Introduction
As I dive deeper into hunting, I keep asking myself, "Am I doing this right?" I don't know much about deer behavior or sign, so I figured the best place to start was learning the most effective method for hunting whitetail deer in Ohio. My hunting journey began in Colorado with elk, where I grew to like the spot-and-stalk method. However, that method hasn’t worked well for me in Ohio.
This realization led me to research the "best" hunting methods. After plenty of digging, it seems hunting from an elevated position is the way to go. That brought me to explore mobile hunting solutions like hang-on stands and saddles.
A mobile setup is crucial for me. I want to adapt to different locations, especially as I learn more about deer habits and movement. I’m also planning to hunt public land, so portability is essential. Plus, investing in one versatile setup beats buying a dozen ladder stands. Stick around as I share the frustrations of this research process and the decision I finally made.
Past Experience
In my first blog post, I shared a bit about my hunting background. While my efforts haven’t been stellar, I think it’s worth discussing how my previous experiences influenced my decision to hunt from a tree. Here’s what I’ve tried so far: ground hunting, ladder stands, climbing stands, and ground blinds. Each method has its strengths, but my struggles often boiled down to location choice, not the method itself.
Ground Hunting & Ground Blinds: These are by far the easiest and most affordable methods. For ground hunting, all you need is a spot to sit and good camouflage. Ground blinds are also inexpensive and accessible. While I’ve seen deer from both, I struggled to get into bow range. Deer almost always spotted me before I could take a shot.
Climbing Stands: I used a climbing stand while stationed in Georgia, where pine trees made climbing easy. I even shot my first deer from a climbing stand, though it was pure luck—I picked a random spot in a pine stand, and it worked out. In Ohio, however, climbing stands require extensive tree prep, and they’re heavy and cumbersome to carry.
Ladder Stands: These are comfortable but lack mobility. I’ve spotted plenty of deer from ladder stands, but getting them into bow range has been a challenge.
Why Hunt From a Tree?
After doing my homework, hunting from an elevated position seems like the best strategy in Ohio. While it doesn’t have to be a tree, using one is the most practical and common option. Elevation helps mask your scent and keeps you out of a deer’s direct line of sight, increasing your chances of success.
Height also gives you a better vantage point to spot deer early, allowing more time to prepare for a shot. Although there are plenty of scent-control products, simply getting above a deer’s nose can make a big difference.
The Struggle With Choosing the Right Option
Once I decided to hunt from a tree, I faced a new challenge: picking between a mobile hang-on stand and a saddle. Both options have pros and cons, but researching them was surprisingly frustrating. Here’s why:
1. Too Many Options
There’s no shortage of options for both hang-on stands and saddles, which is great for variety but overwhelming for beginners like me. I leaned toward saddle hunting because it’s lightweight and portable. However, as I dove deeper, I realized the decision wasn’t that simple.
Saddle hunting involves more than just the saddle—you also need a method to climb the tree. Options include climbing sticks, steps, ropes, or even one-sticking. Each has its pros and cons, making the choice daunting. Hang-on stands presented similar challenges. While they’re more straightforward, you still need a way to climb the tree, and the variety of brands and features made my head spin.
As a beginner, I don’t have enough experience to know what I prefer. Everyone talks about “personal preference,” but what if you don’t know yours yet? It was frustrating to find no “starter kits” to simplify the process.
2. Cost
When I compared costs, I was floored. Some setups—both saddles and hang-on stands—exceeded $1,000. With a family of seven, that kind of expense requires careful consideration. At the same time, I didn’t want to risk buying cheap gear, as safety is critical when hunting from a tree.
I realized I’d need to spend at least $500 for a reliable setup, including a saddle or platform, climbing sticks, and accessories. No brand seemed to offer an all-in-one solution, leaving me to piece it together myself. To stay organized, I created a notebook to track prices and configurations for three saddle setups and three hang-on stand setups.
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Decision Time: tree stand vs saddle
After all the research, I made my decision: I’m going with a saddle. My priorities are weight and versatility. I want to walk miles into a hunting spot and set up quietly. Having carried a heavy climbing stand in the past, I knew I wanted something lighter.
My saddle setup will include:
A saddle
A platform
Climbing sticks
I considered advanced climbing methods like one-sticking and rope techniques, but they didn’t seem beginner-friendly. Climbing sticks are heavier but easier to use, making them the best choice for now.
Conclusion
I’m not entirely confident in my decision. Will I enjoy saddle hunting? Is it worth the investment? These are tough questions, especially given the cost. Will I regret choosing a tree stand vs saddle? But I’m committed to trying it out, and next season will reveal whether the saddle is a game-changer.
I’d love to hear from you! How did you choose your hunting gear? Do you prefer a hang-on stand or a saddle? And if you’re a seasoned saddle hunter, I’m all ears for tips. My next post will cover my first time using the saddle—hopefully, it goes well!
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