If you've been hunting out of trees for any amount of time, you know tree stands are old news. But saddle hunting is really starting to catch on with gun hunters. It's lightweight, mobile, and gets you into places a stand can’t. If you’re serious about getting the drop on your next target and want to be more lethal in the woods, saddle hunting’s worth a hard look. Today we're going to look at why this setup might be the deadliest advantage you’ll bring to your next hunt.

What Is Saddle Hunting?

Saddle hunting involves using a harness or "saddle" that allows you to hang from a tree while staying securely tethered. Unlike a bulky tree stand that keeps you in one fixed position, the saddle gives you 360-degree movement around the tree. It’s all about staying mobile, low-profile, and quiet while you hunt.

The saddle itself looks like a cross between a rock climbing harness and a tree stand safety harness, and it’s designed to distribute your weight comfortably. You’ll have a tether attached to the tree, along with a platform or foot pegs.

This setup gives you a stable base for when it’s time to make the shot. And when that moment comes, you’ll appreciate that you can quietly shift around the tree, rather than doing some awkward twist in a tree stand that’s more than likely going to go "creak" at the worst possible moment. Every little movement is more controlled, quieter, and less likely to give you away. 

Why Saddle Hunting Changes the Game

When you’re out in the woods looking to drop a whitetail or hog, you want every advantage you can get. The first time you strap in, it might feel a little strange, like you’re dangling in midair. Because, you kind of are. But once you get the hang of it, you'll be lighter, quieter, and way more mobile. You can set up in spots where traditional tree stands wouldn’t work, and you can adjust on the fly. The freedom it gives you is huge.

This isn’t for the guy who wants to be lazy about it, though. You’ve got to put in a little practice, get comfortable with the gear, and be willing to test out your setup before opening day. But once you’ve got it dialed in, you’ll wonder why you ever hauled around a bulky stand in the first place. In fact, saddle hunting has multiple benefits over traditional tree stands:

Mobile & Lightweight Setup

Lugging a tree stand through the woods is a pain. They're heavy, awkward as hell, and every time you try to move one, it feels like you’re announcing your presence to the entire forest. Clanking metal, shifting straps, sweating like a pig—it’s not exactly the stealthy approach you had in mind. Then you finally get to your spot, and then you’ve got to spend the next 20 minutes wrestling with straps and hooks, hoping you don’t drop the damn thing while trying to get it secured up in a tree. 

With a saddle hunting setup, you can carry all your gear in a small backpack. Most saddles weigh less than a couple of pounds, and the platform or climbing sticks are much lighter than a tree stand. The mobility is great for gun hunters who want to stay light on their feet and adapt quickly to changing conditions in the field.

Tip: For shooters who can get the hang of it, tree spurs are about as sleek and efficient as it gets. You’re not limited by needing a tree that’ll cooperate with sticks or pegs. You can just get up there, set your tether, and start hunting. Plus, if you need to reposition, you’re not tearing down gear and dragging it to the next tree. You just climb down, pick another tree, and go again.

Better Angles for Shooting

One of the most common complaints with tree stands is that they limit your movement. You’re stuck in a fixed position, and if the deer comes in from the wrong angle, you’re left trying to awkwardly twist for a shot, or worse—letting it walk. With a saddle, you have the freedom to rotate around the tree and position yourself for the best possible shot. That means lining up a clear, steady shot without feeling restricted.

Stealth

Hunters know the importance of staying hidden, and saddle hunting gives you a stealthy edge. First off you’re tethered to the tree and can sit higher than you normally would in a tree stand. You can get way up there, above the typical line of sight—this reduces your profile and makes it harder for game to spot you. The less of you that’s sticking out, the better.

The ability to move around the tree can also keep you hidden even when game approaches from odd angles.

With a traditional tree stand, you’re stuck like a statue, locked into one position, and all you can do is pray that the deer doesn’t catch a whiff of you before it walks into your lane. You might as well be waving a neon sign that says, “Hey, human up here!"

Not being stuck facing one direction can make all the difference. Say you're saddle hunting and a buck decides to stroll in from an odd angle—no problem. You just shift around the tree quietly, staying way above its sightline.

The Learning Curve

Now, saddle hunting isn’t something you’ll master on your first hunt. It takes practice to get comfortable with hanging from a tree, positioning yourself, and shooting from a saddle. You've got to put in the time to figure out how not to feel like an idiot dangling from a tree.

The pros will tell you: set up a practice tree in your backyard and get comfortable with the gear before you even think about hitting the woods. It’ll feel awkward at first, and you'll probably look like you're trying to escape a bad rope course, but after some practice, you'll be hanging up there like a sniper ready to ruin a buck's day.

