Hunter Course - Treestand Safety

Haul Line

Always use this to take firearms into a treestand

Fixed or Hang-on Treestand

Can be attached to a tree at any height. It consists of a seat and a platform, along with straps and/or chains to attach the stand.

Homemade or Permanent Treestand

NOT recommended because over time they can deteriorate and become unsafe. Rain, snow and ice can collect on the stand, and moss can collect in spots, making the platform slick.

Chest Harness

No longer the preferred harnesses either. These harnesses cause severe restriction in the chest area, making it difficult to breathe or move.

Single Strap Harness

Should not be considered as a safe harness. These kind of harnesses cause severe restriction in the chest area, making it difficult to breathe or move.

Tether Strap

The second component to the Fall Arrest System (FAS), this attaches to the tree and is the anchor point for the safety harness

Parachute or Full-Body Harness

This harness is just as safe and offers the same type of protection as the Vest-harness when used properly, however there are many straps and buckles involved.

Tower Stand

This is a freestanding stand, featuring either three or four legs, depending on the manufacturer. A ladder is included with this stand to access the top platform, where the seat is attached.

Vest-Type Harness

This is the safest, most reliable harness a hunter can use. It is very easy for any hunter to use - simply slip it on, adjust the straps and fasten the clips.

Homemade or Permanent Treestand

This stand can damage the tree to which it's attached and the nails you use to fasten it can cause serious damage to equipment or people later on, when the tree is harvested.

Tower Stand

This stand is best suited for the edge of a field or in open country. It requires a strong, level, firm base and needs to be secured to the ground.

Self-Climbing Stand

This stand is highly portable and is available in many styles. It can be carried like a backpack into the woods on the day of the hunt and used in different locations, depending on the hunting conditions.

Ladder Stand

This stand is safer to enter and exit, but it may require three people to install and secure it properly to a tree

Self-Climbing Stand

To install this stand in a tree, a hunter uses a push-down, pull-up method. It requires practice to become proficient with how this stand operates, so it's wise to practice at ground level before hunting season begins.

True

True or False: A hunter should never carry hunting equipment (firearms and other gear) when climbing a treestand.

True

True or False: A safety strap is required with a self-climbing stand

False (NO slack)

True or False: The tether strap should have a few feet of slack to allow some basic motion

False (but it is optimal)

True or False: You are required to be with a buddy when hunting from a tree stand

True

True or False: You should always carry an ermergency signal device when hunting

Rescue, Relief, and Recover

What are the 3 R's

Fall Arrest System

What does FAS stand for?

Full Body Harness

What does FBH stand for?