Elevated Stand Guidelines

Elevated Stand Location

• Place a stand adjacent to game trails or where game sign is abundant.
• Place a stand no higher than necessary.
• Never place a stand in a dead tree, in trees with large overhanging dead limbs, or on or near utility poles.
• Select only trees that are straight.
• Locate the stand downwind from the animals’ expected route.
• Never place stands on fence lines or near another landowner’s property.

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.
• 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.
• When climbing into or out of a tree stand, always use three points of contact with your hands and feet.
• Keep a firm hold on the climbing system as you enter or leave a platform, and don’t let go until you’re certain you are secure.
• Get enough sleep to ensure that you are well rested before using a tree stand.
• Carry a signaling device, such as a whistle, radio, or cell phone, 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.

Hauling Hunting Equipment into a Stand

• Never carry your hunting equipment up or down the tree with you as you climb. Always use a haul line.
• Before attaching the haul line to your hunting equipment:
  • If using a firearm, unload it and open the action.
  • If using a bow, put the arrows in a covered quiver and secure the quiver to your bow.
• Use a haul line of heavy cord attached to your stand to bring up your hunting equipment or to lower it prior to climbing down from your stand.
  • If using a firearm, attach the haul line to the firearm's sling so that the firearm hangs with the muzzle pointed down.
  • If using a bow, attach the haul line so that the arrow fletching points down when raising your equipment and points up when lowering it.
• Slip the end of the haul line through your belt—leave it untied so that it can pull free if you fall. Put on your FAS full-body harness, secure yourself to the tree, and climb to your stand.
• After you are in the stand and secure, haul up your hunting equipment and untie the haul line.