Tree Stand Safety | How to Stay Safe in a Tree Stand
Sep 10th 2025
Key Takeaways
- Thoroughly read and follow the instructions included with your tree stand and harness.
- Never climb a tree without wearing a safety harness.
- Use a rope to safely hoist your equipment up to the stand.
- Use grip tape to prevent slipping.
How should a hang-on stand be secured? What should you wear when using a tree stand? When should you attach yourself to a tree? We’re answering all of these questions and more.
According to the Wildlife Society, falling from elevated hunting platforms is the #1 source of hunting-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. Tree stand safety is an absolute must. Here’s what you need to know.
Know Your Tree Stand
The first step for tree stand safety is to read the instructions. You’re going to be pretty high up there in the tree, so you must be familiar with the ins and outs of your tree stand before you attempt to use it. This step is mandatory.
Know Your Tree
Choosing the right tree is crucial. You should choose your tree not only based on positioning, but also based on the structure of the tree. Make sure the tree you’re about to climb isn’t dead! You’d be surprised by how many people try to climb dead trees just because they’re positioned in that perfect hunting spot. This is downright dangerous. Many people need to learn to take tree sturdiness into consideration, or at least put it higher on their safety checklist.
Always Use a Tree Stand Safety Harness
What should you wear when using a tree stand?
A harness is mandatory. This isn’t a suggestion.
When should you attach yourself to a tree?
Always. If it’s possible to fall, you must be attached.
I’m always amazed by how many hunters don’t use a harness. A harness lets you safely enter and exit tree stands while staying secure as you hunt. Some harnesses install directly to the tree. Many have reflective tape on them to ensure your stand is easy to find in low-light conditions. Look at the packaging to make sure the system is rated for your preferred height.
Imagine how much better your spouse will sleep knowing that you’re guaranteed to stay attached!
How To Put On a Tree Stand Safety Harness
First and foremost, always follow the instructions included with your safety harness. These are general instructions that apply to most harnesses, but there are different styles and features that may require a different approach.
1. Carefully Inspect the Harness
Always check the harness for signs of wear. Make sure all tethers, buckles, and straps aren’t compromised in any way, such as being stretched, frayed, or susceptible to breaking.
2. Position the Straps
Grab the harness by the D-ring (the metal ring that attaches to the tether). Give it a gentle shake so the straps fall to their proper positions.
3. Put On the Tree Stand Safety Harness
For most harnesses, you slide it on like a jacket or backpack, putting your arms through the padded straps. The D-ring should be located between your shoulder blades.
4. Fasten and Tighten the Straps
Attach the chest strap and leg straps as recommended by the manufacturer. Tighten them securely. Some harnesses also have a waist strap that will need to be secured, as well. The straps should be tight enough to stay on securely without restricting your freedom of movement.
5. Perform a Final Check
Carefully check that all straps and buckles are properly connected and secured. Make sure all loose strap ends are tucked out of the way. Many tree stand safety harnesses have designated loops or other holders where loose ends should be placed.
How Should a Hang-On Stand Be Secured?
Always check the instructions included with your hang-on stand. Here’s what the process typically looks like, but this is just a general guide. These instructions aren't guaranteed to apply to every hang-on stand on the market.
1. Hoist the Stand
While on the ground, attach a haul line to the stand. Put on your harness and use a ladder, climbing sticks, or screw-in steps to climb the tree to your preferred height. Proper tree stand safety is vital here. Pull the haul line to hoist the stand to your desired position. Temporarily secure it in place with the stand’s specialized brackets or by using a rope and hook to hang it from a branch.
2. Secure the Stand to the Tree
The hang-on stand should have come with a heavy-duty strap and ratchet system, or something similar to attach it securely to the tree. Some hunters prefer to use a heavy-duty chain and padlock. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to secure the stand to the tree.
3. Triple-Check for Stability
Wearing your tree stand safety harness, cautiously verify that the tree stand is secured properly and guaranteed not to fall down when holding the weight of you and your gear.
Use a Rope for Your Equipment
Instead of carrying equipment, use a rope! This is one of those things that half of you aren’t going to listen to. I know first-hand because for a very long time, I didn’t use a rope and just carried my bow up the tree. Although you may be athletic enough to do this, I advise against it. Just because you know how a hang-on stand should be secured properly doesn’t mean you won’t accidentally slip.
Instead, tie your equipment to a rope that’s tied to your tree stand. Once you’re in the tree stand with your tree stand safety harness secured and have solid footing, pull your equipment up. This is a very simple procedure, and it takes a great deal of danger out of the tree stand experience.
Don’t Be Shy With the Grip Tape
Your stand might have come with a bunch of grip tape, but you can always apply more. There’s nothing brave about climbing up a tree stand without proper safety measures in place. Beyond the high chance of losing your footing, there could be dangerous weather, like snow or dew, that can cause you to slip.
Why take the chance? Extra grip tape is inexpensive and can be a great asset to keep safe and reduce the chances of slipping while climbing a tree stand.
Prepare for the Hunt With a Bow String Upgrade
Tree stand safety takes a few extra steps, but it’s worth every bit of effort. Knowing important things like what you should wear when using a tree stand and when you should attach yourself to a tree is critical, but don’t overlook the gear itself. Invest in high-quality safety equipment, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
While you’re here, there’s no better time to upgrade your gear. Whether you need custom compound bow strings, crossbow strings and cables, or a recurve bow string, our bow strings will take your hunting game to the next level. Place your order today.
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