Saddle Hunting Tips for the Rut

When I first started saddle hunting I thought the money I spent on the gear bought me an instant level-up. If you’ve hung in a saddle for any amount of time, you know this isn’t the case. Sometimes too much freedom leads to paralysis or over analyzing, and this is especially true for saddle hunting. Just because you can theoretically hunt any tree, doesn’t mean you’ll have a sure shot at a big buck—even during the rut. You still have to read the deer sign and interpret how deer use the landscape. If you can’t implement that kind of woodsmanship, it won’t matter what tree you climb.

This especially applies to the rut. It can be tempting to go into autopilot mode, set up in a traditional rut funnel, and expect a big buck to appear. With enough time you might get lucky, but if you’re banking on the rut and a pile of saddle hunting gear to punch your tag, get ready for disappointment. Saddle hunting and finding success, like any other hunting style or strategy, depends on how you implement it. Here’s a few ways to maximize your saddle hunting strategy during the rut.

Don’t Be Afraid to Move…Again

At this point, mobile hunting has become a cliché phrase, and one that saddle hunting companies use to stir your big buck hopes and dreams. Saddle hunting is infinitely adjustable when it comes to tree setups. But, that doesn’t just apply to the first tree you find. Sometimes you need to adjust your setup, and that might mean moving trees during a hunt.

For instance, if you’re hanging in a rut funnel and notice the deer traveling just outside of range, it’s time to move. After all, that quick mobile setup does make it easy to do this. It’s not the most convenient task, and it requires effort. However, if you don’t make the necessary adjustments you might as well be birdwatching from your butt hammock.

Don’t Jump Ship Too Quick

Saddle hunting gives you the freedom to finetune your setup or pull up shop at any moment. This is an incredible advantage, but it can also be a stumbling block for the impatient hunter. Knowing when to bail on your rut setup requires years of hunting and a little gut-trusting.

Moving your setup also depends on the area you hunt. If you’re in a low deer density area, you might want to give your spot the time it deserves. This might mean a few all-day sits or diligent morning/evening hunts. When you’re saddle hunting, it can be tempting to abandon your post too quickly or spot hop just because you can. If you’re hunting an area with a higher deer density and you’re not seeing any action, moving is probably the right call. Just make sure you put in the time so you don’t miss out on a cruising buck.

Higher Isn’t Always Better

Lightweight climbing sticks and aiders make it possible for hunters to climb more than high enough with a limited amount of equipment. Climbing as high as possible sounds like a great advantage, but it presents its own challenges as well. Anything above fifteen feet starts to create problems for shot angles. Not to mention, shot windows decrease as you climb above small, high stem count trees. I get it. Climb high enough and you won’t have to worry about a deer busting you when you draw or move, but you will have to worry about steep angles and pesky limbs, especially if you’re hunting new spots or public ground where trimming isn’t allowed.

Aside from the mobility, saddle hunting’s other claim-to-fame allows you to hide behind the tree. Instead of climbing into the canopy, use this to your advantage. If you set up correctly, you can position yourself to draw when the conditions are in your favor. Yes, it requires more stealth and creativity, but you’d be surprised at what you can get away with at just ten feet.

If you’re hunting the peak rut, like full blown chasing, fighting, etc., this bodes well for those lower setups. The deer are a bit distracted, and while I wouldn’t recommend doing jumping jacks, you can certainly get away with a lot more within reason.

Saddle Up

Just because you’re hunting from one of the best tree saddles doesn’t mean you’re next in line at the taxidermist. Like other hunting gear, tree saddles are tools. Figure out what the deer are doing and then plan your strategy. Not the other way around.

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