We are nearing the end of the 2024-25 big game season, the first rut is winding down and Christmas season is officially upon us. I’m not sure about you, but my time in a tree saddle is being reduced from routine all-day sits to joining my wife in seasonal decorating, gift shopping and catching up on fall yard work (I really “seasoned” this opening paragraph).

The past few moths of climbing trees has taught me a couple lessons, and I intend to make at least one BIG change for next season; that change being “in swing” with my tree saddle prior to climbing the first tree in the fall of 2025. So, what is being “in swing”? Let’s first look at the definition or meaning of “swing”:

Swing

/swing/

transitive verb: swing;

3: to convey by suspension

intransitive verb: swing;

2 b: to hang freely from a support

3 c: to convey oneself by grasping a fixed support

6 a: to move along rhythmically

noun: swing;

2 a: liberty of action

3: the progress of an activity, process, or phase of existence

- Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Being “in swing” is how efficient, comfortable and safe you are with your tree saddle ensemble. The state of being “in swing” is not accomplished the first time you step in between a bridge and panel, or the first dark morning you wrap a tether around a tree trunk. Becoming proficient in any activity takes time and practice, and the application of the modern tree saddle is no exception.

Climbing a chosen tree and comfortably enjoying time at elevation is simple, yet complicated. Simple being, if you can climb up and into a ladder stand, you have the physical ability to hunt from a tree saddle. Complicated, as not all trees are equal, and some are far more difficult to climb and hunt out of than others. The ideology behind my thought process applies to new tree saddle hunters and seasoned saddle guru’s, alike.

In my published book, “Back - Country Hunting: Pursuing the Trophy of the “Experience” (Chapter 9), I compare tree saddle hunting to riding bulls. Not that climbing a tree is equally as difficult as calling the “chute gate” open and covering a 1700 pound bull. My comparison relates more to the rhythm and efficiency in the execution of either task. In my rodeo days, I covered bulls that seemed to be effortless rides, while others ended in swift, uncontrollable trips to the arena floor. In my climbing experience, I have had perfect, effortless  climbs and others that were utterly miserable and time at my desired height that were grossly uncomfortable. This comparison, and the experience of a “good ride” is what I am referring to as being “in swing”.

This season, I have found myself in a state of “complacency” rather than being “in swing” with my tree saddle capabilities. Two factors led me to this conclusion:

1. Adding a new saddle to my setup.

2. Not spending any time practicing before the season kicked off.

I allowed my previous experience and success’ overshadow two rules I live by and communicate to others:

1. Never take new gear into the field without testing it prior to employment.

2. “Practice does not make perfect. PERFECT practice makes perfect”

I relied on my foundation more than preparation this past season, and I paid for it. I will not bore you with details, but I will share the fact that I had several lengthy, noisy climbs, multiple miserable sits, and have failed at harvesting a deer from my saddle this season (it is the first week of December!).

This lesson-learning season has led me into reflection. I have no desire to experience another hunting season like the past few months, and the majority of the failures were self-inflicted and due to my own lack of preparation and focus. With over 8 weeks left in Maryland's whitetail hunting season, I have already established a plan for improvement.

Along with year-end gear cleaning, inspection and maintenance, I will ensure I dedicate time to honing my craft and tree saddle skills throughout the year; ramping up the number or volume of practice climbs prior to embarking upon my first hunt next September. 

The reflection has also led to the beginning of another book, “Hunting From the Modern Tree Saddle: The Elevated State of Being “In Swing”. This book will be a technical fiction publication focused on the art of tree saddle hunting. Look for the publication of the book by the end of spring of 2025.

In closing, I will ask the question, “Were you “in swing” this season?” If not, what are you going to do to improve your hunting capabilities next year?

Be LIMBITLESS