Saddle Hunting General Guidelines

When saddle hunting, there are several guidelines you should follow to stay safe.

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for equipment.
• Never modify or alter the manufacturer’s product.
• Retain all printed information that came with the hunting saddle.
• Practice using all equipment at ground level before hunting.
• Stay connected from the time you leave the ground until you return to the ground.
• Always keep the tree tether at the proper height recommended by the manufacturer.
• Always use a haul line for raising and lowering equipment.
• Never use a hunting saddle as a fall-arrest system (FAS) or full-body harness.
• Always ensure your carabiners are closed when you load your lineman belt or tether with weight.
• Minimize slack in your ropes while climbing by adjusting your friction hitches or ascenders as you move up the tree.
• Never climb dead, rotting, or undersized trees.
• Inspect the saddle, platform, sticks, and all safety devices each time before use, and do not store equipment outdoors when not in use.