Tree Stand Harness

A tree stand harness offers an extra layer of security for the hunter. Unlike older safety harnesses, today's models offer more flexibility and freedom of movement while offering a lot of safety at the same time.

As with all safety gear, you should make sure you use the harness properly to be assured that you are achieving the maximum benefit from them.

The most important consideration when buying or using your tree stand is safety. A body harness is the most important piece of safety gear. These harnesses are actually body harnesses with varying types of straps designed to allow mobility and freedom for the hunter as well as keeping him safe.

Remember, a safety harness may save your life one day. Do not do as they did in the 'old days' as just put a belt around your waist and secure it to the tree. Hunters have been found dead from suffocation using this simple, but dangerous method. You should always us a safety harness that will catch you if you fall AND keep you in an upright position.  If you happen to fall a good harness will distribute your weight so you can at the very least be able to summon help. Some are so good at distributing the weight of a fall that you may be able to just climb back up the tree to the stand. Granted, you will be shaken up, but you will be alive.

The simplest type of hunting safety harness uses a belt around the tree and a belt around the hunter's waist with the two connected with a strap. Although, better than nothing this method of using a harness can be dangerous too. Just read the preceding paragraph to know why.

A full body harness uses the belt around the tree but has shoulder straps as well as the waist belt strap around the hunter. In case of a fall, these types of harness can keep the hunter in an upright position and conscious. Something a simple belt cannot do.

As with all safety gear, it's only effective if it is used. Hunters must get into the habit of attaching the safety harness as soon as they are in the tree stand. This means using the harness as you are setting up your stand or platform, not after. Harnesses come with safety instructions for their proper use and these instructions should be followed. In general, the strap on a harness should allow the hunter a little movement but should be sufficiently short enough to keep the hunter from sustaining an injury should he happen to fall.

A tree stand harness is no substitute for a safe stand. All stands should be checked to make sure they are, and remain safe. Things like the steps and the actual platform should be checked regularly. A sturdy and stable platform should always be the case for all stands.

All hunters should take control of their safety by using a harness. It only takes a second or two to put a harness on or take off. An added benefit is that the harnesses today are so comfortable that you most likely will not even notice that you have it on. With benefits like these, there is no excuse for not using a tree stand harness.