Top Archery Season Mistakes New Saddle Hunters Make

Saddle hunting has exploded in popularity over the last several years, and for good reason. A quality saddle setup is lightweight, versatile, and allows hunters to access trees that traditional climbers and hang-on stands simply can’t use.

But while saddle hunting offers tremendous advantages, it also comes with a learning curve. Every season, new saddle hunters make the same mistakes that can cost them opportunities—or worse, compromise their safety.

If you’re planning to hunt from a saddle this archery season, avoiding these common mistakes will make your hunts safer, more comfortable, and more successful.

1. Waiting Until Opening Day to Practice

One of the biggest mistakes new saddle hunters make is buying a saddle in August and using it for the first time on opening morning.

Saddle hunting is different from hunting from a traditional tree stand. Learning how to climb, tether yourself, adjust your bridge, and shoot comfortably from different positions takes time.

Practice throughout the summer by climbing several different trees and spending time suspended in your saddle. The more comfortable you become, the more confident you’ll be when a deer steps into range.

2. Ignoring Safety

No deer is worth risking your life.

Always inspect your saddle, lineman’s belt, tether, ropes, carabiners, and climbing equipment before every hunt. Replace any worn or damaged gear immediately.

Use your lineman’s belt while climbing and remain connected to the tree from the moment your feet leave the ground until you’re safely back on the ground. Staying attached at all times is one of the biggest safety advantages of saddle hunting—take full advantage of it.

3. Hunting Too High

Many new saddle hunters believe they need to hunt 30 feet up to stay hidden.

In reality, most successful bowhunters hunt between 15 and 20 feet, depending on cover and terrain. Climbing higher increases the difficulty of the climb, creates steeper shot angles, and can make recovering your deer more challenging.

Choose the height that offers the best cover and shooting lanes rather than simply climbing as high as possible.

4. Choosing the Wrong Tree

Not every tree is ideal for saddle hunting.

Look for healthy, straight trees with enough cover to break up your outline. Trees with slight bends or multiple trunks can actually provide excellent concealment and additional shooting opportunities.

Avoid dead trees, trees with loose bark, or anything that could compromise your safety.

5. Forgetting About Shot Angles

One of the biggest adjustments for saddle hunters is learning to shoot all the way around the tree.

Practice:

• Strong-side shots
• Weak-side shots
• Shots while leaning
• Seated shots
• Standing shots

Many hunters are surprised by how different their anchor point and body position feel when shooting from a saddle compared to standing on flat ground.

The first time you take these shots shouldn’t be at a live deer.

6. Carrying Too Much Gear

One of the greatest advantages of saddle hunting is mobility.

Unfortunately, many new hunters load themselves down with oversized backpacks, unnecessary accessories, and extra equipment.

Take only what you’ll actually use. A lighter setup makes longer walks easier, quieter, and less tiring, allowing you to adapt quickly if conditions change.

7. Making Too Much Noise

Metal-on-metal contact, loose climbing sticks, rattling carabiners, and noisy backpacks can quickly alert nearby deer.

Before the season:

• Tape noisy buckles
• Secure loose gear
• Silence climbing equipment
• Practice setting up quietly

A few minutes spent eliminating noise can make a huge difference when hunting pressured deer.

8. Overlooking Comfort

If your saddle isn’t adjusted properly, you’ll know it after a couple of hours.

Spend time adjusting:

• Bridge length
• Tether height
• Saddle position
• Knee pads
• Foot platform placement

Small adjustments can dramatically improve comfort during long sits. Comfortable hunters stay in the woods longer, and longer sits often lead to more opportunities.

9. Neglecting Wind Direction

A saddle doesn’t make you invisible.

Some hunters become so focused on finding the perfect tree that they forget about wind direction. Deer still rely on their noses first, and even the best setup won’t overcome poor wind.

Always choose your tree based on how the wind will carry your scent, and have backup locations for changing conditions.

10. Failing to Plan an Exit

Many hunters spend all their time planning how they’ll get into a tree but never think about getting out.

Before climbing:

• Identify your descent route.
• Pack a reliable headlamp with fresh batteries.
• Plan how you’ll lower your bow and gear.
• Consider how you’ll recover a deer after dark.

A little planning can prevent unnecessary stress at the end of a successful hunt.

Bonus Tip: Practice with Your Hunting Gear

Practice exactly as you plan to hunt.

Wear your hunting clothing, backpack, safety harness components, and gloves. Use the same release aid, broadheads (or practice versions), and arrows you’ll carry during the season.

The more realistic your practice sessions are, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter when a trophy buck walks into range.

Saddle Hunting Is a Skill

Like any style of hunting, saddle hunting takes practice. Every climb builds confidence, every practice shot improves your accuracy, and every adjustment helps you become more efficient.

Don’t be discouraged if things feel awkward at first. Most experienced saddle hunters spent time learning what works best for their body type, equipment, and hunting style.

With patience and preparation, you’ll soon appreciate why so many bowhunters have made the switch.

Get Saddle Hunting Ready at Your local Shop

Whether you’re buying your first saddle or upgrading your current setup, they can help.

Can help you:

• Choose the right saddle and accessories
• Properly fit and adjust your equipment
• Set up your bow for elevated shooting
• Tune broadheads for maximum accuracy
• Answer questions about saddle hunting techniques and gear

We’ll see you in the woods—and hopefully at the deer processor with a great story to tell!