I Need Help Learning How to Use a Tree Stand

[McPatrickClan]

Anyone willing to show me how to use a climbing tree stand in the Metroplex?

[Loneaggie]

What are you having trouble with? They are really pretty simple once you get used to them.

[Deerhunter30]

No experience with a climbing stand here, but I would advise against hunting your neighbors barking dog from the telephone pole in your back yard!

[McPatrickClan]

I can come over this afternoon.

[WCB]

I don't have any good trees for a climber but if you know of a park near by I would be willing to show you what I know.

[Larry]

I can show you Wednesday evening if you can't find someone before then. It's definitely something that takes time to figure out, and it would help you immensely to have someone show you a few tricks.

[McPatrickClan]

I guess if they are that easy, I can just buy one.

[Beleg]

From the IBEP Bowhunter Ed course.

Chapter 6: Use of Elevated Stands & Other Techniques
Tree Stand Safety
Tree stand hunting involves a degree of risk. Falls from tree stands can cause serious injury—even death. Merely climbing into or out of a tree puts a hunter at risk. Long hours spent waiting in a stand, as well as poor bowhunting technique, can lead to accidental falls. A few simple precautions can prevent tree stand accidents and make your hunt more enjoyable.

A study of Vermont and North Carolina hunters revealed that, among typical bowhunting accidents, falls from elevated stands have the highest potential for fatalities. In most cases, complacency, poor judgment, or carelessness caused the falls. Bowhunters can prevent these accidents by using caution while climbing to and from from the stand and by wearing fall-arrest systems.
The National Bowhunter Education Foundation recommends wearing a TMA-approved full-body harness. A simple belt device can actually cause injuries by focusing the force of the fall on a relatively small area. Belts have broken ribs and caused internal injuries to organs such as the diaphragm, liver, spleen or lungs. In other cases, the weight of a person suspended in a three-inch belt has constricted the diaphragm, quickly asphyxiating the hunter within minutes. Single-strap belts
and chest harnesses are no longer recommended.
Hunting from elevated stands can be a safe, effective method for taking game when bowhunters use good judgment and follow these recommendations:
• Practice, practice, practice with your tree stand at ground level, gradually going higher. You must practice often as you may be going up and coming down in the dark. Know the proper procedure for securing a stand to a tree and how to use the stand. Practice shooting from your stand while wearing your fall-arrest system.
• Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the stand and save to re-read each season before using your stand. (Notify the manufacturer if the instructions are missing or confusing.)
• Always position yourself so that you step down onto your tree stand. This will help you test the stability of the stand before placing all your weight on it. Stepping laterally onto a stand could cause it to tilt sideways or become unstable.
• Only use TMA-approved stands. Don't alter the tree stand. Look for stands that have a built-in or optional bow-holding device, which keeps bows safely stowed and within easy reach.
• Always attach yourself to the tree from the time you start climbing the tree until you are back on the ground.
• Climbing tree stands require extra precaution because the hunter uses the stand as a moving step to climb the tree.
• Always use a haul line to bring your gear into your elevated stand and to lower your gear when you're through hunting - don't climb with a bow in your hand.
• Wear a TMA-approved full-body harness and have it attached to the tree from the moment you leave the ground, throughout the hunt, until you return to the ground. Never become unattached.
Tree Stand Safety Study
A study of Vermont and North Carolina bowhunters revealed the following:
• 74% of the accidents occurred when climbing up or down or when installing or removing a stand.
• 7% of tree stand hunters surveyed had an accident in the last 10 years.
• 73% said poor judgment and carelessness caused their fall.
• 80% said safety was a concern but actually believed that a fall "wouldn’t happen to me."
• Type of stand used:
o 43% climbing
o 34% fixed-position
o 18% ladder
• 58% of the hunters who fell were not wearing a fall-arrest system.
• 34% of the hunters surveyed now wear a
fall-arrest system because of an accident.
• 39% of the accidents occurred at less than 10 feet.
• 21% of the accidents were related to structural failure.


As the height of the tree stand increases, the size of the kill zone decreases because of the steeper shot angle.



Chapter 6: Use of Elevated Stands & Other Techniques
Inspecting and Preparing Stands
• If you have a tree stand which was manufactured by a company which is no longer in business, destroy it.
• Each season, before use, thoroughly inspect elevated stands for defects, missing parts, weaknesses, or excessive wear.
• Be sure all bolts are tightened. If you discover frayed ropes, straps or worn chains, contact the tree stand manufacturer for replacement parts.
• When needed, paint a stand with rust-proof paint and apply it well before the season starts.
• Test stands for squeaks or noises and lubricate them with vegetable oil or other odorless oils.
• Use coarse grid strips to improve traction on stand surfaces.
• If you leave a stand for any length of time, especially on public lands, use a padlock and chain to prevent theft.
• Never leave a tree stand attached to a tree for more than two weeks.
• Never loan your tree stand or allow anyone to use your treestand unless they read the instructions and you can teach them how to use it properly with a fall-arrest
system.

[belly_up]

Never leave a tree stand attached to a tree for more than two weeks.

why? if you keep everything tigh and check it each time before entering what would be wrong with this, assuming its on private lands.

[Tejasnarco]

I agree belly up and have a tree stand that has been up for two years. Regular checks including off season and no problems.

[BirdHunter]

I live in Arlington and have five tall pines along my driveway up to the street.

Call me I have climbed them many times.

Ivan 817-703-5804

[Arrowsmith]

Tree Stand

I am in Arlington and I have a stand in a tree in my backyard right now (a lock on) I am around Bowen and Abrams. PM me. BTW I am also a IBEP Master Instructor and TMA certified.

Great info Beleg !!! (who is also an instructor and TMA certified)

The two week thing is a safety precaution. Trees grow... albeit slowly, critters chew on straps, weathering can occur. Check out your set up, always stay connected to the tree, always use a full body safety harness, make sure someone knows where your hunting and when you plan to return. Hunt safe. Have fun.