Skip to main content

10 Tips for Using Tree Stands

10 Tips for Using Tree Stands
Photo Courtesy Jared Gustafson

WATERBURY, Vt. – Taking a stand, political or otherwise, can be dangerous, but no more so when that stand is up a tree.

The bowhunting boom of the 1970s introduced a new tool to hunters -- portable, commercially-made tree stands – and hunters were quick to discover their advantages. You can see over the brush, deer generally don’t look up, and when the wind is right, your scent will drift above deer that are close. However, using them safely demands preparation and precaution. With archery season open and firearms season just around the corner, here are some tips to get the most out of your tree stand hunting experience:

  1. Choose a live, straight tree.
    Find the deer first, then find a healthy tree within shooting range

  2. Choose smart stands.
    Only use stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA).

  3. Inspect your stands.
    Look for loose nuts and bolts each time they are used.

  4. Know the rules.
    On state lands, it is illegal to place nails or other hardware into trees or to build permanent structures. On private lands, it is illegal to erect any tree stand, cut or remove trees or other plants, or to cut limbs without the landowner's permission. Regardless of property status, all stands, including ground blinds, must be marked with the owner’s name and address.

  5. Always wear full-body safety harness, even for climbing.
    Most falls happen when going up and down the tree, and getting in and out of the stand.

  6. Don't go too high.
    The higher you go, the smaller the vital zone on a deer becomes, while the likelihood of a serious injury increases. Usually, 15 to 20 feet is sufficient

  7. Never try to carry firearms or bows up and down trees.
    Always use a rope to raise and lower all gear. Make sure your firearm is unloaded.

  8. Strap in as soon as you get in the stand.
    To catch your fall, a short tether is safer than a long one. If you do fall, replace your tether.

  9. Familiarize yourself with your gear before you go.
    The morning of opening day is poor time to put your safety belt on for the first time.

  10. Be careful with long-term placement.
    Exposure to the elements can damage straps, ropes and attachment cords. Also, the stand’s stability can be compromised, over time, as the tree grows.

These tips are offered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Hunter Education Program. Each year, the Program’s 350 volunteer instructors certify almost 5,000 students. The free courses are entirely funded by hunters and shooters through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program.

Be smart, think safety, and good luck.




GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Allen Hunt 1

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Allen Hunt 2

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Cooking

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Draper Hunt 1

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Draper Hunt 2

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Kevin Steele - California Hunt #2

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Kevin Steele - Patterning Your Turkey Hunt

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Kevin Steele - California Hunt #1

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Hunting

Kali Parmley - Florida Turkey Slam #1

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Fishing

Bass Crash Course: How and When to Fish a Buzz Toad

Packing all of your essentials is a necessity when heading out to camp. But you must have a vehicle to get everything fr...
Destinations

Polaris – Pack Up and Play On

Game & Fish Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Get the Game & Fish App apple store google play store

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now

Never Miss a Thing.

Get the Newsletter

Get the top Game & Fish stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

By signing up, I acknowledge that my email address is valid, and have read and accept the Terms of Use