One stick saddle hunting is hunting from a tree saddle only using a single climbing stick. It is a fairly simple process, but often more work than the typical whitetail hunter is willing to invest. The mechanics are fairly simple. You put a stick up as high as you can go, step into an aider that is attached to the stick, and pull yourself up. Once on the tree, you attach your climbing rope and sit in the saddle. Then you reach below, detach your stick, then place it above your head.
Rinse and repeat.
The advantage of it is ultimate flexibility. You can hunt any tree you want and as high as you want. It is the perfect mobile hunting setup. For bowhunting, this allows you all the advantages of saddle hunting but with the added benefit of moving as the deer get disturbed during the other seasons. Having only one stick to carry greatly increases your range and ability to get to where the deer have retreated to.
The One Stick Saddle Hunting Kit
So what do you need? Here’s a list with links:
- Saddle
- Choose whichever you want. The biggest names in the industry are TrophyLine and Tethrd
- Stick
- If you want to be inexpensive, Hawk Helium makes “ok” products. I am currently using one, and it works, but there is a constant need for maintenance. Next year I plan to use Trophyline’s Wingman platform.
- Platform
- Speaking of platforms, you will want one. You definitely don’t need it, but it makes a huge difference in control and comfort. Hawk makes a platform that goes on top of their stick, the Hammock SP. I also have one of these on my stick.
- Rope
- You will need 40ft of climbing rope. Don’t skimp on this, as it is paramount to your safety.
- Aider
- In order to get the most out of your climbing, a three-step aider is ideal. I ordered a Kailas Aider and don’t have anything bad to say about it.
- Belay Device
- The only option is the Mad Rock Safeguard belay device. Do not use the red one that is cheaper as it will break on you. This is the one item that is completely nonnegotiable for single-stick hunting.
- Climbing Carabiner
- Any large, pear-shaped climbing carabiner would work. However, I suggest one like Petzl has that autolocks. You will tie this on with a scaffolding hitch.
Climbing
Make sure that you watch a few example videos on how to climb using the one stick method. I found Carl Kossuth’s video to be the best for instruction. However, there are several videos on YouTube that show different approaches to one sticking. The main thing is that you do it safely.
Happy hunting!