The Truth About Treestand Safety

With simple precautions, virtually all treestand accidents are avoidable.

posted on August 14, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

September is Treestand Awareness month, and it’s so important for every one to take treestand safety seriously. Every year many hunters never return home because of treestand accidents, so don’t let yourself or a family member become one of those statistics. It’s a sad fact that virtually all of these accidents are 100-percent avoidable. 

The first step is to ensure that everyone is wearing a safety vest. 

The next step is crucial, and in my opinion not enough people understand it. Most treestand accidents happen when people are going up or down to or from their stands. To prevent this from happening, you absolutely must be connected—from the moment you leave the ground to the moment you return. Hunter Safety System makes a Lifeline, which allows you to be safe the entire time. 

It’s easy to install: Simply place it above your stand, drop it down and tie it off at the base of your ladder. Once up, you will connect at the bottom and push the prussic knot up as you ascend. If you slip and fall, the knot will tighten and catch you. These Lifelines are available in a single or double. The doubles are great because that means there are two knots, so each person can go up on their own and stay safe. This is ideal for those who hunt with their significant other, a friend or even their kids. There’s no reason for anyone to put their own safety at risk.

The best part is you don’t have to fumble around trying to get tied in once you’re up in the stand. You’re all set and never need to disconnect until you return to the base of your stand. These can be purchased in bulk and are a great thing to have at each stand location. Let’s all do our part this year to minimize treestand accidents, and not only protect ourselves, but ensure our loved ones are doing the same.

 

 

Latest

Rao On Target Blank Target Photo By Rao
Rao On Target Blank Target Photo By Rao

3 Tips for Getting Your Firearm Student on Target

Here are some simple but effective ways to get your student on paper in quick order for early confidence building.

The Armed Citizen® October 16, 2026

Waiting for authorities to arrive is not always an option when a crazed intruder is intent on getting to you first.

How to Not Shoot a Button Buck

Is that a doe in the field, or a button buck? You’d better be sure before you take the shot!

Ladies Learn It's About More Than Just Shooting Clays

American Rifleman TV traveled to the NSCA Nationals to learn why so many women are calling "Pull!" on a clay bird for the first time.

Empowering Women and Undoing Good Intentions by Well-Meaning Men

NRA Certified Instructor Angela Vincent shares her firearms journey, which took her from complete novice to teaching women how to choose their own perfect pistol.

Call for Nominations: NRA Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award

To honor her accomplishment and the accomplishments of modern heroines, the NRA bestows the prestigious Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award in her name.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.