Staying Safe In The Stand

As a hunter the thrill of being in the outdoors in pursuit of a big game animal is one of the things we live for.  We seldom take the time to think about what might happen if we fall from our tree stand, but our safety while in the stand should be our top priority.

Throughout the years many hunters have been seriously injured and some have even died as a result of falling from their perch in a tree.

There are some easy ways to ensure that you stay safe while hunting from a tree stand.
Some of these include:

• Always wear your body harness.  Be sure that you are attached to the tree from the moment you begin your ascent until the time you have both feet planted safely back on the ground.
• Never sleep in your tree stand.
• Always carry your cellphone with you in case something should go wrong.  (A smart phone with a signal can help you to stay awake by occupying your time until you hear that monster buck.)
• Carry an  with you in order to get the attention of other people in the area should the need arise.
• Always make sure that your tree stand has been assembled correctly and that it is fastened securely in the tree.
• Always maintain a three point stance.  (Make sure that you have two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand in a secure position with each move you make.)
• Learn how to properly re-enter your stand if you do happen to fall out while wearing your harness.  (Should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of hanging from a tree in your body harness, you must act quickly to make your way back into the stand.  Hanging in a harness can have serious consequences as the longer you remain there, the more likely it is that blood pooling will occur.)
• If you are using a stationary tree stand, be sure you learn how to properly install it.
• If you are using a climbing stand, be sure you learn how to operate it correctly and safely.
• Always make sure that at least one person knows where you will be hunting and what time you expect to return from your hunt.  (It is a good idea to have that person give you a call if they haven't heard from you by the time you are expected to return just to make sure everything is ok.)
• Make sure to check your tree stand and body harness for any damage before each use.

Most (if not all) tree stand manufacturers include a body harness in the package with their stands.  If your stand doesn't include a harness or if yours needs replaced, you can purchase one

Tree stand safety is no accident!

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

The Advantages Of Stationary Tree Stands On Private Land

If you are a hunter with the advantage of hunting on private land there are some good reasons to use stationary tree stands.

Some of these reasons include:

• Multiple stands can be used to ensure there is a stand in the right spot for any weather conditions
• There is no need to make a bunch of noise climbing to and descending from your position in a tree to take advantage of changing weather conditions
• A path can be cleared to each stand ensuring a quiet entry and exit
• Stands can be set up in precise locations ensuring that your intended target can be seen as it enters your hunting area
• Multiple stands can be set up in different places over the same area to ensure you can see the deer when the sun is at varying positions in the sky

Before setting your stands, be sure to do your homework and take into consideration where the deer will enter and exit your hunting areas as well as where they stage and bed down (you don't want to spook them while getting into or out of your stands).  You should also consider the normal direction of wind flow in each area a stand is set in order to stay on the downwind side of the animals you are hunting.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Summit Viper Climbing Tree Stand Review

Disclosure:

Any links to merchants in this post are affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase a product mentioned in this post I may earn a commission.  This will not add to the price you pay for that product.

As a hunter I spend most of my time on public lands and have tried hunting from a stationary stand.  However, I have found that there are disadvantages to hunting from these stands, and  decided last season to try out a climbing tree stand.  After researching just about every climbing tree stand I could find information on I found the Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand.

Because the manufacturers attempt to keep them lightweight, many climbing tree stands are rather small.  However with my build a tiny tree stand doesn't fit the bill. After comparing it to other climbing stands on the market I decided to give it a try.

