Teaching Young Hunters the Fundamentals of Ethical and Safe Tree Stand Use

Elevating Safety: A Parent’s Guide to Tree Stand Training

For many young hunters, the anticipation of sitting in a tree stand is one of the most exciting parts of the experience. It offers a unique vantage point to observe nature and understand the habitat. However, statistics show that the vast majority of hunting-related injuries occur when getting into or out of a stand. As a parent, your primary goal is to ensure that your child respects the height and the mechanical nature of the equipment they are using.

The Golden Rule: The Fall-Arrest System

The most important lesson you can teach your child is that the fall-arrest system (FAS) is not optional. It is the most vital piece of gear they will ever own. A full-body harness must be worn at all times—from the moment your feet leave the ground until you are safely back on the forest floor.

• Fit Matters: Ensure the harness is snug, not loose. A harness that is too big can lead to serious injury during a fall.
• The Tether: Keep the tether short to minimize the distance of a potential fall, but long enough to allow for movement in the seat.
• The Life Line: Consider installing life lines on all your permanent stands. A life line allows a hunter to be connected to the tree for the entire ascent and descent.

Mastering the Ascent and Descent

Most accidents happen during the transition between the ladder or climbing sticks and the stand platform. Teach your child to maintain three points of contact at all times. This means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, must be firmly placed on the structure.

Before ever taking your child to the woods, practice climbing at ground level. Use a low-profile stand or a set of climbing sticks secured to a tree base. Have your child demonstrate how they move their harness strap upward as they climb. If they cannot safely manipulate their gear on the ground, they are not ready for the height.

The 'Three-Point' Check

Once in the stand, help your child conduct a safety audit. Have them verbally check these three items every single time:

1. Is the harness tether secured to the tree strap or life line?
2. Are the stand's platform and climbing aids free of ice, debris, or loose straps?
3. Is the stand firmly locked into the tree, and have the stabilizer straps been tensioned correctly?

Gear Management at Height

Young hunters often get distracted by their gear. Never have a child attempt to climb while carrying a firearm or a heavy pack. Always use a haul line to pull equipment up once they are safely seated and tethered. This keeps their hands free for climbing and ensures their center of gravity remains stable. When pulling a firearm up, ensure the muzzle is pointed toward the ground and the action is open until they are securely in the stand.

Building Habits for a Lifetime

Safety is a culture, not just a one-time lecture. When you model the use of a harness and perform your own gear checks, your child learns that these steps are the standard for every hunter. If you notice your child becoming complacent, pause the hunt and review the procedures. By reinforcing these habits early, you are giving your child the tools to stay safe in the woods for decades to come.

Ready to get started on your family's hunting journey? Explore our comprehensive, age-matched safety modules at BHH Youth Hunters Academy and build a foundation of knowledge that keeps your child safe, ethical, and prepared.