“Does somebody actually sit in that,” mentioned my 14-year-old son, pointing to a tree stand in an enormous maple.
Outdated lumber was lashed to the tree with rope and braced with lower branches. It was nonetheless getting used. The rope and tree steps had been pretty new. However there was no secure technique to shoot out of this stand. Why would anybody danger an almost-certain fall? Not each fall leads to critical harm, as I discovered, however most will do.
Tree-stand security
A number of years in the past I climbed into my do-it-yourself moveable stand whereas moose searching. The stand was about 20 ft (6 M) above a beaver meadow, and on a 10-foot (3 m) ridge. As I placed on my security belt, the I-bolt opened. One minute I used to be within the tree, the following minute the stand and I had been within the meadow. What saved me was that the primary drop was into gentle moss and the following was a slide down a rock-face into gentle mud. If I’d fallen the complete 20 ft and landed on a pointy or laborious object, it may have been disastrous. I used to be a 20-minute stroll from camp and, with any type of accidents, in all probability a half-day or extra from a hospital. I used to be fortunate, and I now ensure that all I-bolts on stands are turned to allow them to’t open below stress.
Tree-stand security isn’t to be taken evenly. Should you’re doubtful, keep out. And all the time use warning. Hug the tree when moving into your stand. Be certain it’s stable earlier than letting go to lock your security belt. It might probably’t assist for those who fall earlier than it’s performed up. Should you from a everlasting stand, examine it yearly. Verify boards for rot, and guarantee nails, screws, and braces are safe. Add non-skid adhesive strips or paints to surfaces to cease slips. You possibly can paint the highest of the stand, then sprinkle sand within the moist paint to make it tough and skid-free.
Moveable tree stands
A secure route is to buy considered one of many moveable stands in the marketplace. If all upkeep is finished at dwelling within the low season, your security ought to by no means be in query. Frequently examine ropes and straps for frays or tears. Be certain nuts and bolts are in place and tight. Verify that the clamping system tightens and stays put, with out slippage. Put all security clips in place. Verify the stand’s ranking earlier than utilizing (most are rated in extra of 250 kilos/114 kg). Should you’ve outgrown it, both weight-reduction plan or keep down. Put it up a couple of instances at dwelling earlier than you’re taking to the woods. Should you can’t get it to work from home on the bottom, you’ll by no means get it up whereas hanging by a security belt in a tree. Fastidiously learn and comply with all directions.
A superb moveable stand means that you can hunt wherever (supplied you could have landowner permission, after all). A everlasting stand limits you to at least one place. A light-weight moveable comes down and goes again up in minutes elsewhere.
Security belts
Always remember your security belt. And by no means hunt from a stand with no correct security system to carry you in place. With a belt or harness you’ll be able to lean out, which can enhance your taking pictures space. I exploit 5 – 6 completely different stand websites every year, and I’ve a security belt for each. You pay the small value ($15-25) for a belt, otherwise you pay the large value (your life or harm) with a fall.
Tree steps
Tree steps additionally deserve cautious thought. They arrive in screw-in, strap-, tie-, or nail-on kinds. Screw-ins, if used carelessly, will be harmful. I do know one hunter who slipped when utilizing them and obtained a horrible gash to the within of his thigh. One other had one break. He ended up on the bottom. All the time examine and discard worn or bent steps. Be certain others are screwed in correctly. A step with a brief screw in a tree with thick bark is an accident ready to occur. The screw needed to penetrate via bark and into wooden to do any good.
Contemplate the place you’ll use the screw-ins. All the time get permission earlier than screwing steps into somebody’s timber. They harm lumber and likewise make entry holes for bugs to get inside, And so they’re homicide on saws.
Strap-on steps are simple to make use of. Merely wrap and strap — no holes within the tree, no harm to the lumber. Frequently examine for frays to the strap or rope. Strap-on steel steps will be simply as harmful as screw-in steps, although, for those who slip or fall.
All the time put steps on the alternative facet of a tree from the stand. Should you do fall, at the very least it gained’t be the steps that kill you on the best way down. I place steps about 18 to twenty inches (50 cm) aside on a 45-degree angle from one another. Decide spacing by what’s comfy for you. Don’t attempt to take too massive a step, although.
I favor tie-on steps beneficial in The Worldwide Bowhunter Schooling Program. They’re simple to make and use, and, having no sharp edges, are simpler on the conceal. You probably have a number of stand websites, it’s additionally good to know you may make steps for lower than a buck every. They do have drawbacks. In moist, muddy, or snowy situations, they are often slippery. A number of ending nails left sicking 1/8-inch out of the highest of the block will treatment this drawback.
Ultimate ideas
With nail-on steps, once more bear in mind to solely use them with landowner permission.
By no means carry bow, arrows, rattling horns, or different sharp gear up a tree. Falling is dangerous sufficient, however they may make it worse. All the time climb the tree first. Then, draw them as much as you with a rope after you’re safe. On return to floor, bow and gear go first.
Clear the bottom below your stand of sharp branches, rocks, and stumps. Should you’re lucky sufficient to outlive a fall, you don’t need to land on one thing that’s going to stay you.
Tree stands can tremendously enhance your searching success, however don’t put your self in peril due to negligence or stupidity.
Initially Printed within the July 1998 problem of Ontario OUT of DOORS journal
