set up in a spot based on where I needed to be instead of what tree was required. Next year, I'll be in a saddle. Oh, and not to mention, I won't have a mile and a half hike out 85% uphill over fallen trees with a bulky climber on my back anymore either. Thanks for the video. I think if I get a saddle in the off season I'll have no issue practicing with it and becoming proficient and speedy with it to start hunting with it next year.
It will be life changing. Even if only for the reason of not catching on tree branches and brush as you hike in to your spots. Makes such a massive difference having a low profile. Hopefully, you really enjoy it. I’ve posted a ton of beginner saddle hunting content here and have a lot more that people have been asking for I’ll get around to after season!
First season in a saddle coming up and I heard that you should really practice setting up before going to the woods. I practiced the setup at ground level a few times to get the order down and get an idea of my own “system” of setting up. Made it sooooo much easier the first time I actually went up a tree.
Yes, this is a GREAT tip! It’s all about the reps. If you can practice a few times to where it’s second nature, you know where every thing goes, what is most comfortable, etc you will thank yourself come season.
Can you show us how you have your sticks held together while you’re climbing and how you hold them together for packing them in and out of the woods. Great video
I believe he has shown it in other videos. If I remember correctly he uses para-cord loops that he put on each stick and attaches each to a carabeaner on his hip. I’d have to double check though.
Top Mods for Latitude Outdoors Carbon SS Sticks
ua-cam.com/video/K4VCCTR2qJ0/v-deo.html
This outlines a lot of what you are asking. To attach them to my pack I just run them vertically on the backpack with the compression straps.
Another awesome drop bro! I’ve got a turkey patterning video dropping tomorrow as well 🤙🏻
Thanks man! I’m getting excited for turkey hunting!
@@NextStepOutdoors are you going back to Minnesota like last year?
Just getting into the saddle game and his year at 63 got my whole set up and with pack, bow the whole nine it took me right at 20 minutes my second time setting up. Just got this in last week so I don’t know if I’m going to make it to the woods This October but we gonna give it hell
Glad you enjoy that! Its all you man!
*responding from up in my saddle” 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
New saddle hunter and it definitely took me several minutes the first time but it gets quicker each time.
Another awesome video man!
Appreciate it dude!
Young man’s game.Thanks for the video.
Iam 61 and doing it but I will admit climbing isn't that easy ,never used climbing sticks so it is definitely a learning curve
65 here and I wouldn’t hunt any other way. Love it.
I’m 60 and been hunting out of a saddle before it was cool. I only hunt public land. I use a 3 step aider. If I happen to sit in a hang on stand I always wish I used my saddle.
I tend to take way longer than my lone wolf sit and climb which was super user friendly and quietttt as all hell. I take longer using LWCG double steps, 4 of them with aiders and platform because im trying to be as quiet and as safe as possible. If i wanted to make a crap ton of noise and alert every deer within 200 yards im sure i can get up a tree way quicker
Slow and quiet is definitely key. I’ve done it so many times, I can still get up quietly and safely (the other key) in a relatively short amount of time. That should not be the main focus regardless of what method you choose though.
For me my first year was just a learning year. I’m from pa and we went on a trip to Missouri. My dad’s friend from marines had land there. But I just got the sticks and haven’t climbed once. The first time was pitch black on the first day of hunting. It ended up taking me around 30 minutes and I felt a little uncomfortable climbing. If I had to give tips I would tell anyone getting into it to practice multiple times. Try different ways. It took me a good 7-8 times before I could get up and ready in 10-15 minutes.
Yep, this is a GREAT tip. Practice makes everything easier. I wasn’t always as swift up the tree. It took a lot of reps to get that way.
Felt like I was right beside ya awesome buck man
Guessing this comment was meant for a different video, but thanks!
I have seen plenty of people use their lineman belts as a gear holder. Thanks for the video, good job. By the way, would you buy those carbon sticks again?
All of those people must have watched my videos before. Would def get the latitude sticks again. Super light and rock solid on the tree.
Awsome video. What is the gear your using? Sticks, saddle, harness?
Thanks! All my gear is in the description!!
Looks like a young man's setup. Us older less agile hunters may struggle with it.
My old man is going into his 3rd or 4th season saddle hunting. He doesn’t miss carrying around his summit…
I d rather use my summit I can get in the tree in 5 mins and be comfortable not carry all that BS in the woods
@@NCsurfer607 Whatever works for you!
I have yet to try saddle hunting, but looking into it as an option…why not just use the tether to climb, instead of a lineman’s and then the tether? Just seems like one less thing.
@0:58 .. tighten up those load lifters, my back hurts just watching! 😂 Solid video!
😂 there was nothing in the bag or else I would have!
Speed demon!
💨💨💨
What bow hanger setup is that?
What ropes are you using for your lineman’s and tether and how are you adjusting your prusiks knot with one hand?
New to hunting here. Do you leave your sticks in the tree? I'm assuming ppl could steal them on public land. Or is the community respectful and usually that doesn't happen?
