Back to School: A Minicourse for Fall Hunters

Hunting is a life-long learning journey. I don't care if you are a "weekend warrior" or a TV superstar; there's always a new goal to achieve. Whether perfecting your abilities, trying a new species, or changing geography, there's always a chance for a new adventure. If you are a lifelong learner, it's time to sit in my classroom. Grab something to write on, and please pay attention as we look at this year’s syllabus.

Class is in Session.

Math:

I know you'd like to count the tines on your buck, but this fall, let's also count the blessings and graces it took to bag that animal. Math courses require logic and reasoning – but logic may not have played into why that animal didn't hear or smell you or why you chose to sit in one stand over another…

Sometimes, there's a higher power at play. Math teaches us to try and try again until we find the solution. It also plays into calculating yardages, degrees, and windages – all of which can make your hunt more successful. 

Also, this fall, focus on what's important to you for a positive outcome. Is it finally learning to use that new bow site? Or mounting the scope on your rifle and sighting it in by yourself? (It’s a proud moment, trust me.)  The number of likes on the photos you post probably isn't the answer—I suggest looking internally rather than externally for validation. 

Science

We can’t talk about math without bringing science into our lives. Science both feeds our curiosity and sparks more of it. Do you have a question about a particular hunt? Someone else probably already researched it and wrote a book or article. And if they didn't – then maybe that's an opportunity for you. Just Google (or Google Scholar) whatever interests you about your pending adventure. Being curious is good for you, according to this study. Also, having something to look forward to improves happiness and satisfaction in life, as this study shared. This study shows that we are most happy before a vacation while planning our trip and less happy afterward (like, duh). So, to keep your happiness levels high, I suggest planning another hunting trip immediately after this one. (Feel free to send my email to your non-hunting spouses/partners, and I'll help them understand the need for this.) 

Physical Education

I don't need to tell you that you must move well to hunt well. Do a simple self-assessment with the basic sit-rise test: get down on the floor and try to stand up without using your hands. Another test is to see if you can put your shoes on while standing without help. If you managed, well done! If you struggled, add movement to your day. Cardio is helpful, but walking will get you what you need. I know some hunters who took yoga before their mountain hunts. It all helps!

History 

Many giants have walked these woods before us – from Thomas Jefferson to Boone and Crockett to Aldo Leopold and more; we have a plethora of philosophies to study and lessons to learn. Even for those creating content today, from traditional writers to YouTubers and Podcasters, researching the best method to bag your favorite animal is half the fun. Thanks to history, we know migration patterns, tide, moon phases, and how all that will affect your hunt. You can pick up a magazine, download a video, or even DM your favorite TV personality and learn from their triumphs and tribulations. 

Geography

Travel broadens the mind. I don't have a study to link to that—I know it. Whether you go to the next state over or visit New Zealand, seeing and experiencing new geography gets you out of your comfort zone. Exploration of any kind stretches us and changes us. 

Art & Design

Do you think there's no creativity in hunting? I want to challenge you in that. One of the aspects I love the most about our industry is how most products can be found American-made. We highly regard entrepreneurship and quality products in the outdoor community. We want our products to work well every time because when that string is let go, or the bullet flies down the barrel, it produces positive results. 

Music is art, too. Who has the perfect Spotify list for hunting? Here are a few suggestions: Yeti’s Backcountry Hunters, Leupold Optics Randy Newberg’s Playlist, and the “Not Country Music Hunter Playlist” by Urban Archery NYC (features Wu-Tang Clan, which is incredible, but also watch young hunters’ ears in this explicit song list.) 

The Last Bell

Hunting is a lifelong educational journey. I wish you the resilience to carry on when your flights are canceled, patience when the squirrel spooks your buck for the umpteenth time, and success when you connect in the field. Please take a photo, but do me a favor and try to be present in the moment rather than thinking of the next shot or talking point. Connect with those in the field with you versus those online, at least for a bit. I hope you continue being a lifelong learner.

Good Luck and class dismissed.

Michelle Scheuermann, owner of BulletProof Communications, is a believer in adventures of any kind.

Marilyn Bentz - NBEF Executive Director

By Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director

Even though hunting saddles have been around since the 80’s, it has only been in recent years that their popularity has grown. We are easing into a new generation of hunters and  hunting saddles are not your daddy’s treestand! They appear to have mass appeal to younger bowhunters that are looking for a less complex approach to hunting. They may not have the desire or time to set up typical tree stands which even in their most compact models can be cumbersome. These bowhunters also want the flexibility of hunting on public land and quickly changing locations depending on hunting conditions or traffic of other hunters or critters. The portability of hunting saddle equipment fills this need. 

It may take time to get used to the decrease in platform size of a hunting saddle after being used to a traditional tree stand. Hunters may also notice fatigue in the legs and hips if they haven’t put in some preparation time. It’s recommended to gradually work up to extended tree time and to practice until feeling comfortable being suspended in the saddle and practice shooting from many angles. Bowhunters will want to check shot accuracy from many positions because hunters using a hunting saddle are facing the tree -instead of away from it like when shooting from a traditional tree stand. Shooting options may decrease until new shooting angles and effective range are established. And just like in other elevated hunting situations, if the bowhunter is ascending and questioning if they are too high, they probably are.

There are many manufacturers of hunting saddles. Each brand has slight or unique differences and therefore, may have different recommendations and brand specific instructions for their use as well as limitations such as user weight restrictions. It’s imperative to thoroughly research hunting saddle options prior to purchasing. There is one manufacturer that makes a hunting saddle and fall arrest system combo. Unless you use this particular  combo hunting saddle, never use a hunting saddle as a fall arrest system in a traditional tree stand. All hunting saddles come with ropes, belts, and carabiners necessary for that particular brand of hunting saddle. Do not mix equipment from one hunting saddle manufacturer to another. Saddle hunters will also need an ascending system such as commercially manufactured ladder sections, climbing sticks, etc. Just as in traditional tree stand usage, screw in tree steps or lineman’s spikes are notrecommended.

Bowhunters are very aware that elevated stand hunting comes with risks. Hunting saddles do not eliminate these risks. According to Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation President Glen Mayhew, in the past few years most recorded incidents have occurred from either disconnecting from the tree for some reason while elevated or modifying the saddle and the modification failed. Risks can be reduced by always following manufacturers’ guidelines and instructions. Become familiar with hunting saddle terminology and with the saddle itself at ground level. Get in the habit of inspecting the hunting saddle for any signs of wear or damage every time before putting it on. And just as in other elevated stand hunting situations, a saddle hunter should be attached to the tree before leaving the ground and until back down. Avoid choosing dead trees when using a hunting saddle or traditional tree stands. Select trees that are straight and appear viable. Avoid using a hunting saddle if the weather conditions are icy, rainy, or if surfaces appear slick or if lightning exists in the area. Always use a haul line when raising or lowering equipment. Never climb with equipment or wear clothing that could interfere with the safe operation of a hunting saddle. Bowhunters shouldn’t use a hunting saddle when feeling ill or if taking medications which could affect balance.

Hunting saddles are definitely here to stay and may help attract some new hunters. Regardless of your means or equipment used for hunting, be safe and continue to make great memories. 

Marilyn Bentz is the Executive Director for the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF). The NBEF has been a long-time leader in promoting safety for hunting from an elevated position. The NBEF works diligently with stakeholders to ensure the latest and ultimate safety information reaches the consumer regarding elevated stand safety. 

Illustration courtesy of NBEF via Petersen's Bowhunting

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