Q: I’m considering saddle hunting for whitetails and using tree spurs to reach an elevated position. What do I need to know?
A: Todd Fritzley, arborist and forestry and safety trainer professional responds: Here are three key factors to consider when it comes to this topic. First, always think safety when it comes to hunting deer at a significant height. The process of ascending a tree with nothing but spurs and a positioning lanyard is a risk. For example falls, even short ones (also known as gaffing out), are likely. Putting a spur into one’s own foot or ankle is another possibility. There are a number of added dangers when using a piece of equipment at heights you’re unfamiliar with and I can confidently say that accessing a tree using a ladder-type method is much safer.
Also, remember that standing on spurs for a significant length of time can get very uncomfortable and is very stressful on the knees. Lastly, this method is not in the best interests of the tree’s health. Spurs poking holes into the tree’s cambium layer can lead to future problems for the tree such as making it more vulnerable to invasive insects and pathogens.
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Originally published in Ontario OUT of DOORS’ 2024-2025 Hunting Annual
