How to Improve Your Tree Saddle Location

One of the biggest things we’ve learned about tree saddle hunting is that just because you can pop right up any tree doesn’t mean you’re in a good spot. You may be surrounded by limbs and leaves, or worse, you could be upwind or too far from where the deer will likely show up.

In this video, Mark visits Jani’s family property in Wisconsin to review his potential stand locations. Jani found a great spot where the confluence of three ridges create a flat that’s likely to funnel deer. But the trick is to pick one tree out of a forest.

First, identify the predominant wind direction. You want to set yourself downwind of likely travel routes. Once you know where that puts you, pick a larger, studier tree that will help hide your silhouette—like the oak we found. After that, trim away branches around your stand to allow for clear shots, then get on the ground to open up your shooting lanes. You want to have a shot toward anywhere a deer might feasibly appear. Focus on saddles, side-hill trails, and rub lines.

Know your wind, pick your tree, clear your lanes, and put some thought into it beforehand and you’ll be ready to cold-roll into that tree saddle location come opening morning.

Feature image via Chris Gill

Shop