There, I said it!

But before you skip down to the comments section to tell me I’m an idiot, hear me out.

I’m currently in my third season of saddle hunting, and still find myself choosing the saddle over other climbing methods more times than not. But for whatever reason, I think the benefits of saddle hunting have been over-hyped.

Heck, I’ve probably overstated them myself a time or two. 

The truth is saddle hunting can be a great tool in your deer hunting toolbox, but it’s NOT the only tool. There are situations when other tools make more sense, whether that be a climber, a hang-on stand, or even a ground blind.  

In this article we’ll break through the hype and take an objective look at saddle hunting, when it makes sense, and when a different hunting method may be a better option.

Perceived Pros of Saddle Hunting

Weight Savings

Can saddle hunting provide weight savings over a climber or hang-on stand? Absolutely! But I think if most hunters did the math, the savings would be minimal. Especially for guys (and girls) who are hunting whitetails east of the Mississippi River. 

Is five, or even 10 pounds really going to make or break you, when you’re walking less than a mile to your hunting spot?

I can understand it if you’re chasing elk out west, walking rugged terrain for several miles a day, but that’s not what most of us whitetail hunters are doing.

Now I realize that some of you go to extremes to make your saddle hunting setup lightweight. I’m looking at you, one-stick guys! In those cases, the weight savings can be more significant. Is it worth the trouble and expense? Only you can decide that. 

Mobility

In my mind, the biggest perk to saddle hunting is the increased mobility it provides. Not because of any weight savings, but more due to the reduced profile of the setup. Having everything strapped to a comfortable backpack that you can easily maneuver through thick brush or saplings is a big step up from packing a big, bulky climber on your back. 

I was reminded of this recently, when I carried in my Summit Goliath for the first time in a long time. I only had to go a few hundred yards to where I was hunting, but that’s all it took to be ready to get that thing off my back and onto a tree. 

Versatility

If you’re hunting areas with limited straight, limbless trees, then saddle hunting can definitely provide some versatility over a climber by allowing you to climb and hunt in a variety of tree types. Of course, that same benefit can come from a hang-on stand setup as well. 

Comfort

Comfort in the saddle really varies from person to person and even from one saddle model to another. Personally, I find the saddle more comfortable than any hang-on or ladder stand I’ve ever used. But it’s definitely not as comfortable as my Summit climber.

But I can stay comfortable enough in my saddle setup to keep me from packing in the bulkier Summit for most hunts. There are a few exceptions that we’ll dive into below.

Cons of Saddle Hunting

So while saddle hunting certainly has some benefits over other methods of hunting, it also has its share of cons. The main three that come to mind for me are:

Cost

Saddle hunting is expensive! Fortunately, its increasing popularity has resulted in more and more manufacturers popping up, with some of those offering more affordable gear options. But it’s still not cheap. 

We did a whole article discussing the cost of saddle hunting, but in short, expect to pay from $600 to well over $1,000 to get started. 

Learning Curve

This is one we’re actively working on by providing lots of great saddle hunting resources and information on this site, but the learning curve is still pretty steep. Saddle hunting is much different than any other style of hunting, so it takes a lot of practice to get comfortable and proficient at it.

Just figuring out what gear you need to get started can seem overly complicated. 

It’s not. But it can definitely seem that way. 

The Fidget Factor

This is something I don’t hear anyone talking about, but I think it’s a real issue when saddle hunting. At least it is for me. When I’m in the saddle for long periods of time, I have a tendency to move around much more that I would while sitting in a climber or other type of deer stand. I shift from standing to sitting, rock back and forth while leaning, and just move around more overall. 

And movement = more of a chance of getting busted by an approaching deer.

And while many saddle hunters mention the benefit of being able to hide behind the tree from an approaching deer, I think if the deer approaches from any other direction, you stand out more than if you had your back against the tree in a climber or hang-on stand. And where I hunt in the heavily forested south, deer rarely come from the exact direction you expected. 

Sometimes Other Hunting Methods Make More Sense

As I mentioned early in the article, saddle hunting should be seen as another tool in your deer hunting toolbox. Use it when it makes the most sense. But even as a diehard saddle hunter myself, I realize there are times when other hunting methods make more sense.

