Strap on Tree stand question

[TX Aggie '06]

How long can you/do you leave a strap on tree stand attached to a tree before worrying about or adjusting the straps to make sure they are not overstressed (or do you worry about overstressing modern straps)?

I hung a stand in June and am wondering if i need to loosen and re-tighten ratchet straps prior to the season. Trees should have already had their peak growth for the year but with all this rain they may be playing catchup for last year!

[muddyfuzzy]

i just check mine before i get in. give it a good tug and make sure everything is still snug. i've had mine up since march and have no intentions of taking it down.

[hopedale]

Get a fat friend and let them hunt from that stand. By the way, I'm over weight!

In all seriousness, I'd inspect the straps for dry rot being in the weather. When I had a lease, I'd put the stands out about now and leave them there until Feb.

Each year, I inspect the straps for wear.

IF you're really worried, put another strap around the stand, and always where a safety belt or harness.

[scott123456789]

I like to run a second strap and preferably around a branch to avoid slippage.

[Duckthwacker]

Squirrels love to chew straps!! Make sure to check!!! Hunt safe

[dragonsdaddy]

Squirrels love to chew straps!! Make sure to check!!! Hunt safe

you are "dead" right. i would appreciate a welded chain safety strap on each.

[Txbhunter1]

I have some in trees on my property that have been in the same trees for over 5 yrs. Of course they get checked before I sit in them. How long really depends on the tree. Some will grow faster than others, some may get more water than others. Pines for example, will grow faster than Oaks

[bow4my2]

always check before i sit and an extra strap just incase

[jerp]

Squirrels love to chew straps!! Make sure to check!!! Hunt safe

This! The closest I've ever come to falling was when a squirrel partially chewed through a new strap that was only a couple months old. I stepped on to the platform and it snapped. Fortunately I was holding on to the tree with both hands at the time.

[Langston32]

Usually around this time a year or a little earlier I will loosen the straps and check them out then tighten them back up on the tree, preferably in a slightly different spot on the tree.

[SolocamShooter]

Squirrels love to chew straps!! Make sure to check!!! Hunt safe

For sure!!! I had a ladder stand come off the tree when I got in it one morning last year. A squirrel had partially chewed through the strap and when I got nearly to the top about 13 ft up the ladder the strap snapped. Not a fun experience!!!

[dustoffer]

Mine is hung with a chain, and has a strap around the lower section for stability. Been up about 8-9 months and no sign of problems with the strap as of last week.

[txtimetravler]

I've had mine for about 5-6 years, no problems. Matter of fact, I doubt I can get the screw in steps out.
Always inspect before you step or sit down.

[donfish84]

Never trust a strap. No matter if it's been up one day or one year.