Descending Safely and Removing Equipment

Your safety during the descent of a tree is just as important as your ascent. Most saddle hunting accidents occur during the ascent or descent of a tree. To safely descend after hunting, ALWAYS make sure that your lineman belt is secured to the tree to support you as you move. ONLY when your lineman belt is attached can you remove your tether from the tree.

Removing Your Platform

To remove your hunting platform, you can do so while your tether is still attached and you have not started your descent yet or while your lineman belt is attached and you are ready to start descending.

1. Start by pulling up on the platform’s base to fold it into the upright position.
2. Hold onto the platform with one hand while removing one end of the platform attachment strap from the button.
3. Unwrap the attachment strap from the tree trunk.
4. Completely fold the platform base so it is firmly against the tree bracket and store your platform away in the same method you used for your ascent.

Removing Your Climbing Sticks

To remove each of your climbing sticks, carefully step down each stick until you are at a comfortable height to remove each one. NEVER attempt to remove a climbing stick while you are standing on it. ALWAYS climb below the stick you want to remove before destabilizing it in any way. Make sure to adjust your lineman belt effectively to hold you in place above the waist during the removal of each stick.

1. Once you are safely in place to remove a stick, lift the stick gently to create slack in the attachment rope.
2. Untie the half-hitch knot on one side of the climbing stick.
3. Unwrap the attachment rope from each of the four button notches.
4. Hold the stick in place with one hand and carefully unwrap the rope from the back of the button with the other hand.
5. Unwrap the rope from the tree trunk, and secure the climbing stick safely for storage while you continue your descent. NEVER attempt to descend a tree while holding a climbing stick in your hand. You should always climb hands-free to properly adjust your lineman belt while moving.

Once you have removed your platform and climbing sticks from the tree and have safely placed both feet on the ground, you can remove your lineman belt from the tree and store away your ropes for transport.