123. Showing and demonstrating the o'clock saddle positions using a ring of steps and a platform

Using 9 inch, 12 inch, and 15 inch diameter freshly cut stumps with hour positions marked on them, John explains the hour positions terminology that saddle hunters use when describing different shot areas around the tree, with 6 o'clock always being the hour position the hunter is tethered in during the hunt.

In this video a Predator platform is used as well as a ring of Bullman and Treehopper strap on steps and when purchasing a set of Bullman or Treehopper strap on steps online, if you use the discount code "Bowhunt" you will receive a 10% discount.

Using the o'clock marked stumps, John shows the hour positions and where he would place his ring of strap on steps around the tree for differing sized tree diameters. John also sets up in a 20 plus inch diameter tree with a Predator platform and a ring of 4 Treehopper strap on steps on the backside, and a couple feet above that set up he has a ring of 7 strap on Bullman steps to show the differences in ease of movement around the tree for taking advantage of the 360 degree shooting mobility that a saddle can offer.

He shows using the ring of steps to easily move around the tree for 360 degree shots, then steps down onto the platform and shows how difficult it is to take 360 degree shots while just using the platform, then uses the 4 strap on steps on the backside of the tree in conjunction with the platform to show how simple and easy it is to move around the tree for 360 degree shots and sue the tree as a hiding buffer.

He also mentions that there is no 360 degree mobility shot advantage when using just a saddle platform, over a conventional hang-on platform in small to medium sized trees because a stand hunter can use their platform in the same manner as just a saddle platform. Of course there are a plethora of other big advantages a saddle has over a conventional stand, but being able to shoot 360 degrees around small to medium trees is not one of them.