If you’re only hunting a short distance from your truck, and there are plenty of good, straight trees available, then it probably makes more sense to hunt from a comfortable climber rather than a saddle. This is especially true if you’re hunting with a rifle or crossbow, where the railing of a climber can provide a steady rest for shooting.

If you’re hunting property you own or you hunt the same area consistently, then installing some semi-permanent hang-ons makes more sense. Then you don’t have to pack in much gear at all. Just show up with what you need for the hunt, and climb up in the tree. It’s quieter, and you’ll be less likely to break a sweat before the hunt. Win-win. 

More and more I’m finding myself seeking out thick cover to hunt. In the south, that typically means focusing on areas that have been clearcut within the last 10 years. The problem is, unless you’re hunting the edge of the clearcut, there’s rarely a good tree to get a stand or saddle in. The only option is to hunt from the ground.

If you truly want to get away from the hunting pressure and have the place to yourself, find areas where there are no trees to climb! It’s the ultimate lightweight hunting, and there’s nothing like making a shot on a whitetail at ground level. I think this will be the next trend we’ll see in deer hunting, but for now it’s still an underutilized method.

Final Thoughts

I’m glad I gave into the hype a few years ago and picked up my first saddle hunting setup. It’s been a great tool for staying mobile and hunting public land here in the south. 

But it’s not the only tool!

When the occasion calls for it, I’ll still break out the climber. I also have a ladder stand on my personal property where myself or guests can go sit safely and comfortably. And I’m finding myself leaving the saddle and platform at home more and more to hunt from the ground.

The take home for me is not to get caught up in the hype of any one style of hunting. Use what makes the most sense for the situation, and most importantly, have fun and stay safe!

1. Climbing Sticks — Portable, lightweight ladders placed against tree
2. Screw-In/Strap-On Steps — Individual steps screwed or strapped onto tree
3. Climbing Spurs — Boot spikes that allow climbing by digging into bark

Below we’ll discuss each method, including the pros and cons, safety considerations, and tips for proper use.

Climbing Sticks

Climbing sticks are by far the most popular climbing method because they are easy to use and readily availble. They also don’t damage the tree, which ensures they are legal about anywhere you want to hunt.

Sticks come in a variety of lengths and materials, and at a broad price spectrum. Typically the lighter and more compact the sticks, the more you’re going to pay.

Cost

Expect to pay anywhere from just under $100 to well over $400 for three to four climbing sticks depending on the brand, materials used, and portability. How many climbing sticks you ultimately need will depend on how high off the ground you prefer to hunt, but three to four seem to be the average. You can always add aiders to gain additional height.

Advantages

• Easy to setup and use
• Allow quiet climbing
• Don’t damage trees like screw-in steps or spurs
• Works on a variety of tree sizes and shapes

Disadvantages

• Can be bulky and heavy, depending on model
• Limited climbing height based on number of sticks
• Can be noisy during the handling and setup process

One-Stick Method

I won’t go into too much detail on this, because I have a whole article on “one sticking”, but if you really want to go lightweight, this may be a method worth considering. By using a much longer tether rope (typically 30ft) and a rappelling device, you can climb a tree using only one climbing stick, then rappel down after the hunt. 

It sounds a little crazy and over-the-top, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds. And it certainly will lighten your pack. Some hunters enjoy it and find it worth the weight savings, while others would rather carry a little extra weight. I’m in the latter group. 

My Tethrd One sticks only weight 1lb each, so I would only save a few pounds using the one-stick method. To me, that’s not enough weight savings to warrant the extra effort.

Screw-In or Strap-On Steps

Before there were climbing sticks, screw-in steps were the climbing method of choice. They are compact and get the job done, but have their disadvantages. Since most are made of steel, they can be heavy by the time you pack in enough to get to hunting height.

It’s also labor intensive to screw a bunch of steps into a tree, especially a hardwood tree. There are tools to make the job easier, but then you’re adding even more weight to your pack.

Then there is the biggest issue, which is they are often not legal to use on public lands. That varies by state, but many prohibit anything that damages the tree. 

