4 Situations Where Saddles Are Beneficial for the Non-Mobile Hunter

Saddle hunting is the fastest-growing trend in whitetail hunting. New brands emerge every year, bringing innovative products that continue to reshape the game. There’s no denying that saddle hunting has revolutionized the way many hunters approach their season. Saddles offer a lighter, more mobile setup, which is generally preferred by hunters who favor a “run-and-gun” style over climbing into that old reliable ladder stand on the family farm.

Still, saddle hunting isn’t for everyone—and that’s perfectly fine. During my time working for Arsenal, I’ve had the privilege of attending countless consumer shows and speaking with thousands of hunters from across the whitetail range. I’ve had more than a few conversations with hunters who assure me there’s no way they’d ever use one of “those things.” I respect their opinions and understand their hesitation toward this “new” style of hunting.

But I’ve also noticed something about many of these hunters. They’re often walking the aisles with their kids in tow. A lot of them are hardcore bowhunters with active YouTube channels. And almost always, they’ve got a beer in hand and a group of hunting buddies alongside them. What I try to help them understand is this: a saddle system doesn’t have to be reserved for hardcore public land hunters like the ones they see on YouTube. In fact, there are several situations where a saddle setup can be a game-changer—even for the so-called non-mobile hunter.

1. Permission Ground / Pre-Set Spots

I talk to many hunters who focus almost exclusively on private land and have little interest in running and gunning on public. They don’t see the need to invest in a mobile system when they already have access to good ground—and I get it. I’m in the same boat. But I’ve yet to meet a hunter who would turn down access to more hunting land.

Last season, I gained access to two new properties just weeks before the October 1st opener. With almost no intel on deer movement or other hunting pressure, I wasn’t about to sink hours of effort into hanging treestands in unknown spots—especially with the risk of theft. Instead, I hung a few cheap farm-store climbing sticks in areas that looked promising and planned to hunt them with my saddle.

When late October rolled around, I could slip in quietly an hour before daylight, climb the pre-set sticks, and be hunting in minutes. If the spot didn’t produce, no big deal. If the sticks got stolen, I was only out $30. This approach allowed me to scout and hunt new properties efficiently and with minimal risk.

2. Taking New Hunters to the Woods

At shows, I often see kids trailing behind their parents, grinning ear to ear as they carry a new bow or pair of hunting boots, ready for their first hunt. Most new hunters are accompanied by an experienced adult for their first few trips into the woods. When I started hunting, my dad and I would squeeze into a ladder stand or try to wedge two hang-on stands into one tree—neither was ideal.

That’s where a saddle and platform really shine. It’s easy to set up quickly in less-than-perfect trees, making it simple to hunt in prime spots without needing two full stands. This setup makes it possible to mentor kids or new hunters while still accessing high-quality locations.

It’s not just for kids, either. A few years ago, I took my cousin—then a first-time bowhunter—out in early October. We headed to a great spot with an old ladder stand on the edge of a CRP field. I climbed up, attached my saddle and platform behind him, and a couple of hours later, I was guiding him through his first shot at a buck. The saddle allowed me to share the experience with him in a spot we otherwise couldn’t have hunted together.

3. Cameraman

Hunting media has exploded in recent years. Every fall, YouTube is flooded with hunts—from big TV productions to DIY edits filmed by groups of friends. I’ve spent time filming my own hunts and even worked an internship filming and producing for others. On nearly every hunt, we had two guys in the tree, which meant hauling in extra stands, taking twice as long to set up, and beating up our backs in the process.

If given the choice, I’d put the cameraman in a saddle every time.

Like with mentoring new hunters, a saddle is fast and adaptable. If the hunter has a set treestand, the cameraman can simply throw up a platform on the backside of the tree. It reduces both the weight carried in and the setup time—especially critical when hiking deep into public land. I’ve filmed countless hunts while hanging in my saddle just behind the shooter’s kill tree, and it’s consistently made the process smoother and more efficient.

4. Hunting with Others

Forget the cameras. Forget mentoring. Sometimes, it’s just fun to share a hunt with your buddies or spend time in the stand with your dad up at deer camp. Having a saddle and platform on hand means you can easily join someone in their stand—no elaborate planning or extra stands required.

Sometimes, the goal isn’t to kill a deer but to enjoy time in the woods with someone else. That’s a huge part of what hunting is about. A saddle setup makes it possible to join a friend in their tree at a moment’s notice, creating opportunities for camaraderie and shared memories.

Final Thoughts

Mobile hunting isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But I believe most hunters can relate to at least one of the scenarios I’ve shared. You don’t need to go all-in on a high-dollar mobile setup or live on public land to experience the benefits of saddle hunting.

Take a moment to reflect on your own plans for the upcoming season. Chances are, there’s a situation where a saddle could make your hunt safer, simpler, or more enjoyable. It’s certainly changed how I approach the woods—and I’m confident it can do the same for you.