Hunting Tree Climbing Stands

Hunting Climbing Tree Stands

A climbing tree stand allows huntsmen to have a higher vantage point to hunt from a seat within a tree. Being above ground level, a climber tree stand keeps the woodsman out of sight and helps to conceal the woodsman's scent. It is easy to climb using a tree stand.

While some tree stands require a ladder to access, a climber tree stand allows you to scale hardwoods with the tree stand itself and sit in a seat at a desirable height. A climber tree stand seat secures to a tree by putting weight on metal teeth that wedge into the bark of a hardwood with the huntsman's own weight. The lack of a ladder means that you will not have to leave the stand behind.

Weight restrictions and limits of climbing tree stands are different for most models, and an owner's manual should always be followed when attempting to use a climber stand. By using the safety tips in the owner's manual, the risk is reduced.

• Make sure to pick a healthy tree that isn't likely to have bark breaking off. Adjust the tree stand to suit the tree's width according to the owners manual.
• Always use a belt with a harness whenever climbing a hunting stand, and avoid climbing in hazardous or slippery conditions.
• Have three secure points of contact on every surface you are climbing or standing on to avoid slipping or losing balance.
• Before hunting in a tree stand, always make sure you let someone know where you are and have a way to contact someone for emergencies.
• Inspect your hunting stand along with any equipment regularly for wear or breaks in welds.

Many woodsmen will use a haul line to safely move gear into a hunting stand. A haul line allows you to use a climbing tree stand with your hands free instead of holding the gear as you climb to the summit.

To use a haul line:

• Secure the haul line to the tree so that it is within reach of your hunting tree stand.
• Firmly tie any equipment you will need in the climbing tree stand to the end of the haul line before climbing.
• Slowly scale the tree with your climbing stand and safely secure yourself at the top.
• As you sit, pull your gear up with the haul line, and don't overreach for your gear.

Any harnesses with a safety belt and tether designed for tree stands will prevent a hunter from a fatal fall from a climbing stand. Summit harnesses are safety graded and inspected to hold the full weight of a hunter without major failures. Most harnesses come in a variety of sizes to support the huntsman's weight and size. As with all safer harnesses, always follow the owner's manual and replace the gear if it becomes expired.