If you have private land, and you tend to hunt from the same trees, then placing screw-in steps in those trees for the season can be a good idea. Then you can slip in, without the extra weight, and climb the tree quietly and with minimal effort. 

I would not recommend leaving them in the trees permanently, however, because the tree will eventually grow around them, and they can create a serious hazard for future logging operations in the area. So if you’re going to use screw-in steps on your property, take them down after the season and allow the tree to heal. 

An alternative to screw-in steps are their strap-on counterparts. These eliminate the legal issues on public lands and they’re not as labor intensive to install. But in my opinion, they aren’t as rock solid as a screw-in step. And you still have to pack in quite a few steps and straps to get to a decent hunting height.  

Cost

Expect to pay between $3 and $5+ dollars per step, and you’ll probably want between 8 and 12 steps.

Advantages 

• Don’t need to carry steps in/out each hunt
• Safer than portable climbing sticks
• Allow quiet access to stand  
• Provide permanent access to your tree stand location

Disadvantages

• Damage tree over time when drilling into bark 
• Screws can come loose or break over time
• Straps may loosen or slip over time
• Take more prep work to install  

Tips for Use

• Use thick-barked trees that can better withstand screws\
• Alternate side of tree with each step
• Use a tree step tool to make installation easier
• Check strap tightness regularly and remove during growth seasons
• Inspect steps before each climb for stability

Climbing Spurs

If you aren’t familiar with climbing spurs, they are metal spikes that strap onto your hunting boots through a harness. The spikes dig into the tree bark, allowing the hunter to climb up the tree by alternating kicks. It’s the same method arborists use to climb trees, and lineman use to climb wood utility poles.

They are by far the least common of the three climbing methods discussed in this article, but still worth discussing. Since you only have to pack in the pair of spurs, they are relatively lightweight and compact. And you can climb to any height needed.

Obviously, this method has the biggest learning curve and is probably the most dangerous. It’s not a method I’d recommend unless you have experience and are very comfortable using them.

Like screw-in steps, some states may prohibit climbing spurs on public lands due to the potential damage they can do to a tree.

Cost

The cost of climbing spurs varies widely from $60 to well over $300 depending on the quality of the product. 

Advantages 

• Allow quick, hands-free climbing  
• Very lightweight and easy to carry
• Fast to put on boots and start climbing

Disadvantages

• Steeper learning curve than other methods
• Spurs can damage and tear up tree bark
• Noisy when climbing
• Unsafe for trees with loose, slippery bark 
• May not be legal in some areas due to tree damage

More ‘Extreme’ Methods

Saddle hunters are a resourceful group! Taking notes from professional arborists and recreational tree climbers (yeah, it’s a thing!), they have developed several outside-the-box methods of climbing that eliminate the need for sticks, steps or spurs altogether. 

I’ve labeled these ‘extreme’ because they certainly appear that way at first glance. They are actually pretty innovative, but you’ll have to decide if they’re worth the meager weight savings. 

I haven’t personally used either of these methods, and will just briefly touch on each. I’ve included a video if you want to see them in use. If one of these interest you, I would highly recommend getting with someone experienced in SRT or DRT to learn in a safe, controlled setting. 

SRT Method

The SRT, or single rope technique, involves using a long tether rope that you pull up into a tree using a smaller paracord rope with a weight on one end. Once you have your tether rope secured above hunting height in the tree, you use a hand ascender with an aider and rappel device to climb the rope up to hunting height. 

That probably sounds really confusing, which is why I included the video below. It’s something you really need to watch to get a feel for. The SRT method is less labor intensive than the DRT method discussed below, but requires more gear (which means more weight). 

In addition to your standard saddle hunting equipment, you’ll need:

• Hand ascender
• Multi-step aider
• Rappel device
• Some paracord with a weighted ball tied on the end

DRT Method

DRT stands for Double Rope Technique. It shares some similarities to the SRT method, mainly in the way you use a small paracord rope to pull your long tether rope up into the tree. That’s where the similarities end. 

Rather than cinching your tether rope up in the tree, you run one end through a carabiner hooked to the bridge rope of your tether, tie it to the carabiner, then take that same end of rope and tie a blake hitch onto the other half of the rope that is dangling from the tree. 

