Treestand Manufacturers Association

Tree Stand Safety Guidelines

• ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body

Harness meeting TMA Standards even during ascent and

descent. Be aware that single strap belts and chest

harnesses are no longer the preferred Fall-Arrest devices

and should not be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in

serious injury or death.

• ALWAYS read and understand the manufacturer’s

WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS before using the treestand

each season. Practice with the treestand at ground level

prior to using at elevated positions. Maintain the

WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS for later review as needed,

for instructions on usage to anyone borrowing your stand,

or to pass on when selling the treestand. Use all safety

devices provided with your treestand. Never exceed the

weight limit specified by the manufacturer. If you have any

questions after reviewing the WARNINGS &

INSTRUCTIONS, please contact the manufacturer.

• ALWAYS inspect the treestand and the Fall-Arrest

System for signs of wear or damage before each use.

Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Destroy all

products that cannot be repaired by the manufacturer

and/or exceed recommended expiration date, or if the

manufacturer no longer exists. The FAS should be

discarded and replaced after a fall has occurred.

• ALWAYS practice in your Full Body Harness in the

presence of a responsible adult, learning what it feels like to

hang suspended in it at ground level.

• ALWAYS attach your Full Body Harness in the manner

and method described by the manufacturer. Failure to do

so may result in suspension without the ability to recover

into your treestand. Be aware of the hazards associated

with Full Body Harnesses and the fact that prolonged

suspension in a harness may be fatal. Have in place a plan

for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices

that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If

rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have a plan

for recover/escape. If you have to hang suspended for a

period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by

pushing against the tree or doing any other form of

continuous motion. Failure to recover in a timely manner

could result in serious injury or death. If you do not have

the ability to recover/escape, hunt from the ground.

• ALWAYS hunt with a plan and if possible a buddy.

Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting

location, when you plan to return and who is with you.

• ALWAYS carry emergency signal devices such as a cell

phone, walkie-talkie, whistle, signal flare, PLD (personal

locator device) and flashlight on your person at all times

and within reach even while you are suspended in your

FAS. Watch for changing weather conditions. In the event

of an accident, remain calm and seek help immediately.

• ALWAYS select the proper tree for use with your

treestand. Select a live straight tree that fits within the size

limits recommended in your treestands instructions. Do

not climb or place a treestand against a leaning tree. Never

leave a treestand installed for more than two weeks since

damage could result from changing weather conditions

and/or from other factors not obvious with a visual

inspection.

• ALWAYS use a haul line to pull up your gear and

unloaded firearm or bow to your treestand once you have

reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with

anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to

descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of

the tree.

• ALWAYS know your physical limitations. Don’t take

chances. If you start thinking about how high you are, don’t

go any higher.

• NEVER use homemade or permanently elevated stands

or make modifications to a purchased treestand without the

manufacturer’s written permission. Only purchase and use

treestands and Fall-Arrest Systems meeting or exceeding

TMA standards. For a detailed list of certified products,

contact the TMA office or refer to the TMA web site at

http://www.tmastands.comwww.tmastands.com.

• NEVER hurry!! While climbing with a treestand, make

slow, even movements of no more than ten to twelve inches

at a time. Make sure you have proper contact with the tree

and/or treestand every time you move. On ladder-type

treestands, maintain three points of contact with each step.

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