Shooting a bow from a saddle feels foreign at first — you're leaning, twisting, and there's no railing to steady you. But once you dial it in, the saddle gives you a 360-degree shooting platform most treestands can't match. Here's how to get comfortable.
Set your platform right
A stable base under your feet is everything. Set your platform (or top step) at a height that lets you stand comfortably and pivot. A solid, quiet step system keeps your feet planted so you can focus on the shot.
Practice the awkward angles
Strong-side, weak-side, and straight-down shots all feel different from the saddle. Practice each from a low setup in the yard so nothing surprises you in the tree.
Use the tree and your tether
Lean into your tether to load your legs and free your upper body. For strong-side shots, face the tree; for weak-side, turn and use the platform to pivot. Let the saddle carry your weight so your bow arm stays relaxed.
Build your setup on a stable base
It all starts with getting up the tree and standing solid. The APEX Ladder System, with its patent-pending V-Press crossbar, gives you an aggressive, planted base to shoot from. See the 5-Pack and 10-Pack.
Safety Warning & Liability Disclaimer
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION — read in full before assembly or use.
The Apex Ladder System by S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear is a portable climbing and access system intended for recreational, hunting, camping, hiking, utility access, and non-life-safety firefighting access only. This product is not designed, manufactured, or intended to function as life-safety, rescue, or fall-arrest equipment and must never be relied upon as such.
Climbing, elevated access, and outdoor activities are inherently dangerous and involve risks that may result in serious injury, paralysis, or death. By purchasing, possessing, assembling, or using the Apex Ladder System, you acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with its use, including but not limited to falls, equipment failure, environmental conditions, improper installation, misuse, or user error.
The user is solely responsible for proper installation, anchoring, inspection, maintenance, and determining fitness for use. The Apex Ladder System must be inspected before and after every use and removed from service immediately if any wear, damage, defect, or abnormal condition is observed. Appropriate safety harnesses, lineman’s belts, and fall-protection equipment should be used at all times.
Any alleged defect must be reported in writing to S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear within five (5) days of discovery and prior to further use of the product. Unauthorized repairs, modification, or continued use void all claims. The sole remedy for any approved claim shall be repair, replacement, or refund at the sole discretion of S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless S.T.A.L.K. Outdoor Gear, its owners, officers, employees, affiliates, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the use or misuse of this product, including claims of negligence or alleged product defect.
This disclaimer and all disputes arising from use of the Apex Ladder System shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
For complete details, read our full Safety & Liability Information. Document Version: ALS-SAFETY-v1.0 | Updated: December 2025.
