This latest quick tip is for those that haven’t, but want to or are thinking about hunting from a tree stand. More specifically, I want to talk about handling your weapon while climbing or sitting in a tree stand. Don’t try climbing into your stand with your gun or bow in hand. First, climb into your tree stand, then hoist your weapon up to where you’re sitting with a rope – a good rope, not one that’s frayed or old.
If your in a fixed stand like a ladder stand, have your rope hang down to where it ends at chest level standing on the ground. This way your weapon won’t set down in the dirt or snow. Tie off the elevated (higher) end of the rope somewhere up where you’ll be sitting. On the end that hangs at the ground, tie a carabiner for quick latching and unlatching of your weapon. And I can’t scream this loud enough … MAKE SURE YOUR WEAPON IS NOT LOADED WHEN HOISTING IT UP TO WHERE YOUR SITTING!
If your using a climber tree stand, have your weapon leaning against a tree or on the ground where there are no obstacles that it can get hung up on as you start to pull it up toward you. Then tie the rope to a secure portion of your bow or gun. When tying the rope to your gun, tie it in a secure area where the barrel of the gun won’t swing down in the dirt or snow. You want to keep the barrel free from collecting debris. I usually place a glove over the barrel end to insure that dirt, bark or any thing else doesn’t get down into the barrel potentially causing a danger to myself when I fire the weapon.
One last thing to remember to do before hoisting up your weapon is clear away any branches that the weapon might get hung up on during its ascent. Use a small hand saw to quickly clear branches as you climb up the tree. When I’m up in a tree stand I like to have a way to either hang my weapon by a hook or in some type of holster so that my hands are free for holding binoculars, snacking or using deer calls. Always keep your weapon within arms reach for quick access. You never know when the big one will come strolling in.
