Upgrades for Tree Stand Hunting

by: Steve Layton & Gary Finch, Finch Enterprises
Don't forget to watch Gary Finch Outdoors each Sunday morning at 6:30 AM on WTVY - Channel 4 or visit www.garyfinchoutdoors.com

The evolution and popularity of tree stand hunting continues to place hunters above the ground and into the treetops. Those of us who have been climbing for the last thirty years still remember those early stands made of aluminum, plywood, and bolts. There were no seats, no hand climbers, or safety belts. You simply hugged the tree and climbed as high as you were willing to fall. Today’s stands are lighter, quieter, safer and certainly more comfortable, but the reality is that humans are using them and humans make mistakes.

Every hunter, including myself, has slipped, stumbled, tripped, or been blown off balance while climbing or in the stand. Anyone who says they haven’t just hasn’t been climbing long enough. Over the years, I personally know of hunters who have suffered fractured arms, shattered heels, punctured lungs or become paralyzed from an elevated stand. The common thread, in all the accidents I just mentioned was the absence of a fall arrest system or FAS.

Like the evolution of the tree stand, these safety devices started as simple belts shackled to the tree. Some of those early models might have prevented a fall to the ground, but they also had the potential for causing internal injury or asphyxiation to the wearer. Now, the preferred designs are harnesses that are more ergonomic in construction and work to properly distribute the body weight while keeping the wearer vertical. Some models also double as climbing belts to be used while installing ladder or lock-on style stands.

The quality manufacturers of tree stands place a TMA sticker on their products to let the customer know that they are a member of the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association. Any stand that meets TMA safety standards will be listed on their website www.tmastands.com

This is the first place to look before considering the purchase of any elevated stand or identifying product recalls that exist in a stand or its (FAS) fall arrest system.

All of the quality manufacturers now include some form of FAS device as part of their product package. Their labels, instructions, and videos issue warnings against using their elevated stands without fall protection. I use the term elevated stand because I can cite an equal number of accidents that have occurred on ladder type stands versus the self-climbing models. Anytime we humans get off the ground, the potential for a serious fall is in place.

Stumbling, tripping, and falling are constantly being listed as contributing factors in many of the hunting related injuries that are recorded. It’s no wonder that manufacturers saw an immediate need for designing safety into their tree stand products. Part of the education aimed at using elevated stands should include the annual pre-season inspection of equipment. Just like an airplane, this stand is going to be taking you off the ground. For their own safety, tree stand hunters need to adopt pilot’s attitude for their style of hunting. Part of that process is a pre-flight check list of items to consider and correct before ever leaving the ground.

• Loose, worn, or rusted parts should be replaced before any stand is used. Look carefully for stress cracks in joints, and welds.

• Double check all fasteners and stitching on FAS belts and harnesses. Make sure they fit and are worn properly.

• Perform a walk-around to see that the tree selected is sound from top to bottom and meets the proper size requirements recommended by the stand manufacturer.

• Beware of limbs or other trees that could affect the safe maneuvering or placement of your stand. Double check the security of the stand and your FAS before doing any limb trimming.

• A pull-up rope should be used for guns, bows and backpacks. Attempting to climb while tangled in gun slings and pack straps is a recipe for disaster.

• Before pulling weapons up, all guns must be unloaded. Broad heads on your arrows should be covered with a safety quiver.

• For self-climbing stands, wear a FAS on the way up, and on the way down the tree. Sure it takes a little longer, but most falls occur during the ascent or descent.

Falls are one of the most common injuries in the home and unfortunately, we as modern hunters have found a way to bring them with us to the woods. As an avid bow hunter, I will continue to climb in search of the best vantage point. With age, I have learned to slow down in an attempt to make sure of each grip and step. But, just being a careful climber is not enough.

At each foot off the ground ask yourself, "What is going to happen when I fall?" This thought process will have you checking every movement, at every moment, with the best equipment and procedures in place for when it does happen.