Tree Stand Guide

This is part 1 in this 5 part series a tree stand buyer’s guide.

The first subject I would like to cover is safety and preparing yourself for the worse case scenario. I know if you are a avid hunter you are used to hearing about safety or if you have not please don’t skip over this article. Each year thousands of hunters often end up the hunt with having to go to the ER or not making home at all. The number one accident related to hunting continues to be  falls from an elevated position. In 2005 the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 5,686 injuries occurred. They estimated there are currently over 11 million in use across the United States. The lack of practicing proper safety rates at the top of the list of why so many fatalities are occurring.

Since then it is now federal law that tree stands manufactures offer a compliant hunter safety system otherwise known as a Fall-Arrest System or Fully Body Harness. They have to meet the TMA guidlines. The harness enables the user to be directly tied to the tree at all times.

A few rules of the road when it comes to safety. Makes sure you read all the literature that comes with your product. If the max weight on the platform is 300 lb carrying capacity and you weight 305 lbs then you need to send it back and get one that suites your proper weight. Common sense is a must and must be used at all times not just when it is convenient.

Make sure you inspect it after the manufacture ships it to you. Look for cracks in the steel, cracks in the cables, bent deformed supports. Inspect the grommets and bolts and make sure they are not loose. Inspect the vinyl straps or chain for not fully closed links. Replace all worn out parts which can be directly ordered through the manufacture. Don’t leave it sit out in the elements for long periods of time.

Inspect the safety harness itself. Make sure the stitching is stitched all the way through. Make sure there are no tears that are not supposed to be there. These extra precautions could save your life. Takes five minutes to fully inspect the harness for defects. Make sure it fits properly and it is snug enough to move freely in but no soo freely that you can easily slip out of it..

Making sure you have a mobile phone while out on the trail which can be a life saver. Most accidents occur when we don’t heed to the recommended safety instruction that come with the product. The phone will help if you get into an accident were their is no possible way out but for a rescue. This should be on the list of must haves when enjoying our tradition. With diligence comes rewards, by being prepared for the worst case scenario we ensure we do not become just a statistic. It is one thing to say you will practice saftey but when you get in the woods safety is the last thing on your mind. Making yourself fully aware of the consequences is must.

After inspection set up your deer stand low to the ground on a tree and attach your harness. Lightly bounce up and down to see if the platform gives way. Lean out with harness on and strapped to the tree and see how comfortable it is. Does it feel like it is giving out or it is made of a quality construction? When ever in doubt send it back and go with a different brand name. Your loved ones will thank you if you take these extra few precautions.

My father worked as iron worker his entire life. They have full body harnesses made for iron workers that walk steel all day long. The harness is made of heavy duty thick nylon. If that is something you’re interested in then by all means look into it. One fall and that is all it will take. Thanks for checking out this tree stand buyer’s guide check back for more relevant content.

Check out Part 2 Ladder Tree Stand

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