Benefits of one-stick saddle hunting.
Saddle hunting is gaining more popularity every season due to its numerous benefits, including increased mobility, stealth, and adaptability. When using only one stick for saddle hunting, it typically means you're using a minimalistic approach. Below we’ve outlined some of the benefits of using the one-stick climbing method for your saddle hunts and the gear needed to accomplish it.
Top reasons to use the one-stick climbing method.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Offers hunters the ultimate in stealth.
- More versatility.
- Fast and efficient climbing method.
- Reduce hunting gear cost.
- It's public land safe!
One-sticking is lightweight and compact.
Carrying just one stick, usually paired with an aider, saddle, and other necessary gear, reduces the overall weight you must carry into the woods. This is particularly advantageous for hunters who need to hike long distances to their hunting spot on larger public land tracks.
It also makes it easier to move to stand locations mid-day if the morning spot you had picked out didn’t produce like you had planned for it too.
You can be stealthy when one-stick saddle hunting.
One of the main advantages of saddle hunting is the ability to position yourself quietly and stealthily in a tree. With just one stick, you can ascend the tree with minimal noise and disturbance, making it harder for the game to detect your presence.
By stealth-striping your one-stick, you can make the noise impacts even more minimal.
One-sticking offers saddle hunters more versatility.
As mentioned above, one-sticks allow you to easily move locations if the morning hunt didn’t go as planned. Saddle hunting with a single stick allows you to adapt to various tree types and hunting scenarios. You can easily move to a different tree if your initial choice doesn't provide the right vantage point or if the game your hunting patterns change.
It’s a fast and efficient climbing method.
Setting up with just one stick is faster and more efficient than using a traditional tree stand with multiple steps for installation. This can be particularly advantageous when you need to make quick adjustments or reposition during a hunt.
Reduce the cost spent on saddle hunting gear.
Using a single stick means less gear to purchase and maintain compared to a full ladder or climbing stick setup. This can save you money and reduce the overall investment in hunting equipment.
Typical saddle-hunting setups can range from $300 to $600+. Our tricked-out one sticks with a harken, 3-step aider, and straps come in under $400. The only other thing you would need now is your ropes and saddle.
One-sticking can be safer than traditional tree stands.
When done properly, one-sticking is safer than other climbing methods in the sense that you are always strapped to the tree. Not that you shouldn’t be when utilizing other climbing methods, but with one-stick setups you are “always connected”.
Ascenders, a lineman’s belt, and tree strap are crucial to minimizing risks associated with tree stand or saddle hunting.
One-sticking is public land approved!
Due to how they are designed, one-sticks are safe to use across all public lands. One-sticks do not screw into trees like normal climbing steps which are being outlawed across most public lands.
One-stick saddle hunting requires more skill and caution, as you'll be relying on a single point of contact with the tree. Safety should be a top priority, and proper training and equipment use are crucial for an enjoyable and secure hunting experience.
Always follow safety guidelines and consult with experienced saddle hunters or local regulations for the best practices in your area.