Chapter 6: Methods of Bowhunting
Elevated Stand Safety

Merely climbing into or out of a tree stand or other elevated platform to hunt puts you at risk. Long hours spent waiting in a stand, as well as poor hunting techniques, can lead to accidental falls. To protect yourself, use good judgment and follow these recommendations, always putting safety first.

• Purchase a commercial stand that is manufactured, certified, or tested to TMA standards.
• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and watch the video that accompany the stand. Review this information each season before using the stand.
  • Contact the manufacturer if the instructions are missing or confusing.
  • Share the information with anyone else who uses your stand.
• Always use a FAS that is manufactured to TMA standards and includes a full-body harness. Attach your FAS to the tree while at ground level, and keep it attached throughout your hunt – from the time you leave the ground until you get back down.
• Use a tree stand only during daylight hours.
• Practice first with your tree stand and FAS at ground level, using all safety devices that were included with the stand. Then continue to practice, gradually going higher. Practice shooting from your stand while wearing your FAS.
• Get enough sleep to ensure that you are well rested before using a tree stand.
• Carry a signaling device, such as a whistle, cell phone, two-way radio, or personal locator beacon (PLB), to let others know if you have a problem.
• Take your time and plan every move you make while installing and using an elevated stand.
• Check your stand carefully prior to each use. Do not leave a stand attached to a tree for more than two weeks.
• Never exceed the weight limit of your stand or FAS. Remember that the weight includes you plus your equipment.
• Do not climb with anything in your hands or on your back.
  • Use a haul line.
  • Raise and lower all hunting equipment on the opposite side of the tree from your climbing route.

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:
  • 43% self-climbing
  • 34% fixed-position
  • 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.

Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA)

The Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (TMA) is a nonprofit corporation consisting of elevated stand manufacturers and related equipment manufacturers. TMA’s mission is to promote tree stand safety by establishing product manufacturing standards. More information may be obtained by visiting the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association website.

For the latest information on tree stand safety . . . The Safe Treestand Hunting Strategies video meets or exceeds all the standards set forth by the TMA. It is available at www.nbef.org or by calling 479-649-9036.