Be sure your portable platform is securely chained or
strapped to the tree. Check the platform for any loose
bolts or screws each and every time you use it.

Never attempt to use a permanent tree stand that you are
unsure of.

Never attempt to use a tree stand without some kind of
safety belt attached to yourself and the tree.

Practice climbing with portable tree stands well before
the season begins.

Never climb with a bow or firearm. Raise and lower them
with a rope. Make sure the firearm is NOT LOADED!!

INJURIES

Each year dozens of hunters across the country are
injured as a result of falls from tree stands. Some of
these injuries are fatal.
The most unfortunate part of such a statistic is that
the majority of these accidents, if not all of them,
could have been prevented if the hunter had only taken
one or more steps to ensure a safe hunt.

BUY FROM A REPUTABLE COMPANY

With literally hundreds of different tree stands
currently on the market from a dozen manufacturers or
more, hunters have a wide variety of choices when it
comes to selecting the brand and model they wish to use.
Here, tree stand safety relates directly to purchasing
equipment from a reputable manufacturer. The price of
second-hand or irregular stands may at first seem
attractive; however, hunters should inspect such
bargains closely, or avoid them altogether. Most
manufacturers are more than happy to assist hunters with
any and all questions they might have concerning the
purchase of a tree stand.
Veteran tree stand users, too, are a good source of
information, as product reviews and evaluations found in
many of the nation's hunting publications. A good rule
of thumb...when in doubt check it out.

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

The first thing a hunter should do after purchasing a
new stand is to thoroughly read the instructions
concerning assembly, placement and fastening. Again,
many of these questions can be answered by the
manufacturer's representative, or from another hunter
skilled in the proper use of that particular type of
stand. Ignorance of operation is no excuse in an
accident situation.

PICK A SAFE TREE

Picking the right tree in which to hang the stand is as
important to preventing an accident as is reading the
instructions on use and operation. Hunters should not be
tempted to hang a stand in a less than suitable location
just because trees are at a premium. If such locations
show promise, hunters may want to consider alternative
methods of concealment such as ground blinds or even
self-standing tripod or tower stands.
Safe trees have strong, straight trunks, with no dead
tops or limbs that could wind-fall and injure a hunter.
Trees with medium-rough bark such as oaks hold stands
well. Rough-barked trees such as shagbark hickory, or
smooth bark like beech can present slippage problems.
Hunters should only hang stands at heights where they
feel comfortable. In most cases, heights of 12 to 18
feet are adequate; however, heights may differ with
terrain and topography.

ENSURE SAFE AND SECURE FOOTING

Hunters should make sure that all the steps leading to
the stand itself are free of ice and snow either before
or as they climb. Ladders and other steps can be easily
swept clean with a small whisk broom or even a few
passes of a gloved hand. Step surfaces can also be
sprayed with a rough-texture paint, or wrapped with a
texture tape in order to provide better traction in
less-than-ideal conditions.
The floor or base of the stand should also be cleared of
snow, ice, or water prior to the hunter getting into
position.

ALWAYS USE A SAFETY BELT OR HARNESS

Safety belts and harnesses are NOT an option for
tree stand users. They are a NECESSITY. Many stands come
complete with belts or harnesses. Those that don't often
include information that will help hunters purchase the
right safety equipment. Manufacturers, too, can suggest
the proper equipment, as can experienced tree stand
hunters.
Many of today's belts and harnesses are different in
design and proper use. Hunters need to completely read
the instruction manual that is included with their belt
and be fully familiar with the use and operation of the
belt or harness of their choice.
Eighteen feet above the ground is no place to begin
learning how a piece of safety equipment works. And
remember...never carry or pull up a loaded firearm or
bow into a tree stand.

HUNT SAFELY....BUCKLE UP!!!