You then position your feet on the tree, suspended in a mostly horizontal position, and thrust your hips forward as you pull the slack out of the rope through the Blake hitch. Then you move your feet up the tree a little and repeat the process. You’re essentially ‘walking’ up the tree. 

As I mentioned above, this is a little more labor intensive, but the tradeoff is not needing a hand ascender or rappelling device. Check out the video below to get a much better idea of how the DRT method works. 

Choosing the Right Climbing Method

When selecting a climbing method, consider these key factors:

Elevation Needed – The higher you like to hunt, the more climbing sticks or steps you’re going to need. Climbing spurs eliminate that need, but require expertise and come with risks. The one-stick climbing method is also an option.

Portability – Spurs and sticks are lightweight and fast to set up. This makes them ideal if you’re hunting multiple locations. Steps keep you from hauling gear once installed.

Regulations – As mentioned, spurs and screw-in steps may not be legal on public land in some areas. Make sure your methods are legal.

Budget – While steps are the cheapest option, they may not be the best for your circumstances. There are lots of climbing sticks at a variety of price points for most any budget. Quality climbing spurs are similar in price to quality climbing sticks. 

As you can see, there are several factors to weigh when selecting the best saddle hunting climbing method for your needs and preferences. Consider your tree availability, hunting locations, time investment, and skills to decide between sticks, steps, or spurs. Mixing methods like installing a couple steps with sticks may also be an option.

Final Thoughts

Having the right climbing gear and techniques makes accessing your saddle hunting location safer and easier. There are pros and cons to each of the three most popular methods.

Keep safety as your top priority by always using a harness with lineman’s belt for fall protection. Inspect tree bark and health before climbing. And always check regulations in your state regarding climbing methods. 

With practice, you’ll gain efficiency and confidence climbing with your preferred method. That allows you to focus on the enjoyable saddle hunt itself rather than worrying about climbing with unstable or inadequate gear. Take your time, follow safe practices, and enjoy the view from above when saddle hunting this season.

While it may seem a little extreme at first, one sticking is really not that difficult, and it certainly has its benefits. In this article, we’ll look at what one sticking is, what equipment is required, the pros and cons, and more.

What is One Stick Saddle Hunting?

One stick saddle hunting is a technique used by saddle hunters that involves climbing the tree using only one climbing stick, and then rappelling down at the end of the hunt.

If that sounds a little crazy to you, you’re not alone. That was my first thought when I heard guys discussing the one sticking technique. But after a lot of research, watching countless YouTube videos, and some testing of my own, it didn’t seem near as crazy. In fact, it’s pretty ingenious.

Is One Sticking Safe?

With the proper equipment and training, one stick saddle hunting is as safe as any other type of hunting from an elevated position. During the actual climbing process, it is actually safer because you are typically attached to the tree with both your lineman’s rope and the rappel rope. 

The biggest difference is having to rappel down after the hunt, which we describe in detail below. This is where you will want to spend lots of time familiarizing yourself with your equipment and practicing at a safe height until you are comfortable with the process.

One Sticking Equipment 

The Basics

One stick saddle hunting starts with much of the same basic equipment as traditional saddle hunting, like a hunting saddle and lineman’s rope. But you’ll also need some specialty gear just for one sticking, including:

• long rappel rope (30+ feet)
• long pull rope (30+ feet)
• a belay/rappel device like a Madrock Safeguard or a figure 8
• climbing stick with built-in platform (unless you plan to pack a separate platform)
• a multi-step aider

Ropes

For the rappel rope, you’ll want a high quality 3/8” static rope that is long enough to go around the tree at eye level while at hunting height and reach the ground. Most experienced one stick saddle hunters recommend using a 30- to 40-foot rope for the job.  

The pull rope is used to pull down your rappel rope after you reach the ground. It doesn’t need to be heavy, because it doesn’t support you in any way. In fact, it can be the same rope you use to raise and lower your bow, crossbow or rifle. Make sure your pull rope is as long as your rappel rope.

MadRock Safeguard or Figure 8

When you rappel down after the hunt, you need a way to slow your descent. That’s where the Madrock Safeguard or a figure 8 device come into play. 

