Hiking into a hunting area with a tree stand strapped to my back is a labor of love that I’ve endured many, many times. It’s also one that I don’t need to endure again, thanks to saddle hunting.

The author testing the Black Belt Ultimate. Photo by Erik Barber I’ve been hunting exclusively from a tree saddle since 2018, when I was lucky enough to kill a beautiful 8-point buck on opening day of ...

For decades, hunters have relied on traditional tree stands to gain a vantage point over their prey. But in recent years, an increasing number of serious hunters have abandoned bulky, restrictive ...

Early in my bowhunting career, I set up a ladder stand on top of a ridge that had oaks and plenty of deer sign. On opening morning, I watched a deer parade go down a trail that was 20 yards out of ...

Before last fall, my deer season prep and even my bowhunting activity had fallen into a rut. I found myself defaulting to the same stand locations I’ve been hunting for years. I was sitting for ...

“Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” is the advice a Pennsylvania deer hunter offers to those who are curious about saddle hunting. Hunting from a nylon saddle hanging from the side of a tree may ...

Tree saddles have been gaining momentum in the hunting world, especially for those pursuing deer. With countless debates surrounding their effectiveness, many are left wondering: Are tree saddles ...