Summit Viper Climber
In a Tree 

The Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand offers:

• Perfect combination of comfort and light weight
• Dead Metal Sound Deadening Technology
• Critical sections of tubing are foam-filled for sound reduction
• Adjustable seat height
• Seat measures 12" x 18"
• Backrest measures 12" x 20"
• Platform measures 20" x 29"
• Inside climber frame measures 19.75" x 26.5"
• Ideal for bows or guns
• SummitLokt™ construction
• RapidClimb® stirrups
• QuickDraw™ cables
• Cushioned armrests
• Padded climbing seat bar
• Backpack straps
• Includes a full-body safety harness
• Weight: 20 lbs.
• Maximum capacity 300 lbs.
• Top and Bottom Sections easily nest together for backpacking with included strap

Top & Bottom Nested
Ready to be carried by backpack straps

This stand offers the ideal mixture of being both light weight and comfortable.  The added sound deadening technology takes it one step farther making it very quiet when climbing and descending in the tree helping to prevent you from spooking that deer you are working so hard to take.  The rapid climb stirrups allow the hunter to move up and down a tree safely and at a rather fast pace.  The quick draw cables allow the hunter to set this stand up for a particular tree and be climbing in no time flat.  Each stand sold includes a full-body safety harness.

After purchasing the Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand and using it last season, I understand why it ranks so highly by the majority of people who take the time to rate it.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

The Advantages Of Climbing Tree Stands On Public Hunting Lands

Disclosure:

Any links to merchants in this post are affiliate links.  If you click on a link and purchase a product mentioned in this post I may earn a commission.  This will not add to the price you pay for that product.

As a hunter who spends most of my time on public hunting lands I have found that a climbing tree stand offers many advantages over stationary stands in this type of environment.

Climbing tree stands are convenient when
hunting on public lands.

• A climbing stand allows you to quickly and quietly change your position in the woods when the weather patterns change.
• These stands allow you to move to another location if your space is suddenly invaded by other less than caring hunters.
• There is no need to worry about your stand being sat in while your are away.
• A climbing stand will not end up being stolen from a tree as you will take it with you each time you leave your hunting area.
• Climbing stands enable you to hunt in many different locations throughout the season which allows you to change your strategy as the deer patterns shift from early season, to the rut and on into late season.
• A climbing stand can be positioned in the right tree at whatever height is necessary and moved up or down accordingly with very little effort.

Although the price can seem a little steep, a climber is the way to go when hunting public lands.  I use the Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand which can be seen in the picture above.  This climber offers many high quality features that make it my go to stand.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day

Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park

The Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park is a massive state park located along the shore of Lake Michigan.  This six and a half mile long stretch of shoreline offers multiple opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including boating, biking, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, geocaching, hiking, nature observation, picnicking, scuba diving and swimming.  This 4,160 acre park has room for everyone to roam.

• Boating - The North Point Marina located just five miles to the north of the Illinois Beach State Park is a full service marina with 1500 boat slips as well as a multiple boat launch ramp.  For more information on the North Point Marina check out http://npmonline.com/.
• Biking - There are a few miles of multi-use trails in this state park as well as The Zion Bike Trail which connects the north and south portions of the Illinois Beach State Park.
• Camping - There are 241 campsites in the Illinois Beach State Park of which approximately 200 are available on a first come first served basis. 
• Cross Country Skiing - Cross country skiing is permitted on the multi-use trails when the weather permits.
• Fishing - Fishing is permitted with the proper permits along the beach area on both the north and south sections of the park.  There are also some ponds one of which is stocked with rainbow trout.  Fishing is prohibited within the swimming beach area as well as the nature preserve.
• Geocaching - Although no information is listed for this activity, it is listed on the Illinois Beach State Park website as an available activity.
• Hiking - Miles of multi-use trails offer abundant opportunities for hikers.
• Nature Observation - With over 4,000 acres you are sure to spot all types of marine wildlife on your adventures at this Illinois State Park.
• Picnicking - There are multiple picnic areas in both the north and south portions of this state park.
• Scuba Diving - Another of the many available activities at the Illinois Beach State Park is Scuba Diving.
• Swimming - The swimming area can be accessed from both sections of the state park and offers plenty of parking for everyone.

If you are looking for a place that will allow you to enjoy all that Lake Michigan has to offer, the Illinois Beach State Park just might be the place for you!

If you like this post, you may also enjoy Beaver Dam State Park In Illinois.

-Any day in the outdoors is a good day