The Madrock is a mechanical device that connects your saddle’s bridge rope to the rappel rope via a carabiner. There is a handle on the device that, when pulled, releases tension on the rope so you can descend. The further out you pull the handle, the quicker you get to the ground.

The figure 8 device serves a similar function, but is not mechanical. It’s just a metal figure 8 that you weave your rappel rope through in a way that it creates enough tension to slow down your descent.

I would personally recommend starting with the Madrock as you learn the ropes of one sticking, then you can experiment with other equipment like a figure 8.

Climbing Stick With Platform

As the technique name implies, you’ll only need one climbing stick. And while any climbing stick will do, most one stick saddle hunters use one with a small, built-in platform. That kills two birds with one stone by eliminating the need for a separate platform.

If you prefer a little more foot room in the tree, you can always use a standard climbing stick and a separate platform like traditional saddle hunters. You won’t shave off as much weight, but you’ll still be two to three sticks lighter.

Aider

To get the most distance out of each move of your single climbing stick, you’ll likely want to add an aider. If you’re unfamiliar with an aider, it’s a small nylon or rope ladder with anywhere from one to 4+ steps. It attaches to your climbing stick, allowing you to climb a greater distance than the stick alone, with minimal weight added to the setup. 

I would recommend a two-step aider for one sticking, as it gives you a little more climbing distance over a one-step aider. Anything over two steps is a waste for one stick saddle hunting because you won’t be able to use the third or fourth step other than your first move up the tree.

The One Sticking Technique

Now that you know what equipment you’ll need to one-stick, you’re probably wondering how it all works together to get you up to hunting height and back down.

The best way to get a full grasp of the process is by watching someone do it, so I’ve included a YouTube video below from Clint Campbell of the Truth from the Stand podcast that will walk you through the process step-by-step.

But if you prefer to read about the process over watching it, I’ll do my best to explain. Here are the five steps needed to climb a tree using the one stick saddle hunting method:

1. Attach your climbing stick to the tree at a height where you can easily lift your foot up to the first step. 
2. Before you take that first step off the ground, make sure you are secured to the tree with a lineman’s rope. 
3. Climb to the top of your climbing stick, secure yourself to the tree by attaching the bridge rope on your saddle to the long rappel rope, and step off the side of the stick and allow yourself to hang in your saddle just off the side of the tree. 
4. Reach down and grab your climbing stick, remove it from the tree, bring it up as high as you can, and secure it back to the tree. 
5. You can then climb back onto the stick and to the top, repeating the process until you reach hunting height.

Rappelling Down

The thought of rappelling down the tree from hunting height is what worries most would-be one stick saddle hunters. It seems a little extreme, but it’s really a simple process, and much easier than having to climb down while removing a platform and multiple sticks.

Here are the specific steps to getting back to the ground when you one stick.

1. Lower your bow or firearm to the ground with your pull rope, then attach the end in your hand to the loop or carabiner on the end of your rappel rope. 
2. Hold onto your rappel rope with your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to control the speed of your descent using the rappelling device. Keep your feet apart and your body upright.
3. Continue descending: Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet and control your descent speed with the rappelling device until you reach the bottom. 
4. Once you reach the ground, you can unhook your saddle from the rappel rope, and use the pull rope to pull the loop or carabiner on the end of the rappel rope away from the tree. As you do, the rope should open up from around the tree and drop to the ground. 

That’s it. Again, if you haven’t actually seen someone one stick, either in person or on a YouTube video, then my description is probably hard to envision. That’s why I’ve included the video above to help you fully understand the process.

Pros/Cons of One Sticking

Is the effort to learn and master a completely foreign saddle hunting technique worth the hassle? Only you can answer that for yourself, but let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of one sticking to help you decide.

PROS

• Less equipment to haul
• Significant weight savings
• It’s just cool!

CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Longer ropes to manage
• Requires some specialty gear

Final Thoughts

One stick saddle hunting is not for everyone. But if you’re a serious saddle hunter who likes to stay as light and mobile as possible, then it may be the perfect technique for you. 

If it has piqued your interest, I would encourage you to find someone local who one sticks so they can demonstrate and possibly walk you through the process. You may be surprised at how quickly you adapt and identify as a one stick saddle hunter!