Q.Stand Placement & Tactics
Should I hunt saddles or ridge lines for deer?
A.
Hunt saddles. A saddle is a low spot in a ridge — the natural crossing point deer use when moving between drainages. Ridge tops are often used as travel routes parallel to terrain, but the kill spots are the saddles where movement converges. Saddles also create predictable wind patterns that help with scent control.
Find saddles on topographic maps as inverted V's in the contour lines. Walk them in summer to confirm trail evidence and rub-line presence. Major saddles between two large drainages are some of the most reliable rut stand locations on any property.
Pair saddle setups with state rut dates for the days mature bucks are most likely to cruise.