For avid hunters, the thrill of the chase from a treestand is unmatched. It offers a unique vantage point, a heightened sense of anticipation, and often, the best shot opportunities. However, this advantage comes with inherent risks. Every year, countless hunters experience falls from treestands, leading to serious injuries or worse. Your safety in the treetops isn’t a luxury; it’s a non-negotiable priority.
So, what’s the ultimate safeguard when you’re perched high above the forest floor? The answer lies in a comprehensive understanding and diligent use of your Fall Arrest System (FAS).
The Fall Arrest System (FAS): Your Lifeline in the Treetops
A Fall Arrest System (FAS) is a comprehensive safety setup designed to prevent serious injury should you fall from a height. For treestand hunters, it’s the most critical piece of safety equipment. The primary components typically include a full-body harness, a tether, a lifeline, and a suspension relief device.
Thinking of it as just a “safety belt” is an understatement; a modern FAS is engineered to distribute impact forces across your entire body, significantly reducing the risk of severe injury compared to older, waist-only belts.
Essential Components of Your Tree Stand Safety Kit
1. The Full-Body Harness
This is the cornerstone of your FAS. A full-body harness is designed to secure you comfortably while climbing and hunting, and most importantly, to catch you safely if you slip. It wraps around your shoulders, chest, and legs, distributing fall forces evenly.
Always ensure your harness is properly fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions, snug enough to prevent slipping but not so tight as to restrict movement or circulation.
2. The Tether and Lifeline
The tether is a short strap attached to the back of your full-body harness, typically between the shoulder blades. Its purpose is to connect you directly to the tree or, more commonly, to a vertical lifeline.
A lifeline is a robust rope system extending from the base of the tree all the way up to your treestand platform. By connecting your tether to this lifeline before your feet leave the ground, you create a continuous attachment point that keeps you safe during ascent, descent, and while actively hunting.
3. The Haul Line
Your haul line is a simple yet crucial piece of equipment for raising and lowering your gear safely. Never climb or descend with your bow, firearm, or backpack strapped to you. This can interfere with your balance and harness, creating a serious hazard.
Attach your firearm or bow to the haul line securely, ensuring the muzzle or arrow fletching points downwards as you raise it. Once you’re safely on the stand and tied in, you can pull your equipment up.
Understanding Tree Stand Types and Their Safety Standards
Tree stands are generally categorized into three main types, each with specific installation and safety considerations:
- Hang-On Stands: These lightweight, portable stands are secured to the tree with straps or chains. They require separate climbing aids like stick ladders or climbing steps for access.
- Climber Stands: Designed for trees without lower branches, these two-piece stands “climb” the tree as you ascend, using your body weight to secure each section. They’re popular for mobile hunting.
- Ladder Stands: Offering easy access and stability, these stands come with an integrated ladder system that leans against the tree. They are typically heavier and more permanent fixtures.
Regardless of the type, always set up and adjust your tree stand at ground level first, with a willing adult nearby to assist. This allows you to practice and verify stability before moving it into position high above the ground.
When to Use Your FAS: Always Tied to the Tree
The majority of treestand accidents occur during ascent or descent. This is why the rule is simple and absolute: once your feet leave the ground, you must be connected to the tree or your lifeline with a properly fitted full-body harness.
This critical safety measure applies to every step of your hunt: climbing the tree, installing climbing aids, erecting or adjusting your treestand, and, of course, while actively hunting from the stand. Never assume you’re “just going up for a second” without being tied in.
Tree Stands to Avoid for Your Safety
Not all treestands are created equal, and some pose significant risks that far outweigh any potential benefit. We strongly advise against using homemade or permanent wooden treestands. Over time, wood degrades due to exposure to rain, frost, ice, and insects, leading to structural instability.
Additionally, platforms can become dangerously slippery from moss, ice, or rain. Always invest in commercially manufactured, certified treestands that meet industry safety standards and follow their installation guidelines meticulously.
Emergency Protocol: What to Do if You Fall
Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. If you find yourself suspended after a fall from your tree stand, remain calm and follow these vital steps:
- Don’t Panic: Your FAS is designed to arrest your fall. Trust your equipment.
- Call for Help: Use your cell phone or whistle to alert anyone nearby.
- Return to the Platform: If possible and safe, attempt to return to your treestand platform immediately. Use your legs and arms to push off the tree and climb back up.
- Activate Suspension Relief: If you cannot return to the platform, deploy your suspension relief strap (a standard feature on many full-body harnesses). This strap creates a loop for your feet, allowing you to stand up and relieve pressure on your leg arteries.
- Keep Moving: Even with a relief strap, continue to move your legs to maintain circulation. Prolonged suspension can lead to “suspension trauma,” a dangerous condition caused by blood pooling in the legs.
- Signal for Rescue: Continue to signal for help until rescuers arrive.
Prioritizing treestand safety is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about ensuring you can return home to your loved ones. Always wear a full-body harness, use a lifeline, and inspect your equipment thoroughly before every hunt. Your life depends on it.