Saddle Hunting Gear

Now, there’s something to be said about keeping it simple—just a rifle, a bag of jerky, and hitting the woods. But saddle hunting is a whole different animal, and you need to come prepared. You can’t just throw a harness over your shoulder and call it a day. This is a setup that takes some thought, and you’ll want the right gear if you don’t want to be cursing at a tree while the sun’s coming up.

If you’re brand new to saddle hunting, you’ll need a few key pieces of gear to get started. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

• Hunting Saddle - This is your main piece of equipment. Popular brands like Tethrd, Cruzr, and Trophyline make durable, comfortable saddles designed for all-day hunts.
• Tether & Bridge - These keep you connected to the tree and allow you to adjust your position. The tether is the rope that wraps around the tree, while the bridge connects your saddle to the tether. You want one that's good quality, so you can move around the tree quietly and efficiently without spooking game. You’ll learn pretty quick that fiddling with cheap gear when you’ve got a target in sight is the fastest way to ruin your shot.
• Platform or Foot Pegs - You’ll need a small platform or foot pegs to stand on and shoot from. Platforms are more comfortable for longer hunts, but pegs are a lighter option for short hunts.
• Climbing Method - Climbing sticks are the most common way to get up the tree, but some hunters use a single stick method or even tree spurs. Whatever gets you to the right height with minimal noise works.

Tip: For the saddle, you want something that’s comfortable because if you’re up in that tree all day and your backside feels like it's been through a grinder, you’re not going to be focused on that buck sneaking through the brush. The best hunting saddles are designed by hunters who spend long days up in trees, not by some marketing team who’s never been farther than the trailhead. You want something that'll last through a few seasons and won’t leave you aching after a couple of hours.

Should You Go With a Platform or Foot Pegs? This is where some guys get picky. Platforms are definitely more comfortable for long sits. But if you don’t mind roughing it a little, foot pegs are a lighter, simpler option that'll do the job for shorter hunts. But for all day, the platform wins every time.

I know it sounds like a lot of prep, but the end result is freedom in the field. Once you’ve got the gear and you’ve put in a little time learning how to use it, you’ll be surprised how fast you can set up, how mobile you are, and how much lighter your load is compared to hauling a traditional stand. You won’t be trudging through the woods with a bunch of bulky equipment, setting up in the same spots every time. You’ll have the ability to adapt, move, and set up shop wherever you see fit.

FAQ

Is saddle hunting safer than climbing?

Yes, saddle hunting is as safe as using a tree stand, if not safer. You’re tethered to the tree the whole time, from the moment your boots leave the ground until you’re ready to come back down. No free climbing, no risky balancing acts. You’re locked in the whole way, which cuts down on fall risks. And the gear is built tough—heavy-duty ropes, carabiners, and platforms keep you solid. Compared to climbing up and down a tree stand without a tether, saddle hunting is generally a much safer bet.

Do I need a specific type of gun for saddle hunting?

Nope, any rifle or shotgun you use in a traditional tree stand with any type of optics will work just fine with saddle hunting.

How high should I set up my saddle?

Most hunters set up between 15-25 feet high or higher, but it really depends on the terrain and vegetation. The important thing is staying hidden from the game’s line of sight.

How difficult is saddle hunting, really?

It’s not as hard as it looks, but it does take some getting used to. When you first get into a saddle, it’s gonna feel a little awkward. You’ve gotta figure out how to position yourself, how to swing around the tree without making noise, and how to get your feet stable on the platform or pegs. The good news? After a few practice runs, it clicks. You won’t be an expert overnight, but it’s not rocket science either. Once you’ve spent a bit of time practicing, you’ll be more than ready to hunt from it.

Is saddle hunting comfortable for long hunts?

Once you get used to it, yes. With the right adjustments, many hunters find it just as comfortable as a tree stand.

Is saddle hunting worth it?

For most folks, absolutely. If you like being mobile, lightweight, and not tied down to one spot, then saddle hunting is the real deal. Yeah, the gear can run you more than a tree stand upfront, but the freedom it gives you is hard to beat. You’re not lugging a heavy stand through the woods or making a ton of noise setting it up. With a saddle, you can scout new spots, set up fast, and adjust based on the wind or where the game is moving.

Final Thoughts

Saddle hunting is gaining a serious following among gun hunters because it’s light, mobile, and gives you more options in the field. Whether you’re stalking whitetails or waiting for hogs, this method keeps you agile and stealthy, which can be a big advantage when game moves unpredictably. Plus, you’ll appreciate the lighter load when you’re trekking through thick woods or across long distances.

If you’re tired of being limited by bulky tree stands and want a system that lets you adapt to any situation, saddle hunting is worth the investment. Like any new method, it takes some getting used to, but once you’re comfortable, you’ll wonder how you ever hunted without it.