Have you ever been walking through the woods and found a treestand wedged so tightly into a tree that the hunter could not remove it, therefore it had to be left behind?
Over the course of one season and the next summer, some trees can grow enough to trap a treestand. Not pulling your stands can be expensive!
Expanding trees have the ability to break the strongest straps, cables or even chains. Homemade wooden stands can become loose where they attach to the tree, becoming even more unstable than metal stands.
Other factors such as rain, snow, sun and wind contribute to the deterioration of treestands, whether wooden or metallic, lock-on or climbing.
As an experienced hunter, I’ve found treestands need to be removed after each season and inspected closely for damage.
You can purchase replacement chains and crucial parts from most reputable treestand manufacturers and outdoor retail outlets.
At the end of each season, pull your stands so you or the next person who uses your stand will be much safer.
Editor’s Note: To echo Joe’s thoughts, my hunting lease members always conduct a portable stand removal day at season’s end, as well as a permanent stand checkup day just before each season begins.
I will write more about this in an upcoming Tip of the Week.
— Tim H. Martin/Buckmasters Tip Editor