I’ve been bowhunting for a long time. Over the years I’ve hauled a climbing stand through the woods, set it up in all sorts of trees, and had plenty of hunts where I sweated more getting into the tree than I did drawing my bow. It worked, but I’ll admit—sometimes the effort kept me from exploring new spots, especially on public land.

This year, that all changes.

A New Chapter in the Trees

I just bought my very first saddle hunting setup. For a guy in his late 40s, who’s not exactly a lightweight frame, that might surprise some folks. I always thought saddles were for the younger crowd—the ones who don’t mind climbing around like squirrels. But the more I looked into it, the more I realized this could be exactly what I need to keep hunting fresh.

The idea of slipping quietly into any tree, carrying less weight, and being able to adjust to deer movement on the fly—on pressured public land, that’s huge. Instead of being locked into the handful of trees I could manage with my climber, I’ll be free to go where the sign takes me.

Excited Like It’s My First Season Again

What’s funny is, buying this saddle has me more excited to hunt than I’ve been in years. I’ve been practicing at home, just a few feet off the ground, and I can already tell how different this season is going to feel. When I clipped in for the first time and leaned back into the saddle, I caught myself grinning ear to ear. It was comfortable, stable, and honestly—it made me feel like a younger version of myself, itching to climb higher and see the woods from a new angle.

That little spark has turned into a fire. Bowhunting has always been about tradition and persistence, but it’s also about chasing that sense of adventure. Sometimes all it takes is trying something new to light that fire again, and for me, saddle hunting might just be the ticket this year.

What I’ve Learned So Far

Now, let me be upfront—getting into saddle hunting isn’t cheap. You won’t save money by doing this, at least not at first. There are a lot of options out there, some cheaper than others, but it’s easy to start adding pieces and realize you’ve invested a good chunk into your setup.

There’s also a learning curve. Between ropes, attachments, carabiners, platforms, and sticks, there are plenty of moving parts to figure out. The first few times I tried to piece everything together it felt like untangling Christmas lights, but it’s getting easier every time I practice.

In the end, here’s what I went with:

• Saddle & Platform: Latitude Outdoors Lonestar. I felt this was the right saddle for a bigger guy like me, and their starter kit with the platform just made sense.

• Sticks: I looked at Latitude’s sticks, which are nice, but they were spendy and only rated for 275 lbs—just too close for my comfort. Luckily, our local L&M Fleet had a great deal on Tethrd Workhorse sticks. They’re compact, light, lock together beautifully, and give me the confidence I need.

• Pack: I’m still tinkering with how to haul it all into the woods, but right now I’m leaning toward keeping it simple with an Alpz backpack.

This setup feels solid for me, and while I know it’ll evolve over time, I’m already confident it’s going to get me up the tree and into the game.

Tips for New Saddle Hunters

If you’re thinking about diving into saddle hunting yourself, here are a few things I’ve already learned:

• Practice low and slow. Don’t start out at 15 feet your first time. Stay close to the ground until the ropes, knots, and movement feel natural.

• Use a lineman’s belt. It makes climbing and setting sticks safer and more manageable, especially while you’re figuring things out.

• Keep it quiet. Wrap buckles, sticks, and metal parts to cut down on noise. Nothing ruins a mobile setup faster than clanking your gear in the dark.

• Dial in your pack system. Figuring out how to carry sticks, ropes, and your platform is half the battle. Keep it simple and organized so you’re not fumbling in the woods.

• Tinker at home. The more you practice in the backyard or on a small tree, the smoother things will go when it’s go-time in the woods.

Why It’s Worth a Try

If you’re new to bowhunting, saddle hunting gives you a way to stay mobile without a huge investment in multiple stands. And if you’ve been at it for decades like me, it might just reignite that passion that makes bow season so special.

This fall, I’ll be stepping into the woods with my bow and my new saddle setup. I don’t know yet how many deer I’ll see or how many sits will be successful, but I do know one thing: I’m more excited than ever to get back in the trees. And that, to me, is what bowhunting is all about.