Shooting out of a saddle

[Swichback]

I’m gearing up to saddle hunt for white tail deer with both my rifle and my bow. Using a ring of steps, I’d like to use the tree as cover, I would be in more of a seated position.

I’ll be practicing at the gun range and my local bow range throughout the year. With all the emphasis on archery/gun form, I’m assuming shooting from the ground with good form vs sitting in my saddle will affect my accuracy. The most practical solution would be to practice shooting from my saddle, but unfortunately I don’t have a lot of access to areas that I can do that.

Any tips? Especially for archery.

 

[Bump79]

Man, I don't know of any way outside of practicing in the tree. Even if you're not really elevated. Just swinging just above ground level with your ROS. You can practice from the ground but it's not the same.

 

[Bump79]

The biggest thing is practicing in the tree. Every year I say I'm going to do it more and don't really. You've got to emulate what your shot situations will be. I screwed up twice this year moving to make a weak side shot. Had I practiced more it would have been way smoother with less movement.

Whether you've got a hang on or saddle it doesn't matter, practice climbing and setting up. More than you think you need to. Go out in the woods and just pick a tree, climb it like you would in the woods and setup. Do it a few times. Find the weak spots. Had I practiced more I'd get up better, quieter, safer and quicker.

You've got to have a plan - Plan A is where you think they'll come from. Plan B - if they come from this way I do this and down the line.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The reality of saddle hunting is that you need to spend a time practicing climbing and positioning before the season. You can likely work archery practice into that.

 

[knale87]

No trees in your yard? Drive to some public and bring your target.

 

[Swichback]

I'm going to focus on practicing from the tree. Will have to drive a little further out of the suburb to practice closer to the hunting season, but it sounds like this is going to be important.

Practicing climbing trees and hanging from the saddle will be easier to do in my local park, living in a densely populated area has its downsides lol

 

[Ho5tile1]

I think it’s easy to shoot the bow from the saddle now the gun I’m not so good at. I’m a sitter in the saddle only time I stand is for a weak side shot sometimes. You do need to practice but I found it easy to do had zero issues with it from the my first time practicing. I don’t use a ring of steps I use the bigger predator platform. Good luck if you can shoot sitting on a chair you should be fine.


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[Swichback]

I think it’s easy to shoot the bow from the saddle now the gun I’m not so good at. I’m a sitter in the saddle only time I stand is for a weak side shot sometimes. You do need to practice but I found it easy to do had zero issues with it from the my first time practicing. I don’t use a ring of steps I use the bigger predator platform. Good luck if you can shoot sitting on a chair you should be fine.


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Good point about being able to sit from a chair, I am more of a sitter myself so this should translate well. Thanks

 

[Shooter Mike]

shooting strong side is easy enough. In the saddle you'll feel well supported to execute a good shot. Shooting weak side might take some practice. Everyone is different though. If you're athletic and nimble with good proprioception, you'll do fine. Practice, but don't overthink it and make it more complicated than it needs to be. I think you'll find shooting a gun out of a saddle more challenging than a bow, in terms of holding steady, unless you use an accessory sling as a support for the rifle, which is what I would recommend.

 

[Billy Goat]

Saddle anchors your body halfway up.

I find it really easy to shoot accurately out of, but, only from my strong side.

If I know where they will be it's great, setup for that shot. A more dynamic setting, it can be hard to make the shot.


I think it makes my likely shot way easier, but an unexpected shot harder.

 

[Maverick1]

I’m gearing up to saddle hunt for white tail deer with both my rifle and my bow. Using a ring of steps, I’d like to use the tree as cover, I would be in more of a seated position.

I’ll be practicing at the gun range and my local bow range throughout the year. With all the emphasis on archery/gun form, I’m assuming shooting from the ground with good form vs sitting in my saddle will affect my accuracy. The most practical solution would be to practice shooting from my saddle, but unfortunately I don’t have a lot of access to areas that I can do that.

Any tips? Especially for archery.

I hang the saddle from the corner of the squat rack in the basement and shoot at a target (bow only!).