The 2020 Kansas hunting season would be one to remember for veteran hunter Jake Daniels. After years of traditional tree stand hunting, Jake decided to take a different approach by using a tree saddle for the first time. This change in strategy would lead him to one of the most thrilling hunts of his career—harvesting a mature whitetail buck on Kansas public land, all from the comfort of a tree saddle.
Kansas is known for its vast expanses of public land, rich with whitetail deer and challenging terrain. Jake had spent weeks scouting the area, relying on trail cameras and boots-on-the-ground research to pinpoint where the bucks were most active. One spot in particular stood out—a heavily wooded area with dense cover, perfect for bowhunting. It was a high-traffic zone for deer, but it also meant Jake would need to be stealthy and adaptable, a challenge he was ready to take on with his new tree saddle setup.
Jake had been hearing a lot of buzz about tree saddles—an innovative, mobile hunting tool that allows hunters to hunt from virtually any tree. Unlike traditional tree stands, a saddle provides a more dynamic and flexible way to hunt, giving hunters a 360-degree view and the ability to move more quietly and comfortably. Intrigued by the versatility of the saddle, Jake decided to make the switch for the 2020 season.
On the opening morning of his Kansas hunt, Jake arrived at the location before dawn, eager to test out the saddle. The setup was quick, and within minutes, he was perched high in the tree, his bow in hand, ready for action. The cool, crisp air and the sound of the woods waking up put him in a perfect state of focus. As the morning wore on, Jake’s patience was tested. He spotted a few does, but no mature bucks were in sight.
Then, around 9 a.m., a movement caught his attention. Through the brush, a large buck appeared—an impressive 10-pointer with a thick rack. The buck was cruising through the woods, unaware of Jake’s presence. Using the mobility of the tree saddle, Jake was able to adjust his position and draw his bow quietly. As the buck stepped into range, Jake released his arrow. The shot was clean, and the buck bolted into the woods.
After a tense wait, Jake climbed down and tracked the deer, finding it not far from the shot site. The successful hunt was a testament to the power of adaptability and the advantages of hunting with a tree saddle. Jake’s experience with the 2020 Kansas public land buck was one that would go down in the books as a game-changing moment in his hunting career. It proved that with the right gear and a willingness to embrace new methods, even the most seasoned hunters could experience new challenges and successes in the field.