Great vid man!
Thanks brotha!
Awesome video. I'm new to saddle hunting and done it a only a few times last season. I find your videos to be a huge help. I shoot my bow right handed. So can you please give me basic setup strategy on where on the tree you set your sticks and then your saddle relative to where the deer are most likely coming from. For example if deer are mostly coming from 12 o'clock, do you set your sticks at 9 o'clock on the tree and the platform at 6 o'clock to stand on it from sticks and use the tree for some cover? I always seem to get myself in a wonky position on the tree. What do you recommend as a strategy?
I’ll make a video shortly on all of this to help you out!
What lineman’s belt do you use. I’m wanting one to climb larger trees.
Great video. Can I ask What Pack is that in Spectre and where you find?
What size tree is required for saddle hunting?
As long as it’s big enough to support your weight 🤣 ideally something about as wide as your waste I’d say, that way you can hide behind it when the deer come in.
What backpack are you using?
Where’s a good place to get aiders and what’s a good brand.
"The Amsteel Guy" makes several different kinds to accommodate several brands of sticks .. check him out
How difficult is this in cold weather with multiple layers and gloves on? Seems like there are many times you could drop something, especially trying to do this in the dark.
I usually climb bare handed even when it’s cold. Very very rarely do I ever drop anything. Being connected to the tree and being able to use both of your hands is super helpful.
Great video
Thank you!!! 🙏🏻
Great video bro. what camera arm gear strap are you using? I need to switch to that. I use screw in gear hook and the Florida pine sap is relentless on my gear. Thanks Subscribed
It’s just an over center buckle on a 1” strap. The camera mount is a bog trail camera mount.
I'm in wv looking for some where to but a saddle
This is the one I use..
alnk.to/apSHPo7
And t those steps with sz 14 boots?
I don’t think so
I wear 13s.
extraordinary video and skills, stay careful sir, we are very interested in the video of the attraction, it's cool👍👍👍
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Crazy how long that takes for trees with no branches I’ll stick to my climber for sure
You can stick to only hunting trees with no branches then! Whatever works for you tho!!
What was that gear strap /camera mount
That’s something custom I rigged up lol
can you drop a link for the bow hanger you use?
Sure thing! Latitude is launching a metal version this summer sometime that is gonna be sick too!
genesis3dprinting.com/products/bow-hunting-hanger
In that tree i could up and sitting ready to hunt out of my summit viper in 5 minutes easily. Oh amd way more comfortable to.
Why are you watching saddle vids then?
If your pushing 60 add at least 10 minutes to that time!
My dad is right around there. Might make a video timing him 🤣
Great video and tricks! Like you’ve done it before lol
Thanks! Only a time or two 😜
Im not sure why everyone cares about speed. If it takes 5 minutes or 30 minute's as long as you're safe and quiet. Who cares 🤷
I think a lot of people are deterred by thinking this style of hunting will take an hour to get up and down the tree. Time is super valuable for a lot of reasons. There is no denying that anything past a half hour would be a major inconvenience and may prevent you from getting a quick hunt in here or there. Also, someone might think twice before hiking a mile in and then setting up if it was going to take a long time.
How about in the dark
Takes about the same amount of time. I usually don’t even use a headlamp.
Why not just use a little bow hook it would take up less room and be lighter
I often hunt public so I don’t use screw in bow hangers. The other reason is because I have a camera arm on the same strap so it’s going regardless.
I just go ahead and use my tether instead of a lineman’s belt.
That’s not a bad idea. Safer that way too.
Nothing more than a trend, I used to climb with lineman pegs back in the day similar to this new trend, I can trek in with a Summit and climb up 20’ blindfolded and make less noise in 4 mins flat, not to mention sit more comfortably. Come on fellas, really
Saddle hunting has been around since the 1960's lol...There is a reason that less and less people are using climbers every year. Whatever works for you though.
Been hunting in a saddle since the mid 80’s. Doesn’t matter how long it takes. Take your time, be safe, and enjoy the outdoors!
Super cool!
Where do you pee when up the tree?
On the ground somewhere I’m not going to lower my bow. Also have to miss all the climbing sticks lol. It’s not that hard tho.
@@NextStepOutdoors So you are not concerned about the smell spooky the deer?
@@williamchester5001not at all. I’d bet 99% of the best deer hunters pee out of their tree.
Its not a race.
Correct. Just wanted to give ppl a ball park timeline since I get asked so often
Let's see you do it in the dark
I do it all the time. Would be tough to video.
I've been bow hunting for 37 years, I just don't see the practicality in this , can't change clothes if you need to based on weather changes, reliving yourself, stretching, let alone the noise you would make if you have to try and shoot behind you !!!!!!!
Can’t see the practicality in an ultra light super mobile way to hunt? I’m sure in 37 years, you are dialed with your set up, so whatever works best for you. The things you listed are not issues though. I constantly add layers, pee from my tree etc.