Almost no shots are impossible from a saddle, but some angles are far more comfortable. Directly behind you is surprisingly comfortable. Off-shoulder side shots are possible but take practice. Practice can make all the difference. This page covers how to practice safely and which shots to drill. For the angles themselves, see saddle hunting shot angles.
Safety first
- Tethrd's rule: practice with your saddle in a safe environment at least 5 times in daylight and at least 2 times in the dark before you hunt from it. Don't use it until you've practiced on the ground with all your equipment and are fully confident.
- Stay connected from the ground up. See saddle hunting safety and tethers, bridges and lineman's belts explained.
- Use a hands-free light in the dark. Tethrd says never to climb or descend in the dark without one.
Start low
XOP suggests hanging your saddle at a low, safe height, low enough that a stumble means nothing. Get into position slowly and repeatedly before you nock an arrow: platform under your feet, weight in the harness, bow up, anchor found. Then start shooting.
The drills
| Drill | How | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Strong side | Your easy side. Get set the same way every time | |
| Off side (release-arm side) | Back against the tree, tether running across your release-arm shoulder like a seatbelt | XOP |
| Weak side, quick version | Raise the bow over the bridge and twist your hips to move the bridge out of the way | Bowhunter |
| Weak side, seatbelt version | Tuck your shoulder under the tether and bridge, turn on the platform, and wear the bridge across your chest | Bowhunter |
| Behind you (6 o'clock) | Move to the side of the platform, knee against the tree, then twist to open up | Bowhunter |
| Platform check | Set the platform so it faces your likely shots |
Bowhunter says to spend real time on the under, behind and around shots to build confidence before you hunt. XOP says to build these reps over a full summer, not start cold on opening day.
Set the platform for your shots
Be very conscious of how your platform faces compared to the shots you can physically make.
Practice the climb too
My early mistakes with sticks were not practicing the climb, forgetting something and making too much noise. See quiet climb setup.
Other good options
- A broadhead-rated target lets you practice with hunting heads. See bow accessories worth it.
- Comfort on long sits. See saddle comfort on long sits.
Questions hunters ask
How much should I practice before hunting? Tethrd says at least 5 daylight sessions and 2 in the dark, in a safe place, before you hunt.
What's the hardest shot? Bowhunter's writer calls the 2 to 5 o'clock weak-side shots the hardest, though "not that hard" with practice.
Should I practice at hunting height? Start low, per XOP. Stay tethered whenever you're off the ground.
Sources
- Tethrd, Eberhart Signature Series Saddle, safety warnings and instructions: https://www.pyramydair.com/airgun-resources/manuals/Tethrd-ESS.pdf
- Bowhunter, "Top Tips for Shooting from a Saddle": https://www.bowhunter.com/editorial/top-tips-shooting-from-saddle/503298
- XOP, "The Off-Side Shot Will Ruin Your Hunt. Here's How to Practice It Out of a Saddle": https://xopoutdoors.com/blogs/news/the-off-side-shot-will-ruin-your-hunt-heres-how-to-practice-it-out-of-a-saddle