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

Ruger Red Label 1
Ruger Red Label 1

New Guns 2026: The Ruger Red Label III Shotgun

Ruger has brought back one of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label III—renewing the company's commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

6 Wild Game Apps for Your New Year’s Eve Party

Throwing a party to ring in 2026? Whip up these wild-game appetizers to use up some of this year’s bounty from the freezer.

What’s a Deer Drive?

Deer drives are popular in many parts of the country. How do you pull one off?

3 Ways a Firearms Instructor Can Become a Better Teacher

You can be the best shot in your chosen firearm discipline, but if you are not a good communicator, you may not be an effective teacher.

Step Into Your Future: The NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) Awaits!

For more than 25 years, Y.E.S. has united some of America’s brightest, most driven, and patriotic youth for an unforgettable week of education, leadership and civic engagement.

6 Wild Game Recipes for Christmas Brunch

Serving up a big breakfast or brunch on Christmas or Christmas Eve? Try these wild game recipes to wow the family.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.