Now that August has come and gone and the cool nights are starting to set in, I bet many of you are ready for deer season to begin. But are your tree stands ready for the season? Most hunters will be fussing over their bows, making sure everything is just right. The dedicated hunters will have been target practicing for a month now, or even all summer long. That’s awesome! That’s what good, ethical hunters should be doing. But don’t stop there. Now it’s time to focus on tree stand safety before the season starts.
When it comes to bow hunting season this is very typical. The bow gets all the attention. You’ll check the cables, string, arrow rest, and anything else that can be tightened or tweaked to make your bow quiet and shoot straight and true. Meanwhile, your tree stand is laying in the corner of the garage or out behind the garage, subject to the elements. To be successful, and safe, you’ll need to give your tree stands a thorough inspection too, before hunting season starts.
Why Do I Need To Inspect My Tree Stand?
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Each year hundreds of hunters fall from elevated deer stands! Many suffer major, crippling injuries. And yes, some individuals even die from their injuries. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself. One is to use fall protection. I have more on this below, so please read on. The other is simply to give your tree stand and climbing gear a thorough visual inspection.
You’ll want to do this for a couple of reasons. The first, and most importantly, is to make sure the stand is safe to use. A good stable stand makes for a much better hunting experience. The second is to make sure the stand is as quiet as possible. Nobody likes a squeaky bow stand! You may only get one chance at that monster buck. Don’t let a squeak caused by a shift in your weight to ruin it!
I’ve seen portable tree stands and climbing sticks that have been left outside, mounted to trees, all year long. The nylon straps securing them to the trees are subjected to heat, cold, freezing, thawing and ultraviolet light that can damage and weaken them. Hopefully, the owners of these stands take the time to run through the below inspections.
Portable Tree Stand Safety Inspection
There are many different types of portable, commercially made treestands today. Although their construction may vary, they are all held together by nuts, bolts, rivets, pins and spring clips. To help ensure your tree stand is safe and quiet be sure to check the following items. Stands with any of the below issues should not be used until properly repaired.
#1 – Make sure all the fasteners and components are in place and are tight.
#2 – Be prepared to replace any straps that are showing signs of fraying or damage from weather or ultraviolet light. Remember, trees don’t stop growing. That growth can put extra force on the straps and ratchet assemblies.
#3 – Check all platforms and rungs for any signs of cracks in the welded joints
#4 – Look for any bent components. Any bent support or component could be a weak point. If something is bent, don’t use it.
#5 – If the stand has cables, look for any frayed or broken strands. Is there any corrosion on the cables or crimped ends? These can all be weak points and cause the treestands to fail. Frayed cable strands can cause puncture wounds and cuts too.
#6 – To help keep your tree stand quiet, apply a lubricant to all fasteners and pivot points. There are a couple of simple, scent-free options available. Coating the fasteners with a thin film of petroleum jelly will help prevent squeaking. Vegetable oil can be used to, but it will become gummy over time.
$7 – Replace nylon/plastic washers that are worn, broken or missing.
Permanent Tree stand Inspection
For those who have their own land and choose to build a permanent tree stand, they need to be inspected as well. Wind blowing, rain, snow, freezing, and thawing can all loosen the joints of your stand. Insects and the environment can weaken the wood materials itself. Be sure to check the following
#1 – Is your tree still healthy? Disease, insects, and animals, like red squirrels and woodpeckers, can cause lots of damage.
#2 – Make sure all materials are solid. Again the outdoor elements and insects can take their toll.
#3 – Verify that all nails, screws, and fasteners are tight. This will ensure the treestand is safe and keep it as quiet as possible.
Falls From Tree Stands Can Be Fatal
So why should we spend the time inspecting our tree stands? That’s right, to help prevent falls. There are several things that can cause unexpected falls. Slips while climbing, tree branches breaking, a tree stand fails or falling asleep. Don’t think it can’t happen to you.
I recently wrote a blog article titled “A Fall From Heights Can Kill Three Ways”. It’s all about using fall protection when working at heights. All the same principles apply to hunting from tree stands. Please consider reading the fall protection article to better understand how to protect yourself by using fall protection. Below are the three different fall scenarios, from the article, that can put you at risk for serious injuries or worse!
#1 – No Fall Restraint
#2 – Improper Use Of Fall Restraint (lanyard to long, anchor point too low, weak anchor point)
#3 – Suspension trauma (the unexpected killer, learning what it is could save your life or a friend’s life)
How To Protect Yourself While Setting Up Your Tree Stand
There are a few things you can do that could reduce the risk while setting up your stands. Some of them are simple but often overlooked. Below are a few ideas that I think can help.
Have a helper – I know hunting spots can be sacred, but someone should know where you are in case of emergencies! You can also help each other during setup and throughout the season.
Set up a lifeline system – Lifeline systems need to be used with a safety harness. They need to be attached (anchored) well above your tree stand. They protect you from falls while climbing in and out of your tree stand. “Hunter Safety Systems” makes a “Life Line System” that has great reviews and is affordable. Click on the blue link for more information.
Use a ladder – If possible, this is a good option. Carrying it in and out is another ideal spot for a helper. A ladder is great for getting a lifeline system in place, setting up a clamp-on stand, or clearing branches. I realize it may not always be practical, but if it is, try using one.
How to protect yourself while hunting
With the first hunt here, or just around the corner, don’t put yourself at risk. Please use some of the below suggestions to help protect yourself when using a tree stand.
#1 – Let someone know where you’re hunting.
#2 – Wear fall protection, with trauma straps. Again “Hunter Safety Systems” has a nice, lightweight harness that has great reviews. If you need a harness, check out the Ultra-Lite Flex Harness.
#3 – Use a “lifeline system” that you set up before the season starts.
#4 – Use tag lines for pulling your gear up. You should never try to carry your gear while climbing. Never pull or carry a loaded weapon up into a tree stand.
#5 – Carry a cell phone. Having the means to call for help is critical. It could be a lifesaver if you ever fall or are stranded hanging in a harness. If you don’t have a cell phone, another low tech alternative is to carry a whistle. They can be heard a long way off with minimal effort.
#6 – Learn about Suspension Trauma! I have a section on it in the fall protection article I mentioned earlier. Please learn what it is and what you need to do if you suspect you or a hunting buddy ever gets into that situation. It could save a life!
Conclusion
This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. I use to bow hunt from tree stands many years ago and had a couple scares. Now my son loves to bow hunt and yes I worry about him. In fact, during the writing of this article someone I know fell from a tree stand and sustained some serious injuries. Thank goodness they were not life-threatening or crippling injuries, but there is a very good chance this person will not get to bow hunt this year!
Hunting from tree stands is very popular anymore. Whether you’re hunting with a bow, a crossbow, or a rifle, do what you can to protect yourself from falls. Tree stand safety is something that you need to take seriously. Inspect and care for your equipment. Invest in some good fall protection gear. Most importantly, don’t take unnecessary risks. I wish you good luck this upcoming season and be sure to let us know how you did!
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