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TREE STANDS

One of the most popular methods of Bowhunting practiced is Tree Stand Hunting. In some regions, particularly those with high population densities, this is the predominate method used by Bowhunters. Occasionally Tree Stand Hunting is chosen by Bowhunters due to the nature of the terrain in the area being hunted. While some species habits and behavior, for example Whitetail Deer, facilitate this method more than others.

Whatever the reason, Tree Stand Hunting is definitely one of the prevalent techniques applied by the Bowhunting Community.

This style of hunting presents several significant advantages:

• By positioning the hunter an average of ten to thirty feet off the ground, his or her scent usually will not spook game in close proximity.
• Also the fact that most game species rarely look upward allows silent Bowhunters minimal movement on their stands with game in their immediate vicinity.
• Tree Stands can provide wider fields of view for a Bowhunter.
• Hunting from tree stands minimizes the possibility of a hunter being mistakenly identified as game.
• Hunting from tree stands reduces spooking of game during hunting or after being shot thereby shortening blood trailing.
• Angles of shots from tree stands usually result in low exit paths and therefore better blood trails. These shot angles also minimize shot backstop safety hazards.

• The biggest drawback to tree stand hunting is the inherent risks involved with climbing, descending, and hunting at these heights above the ground. The potential for a fall is always present and for injury if a fall occurs, almost certain.
• Tree stand hunting without pre-season scouting has far less chance of success than other techniques. Pre-season scouting is critical with regard to stand placement.
• Obviously, hunting from tree stands prevents a Bowhunter from moving about or stalking game, he or she spots out of range.
• For many individuals another major drawback to this technique is BOREDOM. Some Bowhunters find it almost impossible to sit for long hours waiting for game, much less shot opportunities. This style of hunting requires even greater patience than that compelled for other methods of the sport.

Upon adopting this method, you should familiarize yourself with the different types of stands and climbing devices available.

• Permanently installed stands should be avoided for several reasons. These stands cannot be moved readily. Generally, permanent stands are constructed of wood and are nailed in trees. They are unsightly and offend land owners. Usually they are illegal on public lands. The primary concern with permanent stands however is safety. As they are constructed of wood, these stands deteriorate quickly resulting in collapse and injury of the occupant. Nails left in trees pose a serious hazard to woodcutters operating chain saws as well.
• The second preferable category of tree stand is the temporary or portable type. There are six basic types,
1. Climbing,
2. Ladder
3. Free Standing
4. Fixed
5. Harness or Sling
6. Wedges.
• Each type has some different safety concerns, advantages and disadvantages, some more of one than the other. There are literally dozens of commercial manufactures of tree stands. Do some research and ask your friend's opinions before selecting and purchasing the stand of your choice.
• Climbing devices are required for three of the tree stand types listed above. Climbing, Ladder, and Free Standing types provide their own climbing mechanism. While Fixed, Wedges, and Harness or Sling types generally require an additional means of climbing be provided. Common means utilized are Lineman's climbers, lash-on climbing blocks, hand climbers, ladders, hook climbers, and screw-in climbers to name a few. Many feel that nondestructive types of climbers should be used to avoid damaging trees. Regulations often cover this as well depending on locale.

• Never attempt to use any tree stand and climbing mechanism without first being completely familiar with the related safety requirements.
• Never attempt to use any tree stand and climbing mechanism without first being completely familiar with their proper operation procedure. All commercial manufactures provide complete operating instructions. Some even include video tape operating guides.
• Always inspect all tree stands and climbing mechanisms for defects, missing parts, or damage prior to any use. If it's defective in any way, DON'T USE IT until properly repaired.
• Always perform "dry runs" or practice sessions, close to the ground, with the equipment you intend to use at home before going hunting. That's the time and place to find out if anything is wrong, not alone in the dark, miles from help.

• NEVER CLIMB OR HUNT FROM TREE STANDS WITHOUT A SAFETY BELT, ROPE OR HARNESS. The belt should be rated greater than 600lb test. Attach the belt to the tree at waist height or a little higher with no more than 12 inches of slack. In the case of a fall, the hunter can't drop more than a foot.
• Always set stands strictly per the manufacture’s instructions. Once the tree stand is set, always test its security by applying your weight gradually, beginning with only one foot, with firm support from the safety belt, climbing mechanism, and tree for the balance of your weight.
• NEVER CARRY YOUR BOW OR PACK WHILE CLIMBING. Use a haul line tied to a belt loop to pull up your equipment after you are securely in your stand, with your safety belt on. Orient your haul line to avoid catching your arrows on branches.
• For stands with seats NEVER USE THE SEAT AS A STAND.
• After securely in place in your stand draw your bow and check for obstacles which may strike its limbs resulting in damage or injury.
• Avoid sleeping in stands, even with a safety belt falling may crack ribs. Make sure you’re wide awake prior to descending from your stand.
• Use your haul line to lower your bow, pack, and equipment. Swinging them to the side so a fall will not result in your landing on them.
• USE YOUR SAFETY BELT AS YOU CLIMB DOWN.

Until next week, Good Luck, Happy Hunting, and God Bless.

As we all know, the golden rule--when it comes to arrows used for Bowhunting--is that they be razor sharp! Every experienced Bowhunter understands this rule to be a matter of ethics and good procedure to insure efficient harvest of game. After all, unlike firearms which bring down game predominately by shock, archery tackle in skilled hands accomplishes the same task by hemorrhage. The sharper your Broadheads are the more massive hemorrhages will be, with well placed shots. Subsequently, the more effective your tackle will be. Clean, humane harvesting of game is a big responsibility for all Bowhunters. Razor sharp Broadheads go a long way toward meeting this responsibility!

Another clear responsibility Bowhunters have is safety for themselves and others. Both handling and hunting with these razor sharp Broadheads present obvious risks which can be minimized by proper techniques. Most experienced Bowhunters, who have hunted for any significant period of time, can testify to cutting themselves while handling broadheads. These wounds can be extremely serious with devastating consequences. Especially if they occur far afield from professional medical attention.

The following guidelines list some (not necessarily all) precautions you should take when handling and hunting with arrows in order to reduce the possibility of having any unfortunate mishaps:

1. Arrow spine should always match the poundage and draw length of your bow.
2. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Never shoot at targets on the crest of a hill, at the edge of a ledge, etc. (Washington State's only hunting fatality last year resulted from a Bowhunter doing just that.)
3. Always use Broadhead Wrenches when handling Broadheads.
4. Always inspect your arrows, along with the balance of your archery tackle, to insure it is not damaged prior to use. Damaged, bent, cracked arrows can fail catastrophically when shot, likely resulting in personal injury.
5. Never climb fences or into tree stands with arrows nocked on your bow. Place bows with arrows in the quiver under fences and climb over a few feet away so you can't fall on your tackle if you do fall. Always hoist bows with arrows, and everything else for that matter, into your tree stands with a hauling line after you are safely in the stand with your safety harness on.
6. Never carry arrows nocked on your bow until you are actively stalking game. Bowhunters have stumbled, cutting themselves or others with them.
7. Always use a covered quiver to protect yourself and others from your Broadheads.
8. Always store archery tackle in the trunk of your vehicle in order to prevent passengers from injuring themselves with it. In the event of a motor vehicle accident this reduces "missiles" in the vehicle as well.
9. Always sharpen Broadheads away from your body to avoid cuts.
10. When recovering harvested game, check your arrow first. Are all your Broadhead blades still in place? If not, use extreme caution during field dressing!
11. Never shoot arrows straight up in the air.

Until next week, Good Luck, Happy Hunting, and God Bless All.