| An elevated tree stand offers a number of | | | | safety. In case of a fall, this harness could prevent |
| advantages for big game hunters, including a better | | | | serious injury or even save your life. |
| view of the surrounding area. You see your game | | | | While facing the tree, slip your feet into the slots in |
| sooner than if you were at ground level, and the | | | | the lower platform. Grab hold of the upper section, |
| game is less likely to see you up in the air. The height | | | | tilt it upwards, and raise it up no more than a foot. |
| advantage of a tree stand can make the difference | | | | Shift your weight to the upper section and lift your |
| between a successful hunt and a long day of | | | | feet to raise the lower platform. Then stand to raise |
| disappointment. | | | | the upper half and repeat the process, sliding the |
| There are several different types of tree stands. | | | | lineman's belt on your harness up the tree as you |
| The self-climbing stand is one of the most convenient | | | | climb. Take your time, raising each section no more |
| types because it installs in minutes and requires no | | | | than a foot each time. |
| separate climbing equipment. Used safely, a tree | | | | How high you need to climb depends on a number of |
| stand can greatly improve your chances of a | | | | factors, including the terrain and surrounding cover. A |
| successful big game hunt. Learn how to use your | | | | typical tree stand height ranges from 10 to 20 feet, |
| stand safely with these tips. | | | | but never climb higher than you feel comfortable. |
| Once you find your ideal hunting spot, the first step | | | | Also, remember that the higher the tree stand, the |
| in using your stand is to find a tree with good | | | | sharper the shooting angle and the smaller your kill |
| climbing potential. Choose a tree that is straight and | | | | zone. |
| has a uniform thickness (for example, it shouldn't | | | | Maintain three-point contact at all times while climbing. |
| grow dramatically thinner as you climb upward). There | | | | Either both feet and one hand or both hands and one |
| should be no low-lying branches, and the bark should | | | | foot should support you at all times. Only adjust the |
| be firm and fairly smooth for the best grip. It should | | | | tree stand with both feet on the ground. Never |
| also be within the diameter recommendations for | | | | make adjustments while climbing or while you are up |
| your tree stand, as stated by the manufacturer. | | | | in the tree. |
| Lock the upper half of the stand, sometimes called | | | | When you reach your desired height, slide the |
| the hand climber, around the trunk, and tilt it at a | | | | lineman's belt above your head and tighten the strap |
| downward angle towards the tree. Next, attach the | | | | so that there is no slack in the tether when you are |
| foot platform below the top section, also tilted at a | | | | seated. Never disconnect the tether from the tree. |
| downward angle, and lock it in place. As you climb up | | | | When you are ready to climb back down, slide the |
| and the trunk narrows, the platform will level out or | | | | tether down as you lower each section a foot at a |
| tilt slightly towards the tree. | | | | time or less until you reach ground level. |
| When both sections are securely attached, tether | | | | Practice using your tree climber stand at home |
| them together. These sections are designed to let go | | | | before the hunt to get familiar with the equipment |
| of the tree as you tip them up. Then, as you put | | | | and feel comfortable using it. Also, practice shooting |
| your full weight on the upper or lower half, this | | | | from your stand to get a feel for the angle. Read |
| weight causes the back bar to grip the bark and hold | | | | and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using |
| the section firmly in place. Before climbing, put on | | | | your tree stand. If you know how to use it properly, |
| your full body harness and secure the lineman's belt | | | | you can get in position with no trouble and increase |
| around the tree. The full body harness is vital to your | | | | your chances of a successful hunt. |