Tree saddles are very versatile hunting systems that are often used to hunt deer, but can they be used to hunt elk? Are they good for elk hunting? And how can you hunt elk out of the tree saddle? In this article, I will answer all those questions and more.
Here is the short answer:
Yes, you can hunt elk from a tree saddle. In fact, hunting elk out of a tree saddle can be a very effective way of hunting elk. Tree saddles are easier to hunt out of and set up than a tree stand. So if you have a spot that would be good to sit over, you may consider getting a tree saddle.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look more in-depth at hunting elk with a tree saddle like, how to hunt elk out of a tree saddle, why hunting elk out a tree saddle is a good idea, and the upsides and downsides to hunting elk out of a tree saddle.
How to hunt elk out of a tree saddle
So we know from the short answer that you can hunt elk out of a tree saddle, but how would you go about such an activity? Let’s find out.
The first step to hunting elk out of a tree saddle is to know where to set up. Wallows, trails, and feeding grounds are good areas to set up your tree saddle. So if you find a fresh wallow, a well-used trail, or a meadow that is constantly getting hit by elk, then you won’t want to overlook setting up a tree saddle there.
Once you find where the elk are, the setup process is very similar to how you would set up a treestand. You will want to find a straight tree that is mostly free of limbs and get within bow range, bow range being 20-30 yards, of the area you are hunting.
Now that you are in an area with elk moving through and are set up in your tree, all you have to do is wait for the elk to get within bow range. Keep in mind that before hunting out of or hanging a tree saddle, you should check your state’s regulations on hunting out of elevated platforms.
Pros of hunting elk out of a tree saddle
So we know how to hunt elk out of a tree saddle, but is there an upside to hunting elk out of a tree saddle?
The main upside to hunting out of a tree saddle compared to hunting on the ground is that in a tree saddle, you are less likely to get spotted by an elk. If you are sitting on the ground, you are in direct eyesight of the elk. But in a tree saddle, you are above the elk, meaning any elk that walks by will have to look up to see you.
Another upside to a tree saddle is that they are lighter than a standard treestand. A tree saddle setup weighs about 10-15 pounds, and your lightest treestand setup will weigh at least 25 pounds, so you are essentially cutting the weight in half.
Tree saddles are more comfortable than a tree stand or sitting on the ground. Tree saddles allow you to lean back rather than having to sit down, so your legs won’t start to hurt or go numb after a while.
Downsides to tree saddles
Like any setup, there are always downsides, so what are they with tree saddles?
Even though tree saddles are lighter than tree stands, they are still quite heavy and can be a burden to carry around. Carrying an extra 15 pounds on top of your already 40-pound pack is just not a smart option if you are hiking a long way. However, if you are going on horseback or are hunting close to a road (close being within 1.5 miles), you may still want a tree saddle.
Tree saddles can be challenging to set up. Tree saddles are a little more complicated than tree stands and are hard to shoot out of when you don’t set them up right. So if you are going to hunt elk out of a tree saddle, you will want some experience with them first.
The last downside to hunting elk out of a tree saddle is that once you set up you are stuck there. Now tree saddles are fast to put up and take down, but if you don’t set up in the right spot, you will have wasted a hunt. So before you buy a tree saddle, consider what your hunting style is.
How to know whether or not to buy a tree saddle for elk hunting
Whether or not you will want to hunt elk out of the tree saddle will depend on a number of variables. So here are some things to consider before you buy a tree saddle to hunt elk.
If you are going to be hunting elk past 1.5 miles from a truck then you probably won’t want a tree saddle. A tree saddle will weigh too much to be packed more than 1 mile. While you can bring a tree saddle back that far, you will be better off just sitting on the ground when you consider the weight.
If you are under a time constraint to where you can’t waste a single hunt, you may want to leave the saddle at home. If you only have 2 days to hunt you will not want to possibly waste a hunt by not setting up in the right spot.
If you are going to be hunting close to a road, then a tree saddle might be a good idea. If you don’t have to pack your saddle back very far and you found a good trail to sit on, then you should consider bringing the saddle on your hunt.
A good time bring your tree saddle is if the elk aren’t going to be calling. During an early season hunt, when the elk aren’t vocal and are going to be moving mostly during dusk and dawn a tree saddle can be a great idea to get within range of an elk.
Conclusion
Hunting elk out of a tree saddle is not only possible, but it can also be a very effective strategy. So if you are looking for a new way to elk hunt, or found a good area to sit over, you may want to consider bringing a tree saddle.