thenuge15

In this month Petersons Bowhunter magazine they had a good article about treestand safety and belts etc. However it mention nothing about how you put up a stand safely. I would like to know your routines on how you put up a stand safely and how you safely climb/attach yourself afterwards. Also for those of you who put up climbing sticks as you climb how do you stay attached while doing that. Thanks for your help-Sam

tremolo

I have a home made latter stand that unfolds to about 18 feet high. About half way up the latter i have a brace that goes from one of the steps to the tree that i tie down. Then climb up and tie down the top. I dont use a belt when sitting up there because i made a nice cage that i hardly fit in for side and front support. Also aides in a rest for shooting during gun season. But since im going to start bow hunting again this year i will be buying a safety harness of some sort. The stand doesnt look that great but it stops the tree from swaying in the wind so its plenty stronge

Shootem up870

i usually take a safety belt and hang it around the so i can just swing around and set my stuff up. i have some non-typical rapid rails for when i change trees in the middle of season. most of my stands i drill holes and then pound eight inch nails in with a sledge and use those as steps. its easier when i got the safety belt than trying to grab around the tree to hold myself. i really cant think of a safer way except using a ladder.
which i have done

b2simple

I set my stand up several months before season starts and I use an extension ladder to do it. I figure by setting up this far in advance, my scent will be all gone and if I have good shooting lanes cut when all the leaves are on the tree, then I will be able to see well after the leaves fall.

Plus, setting up with a ladder is MUCH easier then trying to climb a tree using the steps I have just installed.

neck4752

I dont have the luxury of bring a ladder 2 miles out into the thick woods, So i do not know what I will do. I have a few safety harness but no climbing system. Should I just tie the safety harness on and jus inch it up as I install my quik sticks?

Sounds like this will be difficult,

Thanks

Jim

Bob H in NH

I use a harness when I hunt, but I use a belt when I hang stands. I put the belt up under my arm pits with the connecting strap infront of my chest. I attach to the tree as high as I can reach so there is no slack and I almost can't lean back at all. This frees up both hands to tie on steps or attach the stand itself. I have tried using the harness while hanging the stand, but with the connection to it on the back, it always wants to spin me around when I let go of the tree.

--Bob

Mike from Texas

Spend the money and get you a Seat o the Pants harness. It's the best thing I have found so far. I don't know about you but my life is worth way more than the $70 cost of the harness.

kelincp

Treestand safety scares me. I usaully wind up putting up my stands alone. My wife knows where I'm at and what I am doing but it does get a little iffy. I get to feel awful alone sometimes, but i have little choice. The few hunting buds I have in this area... our schedules clash.
The reward is worth the risk.

jakeschmid

I use screw in steps and branches to step on and hold on too. usually i have to let go of the tree to pust the stand in the tree, but i move stands so often that i get used to it.
Well one more thing, if u attach a rope to your stand to pull up your bow/gun wrap the string around your shoulder to carry your stand up. it makes it alot easier.

and hold on for your f-ing life. lol