Your World HuntFalls from tree stands are one of the most common causes of serious hunting injuries, and most happen while climbing up, climbing down or getting into and out of the stand. The good news: nearly all of them are preventable with the right gear and a few habits. This checklist covers the full-body harness, lifelines, inspecting stands, hauling gear, weather and an emergency plan, so you can hunt from height and come home every time.
1. Always wear a full-body harness
- Use a full-body harness (FAS) that meets current industry standards. Single belts and chest-only straps are not safe fall protection.
- Read the manufacturer's instructions and check the expiration or replacement date. Harness webbing degrades with age and sun.
- Fit it over your hunting layers so it's snug when you're dressed for cold weather.
- Keep the tether short and above your head when seated, so a fall is as short as possible.
- Carry a suspension relief strap and practice using it. Hanging in a harness for a long time is dangerous.
2. Stay connected from ground to stand
A harness only helps if you're attached. A lifeline (a rope with a sliding prusik knot, fixed from the ground to above the stand) keeps you clipped in the whole way up and down. Climbing stands should be tethered to the tree before you leave the ground. Hang-on stands and sticks need a lineman's belt or lifeline while you set them.
3. Inspect before every season, and every sit
- Check straps, cables, chains, welds, bolts and seats for rust, wear, cracks or chewing by squirrels.
- Replace straps left on the tree through the off-season. UV and weather weaken them.
- Pick a live, straight, healthy tree of the size the stand maker allows. Avoid dead trees and limbs.
- Test the stand close to the ground before climbing high.
4. Never climb with gear in your hands
Use a haul line for your bow, firearm and pack. Firearms should be unloaded, actions open, and raised muzzle-down. Bows should be lowered and raised with arrows secured in a quiver. Keep three points of contact on the ladder or sticks at all times.
5. Respect the weather
- Wet, icy or frosty steps are slick. Slow down and consider skipping the sit when ice is on the stand.
- High winds make trees sway and add risk. Lightning is a hard no.
- Cold makes hands clumsy. Gloves with grip and warm layers help you climb safely.
6. Have an emergency plan
- Tell someone exactly where you're hunting and when you'll be back.
- Carry a phone (charged) where you can reach it from a harness, plus a whistle and a headlamp.
- Mark your stand so a partner or rescuer can find it. A dropped pin with coordinates is easier to share than a description.
- Don't hunt from height if you're exhausted, ill or on medication that affects balance.
7. Take a course
Many state wildlife agencies and hunter education programs include tree stand safety, and the Treestand Manufacturers Association and other organizations offer free online material. It takes less time than one morning sit.
Quick checklist
- Full-body harness, in date, fitted over layers
- Lifeline or tree strap; suspension relief strap
- Haul line; unloaded firearm or secured bow
- Stand, straps and sticks inspected
- Headlamp, phone, whistle; someone knows your location
- Weather checked: no lightning, ice or high wind
Regulations: this guide is general information. Seasons, limits, licenses, legal methods, hours and access rules vary by state and country and change often. Check your state wildlife agency or the official authority before you hunt.