If you’re picturing a cowboy with a lasso when you hear “saddle hunting,” you’re barking up the wrong tree. This isn’t your granddaddy’s deer stand; it’s what happens when innovation meets tradition in the woods. Saddle hunting is climbing the ranks in the deer hunting world, and it’s not hard to see why. With a nod to the modern hunter’s quest for flexibility, efficiency, and stealth, saddle hunting gear is like the Swiss Army knife of deer hunting. It’s compact, lightweight, and as silent as a whisper in the deer woods. Let’s dive into why this “newer” method isn’t just a blip on the hunting radar but a significant shift in how hunters engage with the wild.

Economic Trends: Climbing Higher Than Ever

The hunting industry has seen its fair share of trends come and go, but saddle hunting? It’s here to stay. The numbers don’t lie; more hunters are ditching the bulk for the belt, and manufacturers have taken notice. Brands like Latitude Outdoors lead the charge with innovative designs and products that ditch the metal clang for quiet efficiency. This gear is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in mobility and stealth.

The uptick in saddle hunting’s popularity isn’t just anecdotal. Retailers and online forums are buzzing, sales are up, and the aftermarket for used gear is as competitive as a rutting buck. The reason? Saddle hunting offers a blend of affordability and practicality that’s an attractive addition to a mobile hunter’s tool belt.

Benefits: Why Hunters Are Making the Switch

Increased Tree Selection on Public Land

Public land can be a mixed bag, but saddle hunters have the luxury of choice. No longer limited by the perfect tree, any sturdy trunk becomes a potential vantage point. This freedom opens up previously untapped areas, giving hunters the edge in crowded woods. 

Quiet, No-metal Options

Gone are the days of echoing clanks scaring off your shooter buck. Brands like Latitude Outdoors are pioneering saddles that are as silent as a shadow. No velcro, no metal, just fabric, rope (line), and magnets stitched within the fabric keep their saddles quiet. As on Okayest Hunter that tends to make everything more difficult, or in this case louder than things ought to be in the deer woods, this is an incredible feature. However, this stealth factor is a game-changer for any hunter looking to keep their presence under wraps while they sneak within range of a shooter buck’s bedroom. 

Lightweight and Compact

Imagine fitting your entire tree stand setup in a backpack. Saddle hunting gear makes this a reality. In 2023 I went with the Latitude X-Wing platform that fits within my hunting pack. From there, I strapped Latitude’s Carbon Speed Series sticks to the outside of the pack and wore my saddle on my trek into the woods. I’ve never hunted like this in the past. It was and is my most compact mobile hunting system to date. Saddles are the ultimate solution for the hunter on the move, providing unmatched mobility without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Extra emphasis on the safety part. Especially as a Dad of three, climbing trees to chase the wiley Whitetail has never felt so risky to me until becoming a parent. Of course, tree stands are safe, too, and as a mobile hunter, you should always put safety first. I like always being tethered to the tree. 

Versatility in Shot Ranges

Traditional stands can limit your angles, but a saddle gives you 360-degree freedom. You can lean out from the tree, standing on your platform much like you could on a traditional hang-on stand. Conversely, and more commonly, with a saddle, you face the tree. This adds a component of extra concealment. This versatility means you’re ready for whatever comes your way, with a full range of motion at full draw. Just be sure to practice from the comfort of your backyard or a buddy’s so you can become familiar with navigating the bridge and become confident at full draw. It is a bowhunter’s dream to shoot from any angle.

It’s Not Just a Phase; It’s the Future

Saddle hunting represents more than just a shift in gear; it’s a new approach to hunting that prioritizes adaptability and stealth. As more hunters seek methods that enhance their ability to close the gap on a shooter buck or eater doe, saddle hunting stands out as a technique that brings us closer to heart-pounding hunts.

The economic trends in the hunting industry reflect this shift towards innovation and efficiency. With an ever-growing community of saddle hunters, online resources, and dedicated forums, this movement is clearly gaining ground. Saddle hunting is not just a passing fad; it’s a testament to the hunter’s evolving obsession with all things hunting. In the last few years, more events have emerged that focus solely on the mobile hunter. The Mobile Hunter Roadshow put on by Lone Wolf Custom Gear is a great show that lets hunters get hands-on experience with the new mobile setups. The Mobile Hunter Expo is another excellent example of how these saddle-hunting manufacturers have come together to meet the growing demands of the mobile-hunting consumer. 

Consider strapping into a saddle if you want to elevate your hunting game. It’s not just a tool in your belt; it’s your ticket to a more immersive, efficient, and thrilling hunting experience. Mobilehang-on stands aren’t going anywhere, and neither are saddles. It’s another tool in a mobile hunter’s arsenal. Remember, the best trends are the ones that bring us closer to what we’re after, and saddle hunting does just that. Welcome to the new age of deer hunting – where mobility, stealth, and versatility reign supreme.