When the leaves begin to change and cool mornings send hunters into the woods, there’s no better feeling than settling into a treestand and waiting for daylight to break. Elevated hunting has long been one of the most effective and rewarding ways to pursue whitetails and is probably the most popular method of hunting today. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous if safety is overlooked. Sadly, every deer season, preventable treestand accidents send hunters to the hospital or worse. The importance of treestand safety cannot be overstated, and every hunter, whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, should prioritize it before climbing into a treestand this fall.
Why Treestand Safety Matters
According to several hunter safety organizations, falls from treestands cause more hunting injuries than anything else. The reasons vary, slippery steps, worn straps, fatigue, or simply forgetting to clip in, but the outcome can be life changing in an instant. What makes it even more tragic is that almost every one of these accidents could be prevented by wearing a quality safety harness and using it from the moment you leave the ground until you’re safely back down.
If you’ve been hunting for many years, you’ve probably had an accident or a close call yourself, or know someone who has. Just this past summer, a man I have known since I was a young kid, and who has been a lifelong hunter, was hanging a hang-on stand without a safety harness when the stand slipped, causing him to lose his grip and fall from more than twenty feet. The injuries were so severe that, after he was able to call on his cell phone, his son ran to his side, and he had to be flown to the hospital by medical helicopter. The man’s back and two ribs were broken, resulting in him wearing a brace all summer. Even experienced hunters can have accidents.
A Safety System Built for the Serious Hunter
In 2025, Blocker Outdoors introduced two new safety harnesses to the Tree Spider line. The Tree Spider Micro-LT and the Tree Spider Pro are designed with both safety and comfort in mind, allowing hunters the freedom to move naturally while staying protected at all times. Lightweight, breathable, and easy to adjust, the Tree Spider harness takes away any excuse for skipping safety gear. It’s designed for fast, easy connection and quiet movement, perfect for hunters who want to stay safe without giving up the stealth they count on in the woods. Paired with a lifeline system, which keeps a rope secured from the ground to your stand, the Tree Spider keeps you safely connected every step of the climb. If you slip or lose your footing, the harness and tether absorb the shock and prevent a dangerous fall. This peace of mind allows you to concentrate on the hunt without worrying about what could go wrong.
Safe from the Ground Up
Safety doesn’t start once you’re in the stand; it begins before your climb. One of the most important things every hunter can do is inspect their gear before climbing up. Make sure to check straps, cables, and platforms for any signs of wear, rust, or damage, and replace anything that looks questionable. I learned that lesson the hard way. One of my closest calls came while hunting from a family member’s old ladder stand. After nearly three hours on the stand, I decided to pack it in. The moment I stood up to climb down, I heard a loud pop. The strap holding the stand was old and worn, having snapped. Once the strap broke, the ladder began to roll around the tree, forcing me to jump from about ten feet. I landed on my hands and knees. Though I was not seriously injured, it hurt and left me sore for a few days. If I had been wearing a harness with a lifeline rope, the injuries could have been prevented. That was several years ago, and I have never hunted or climbed a stand without my harness since that day.
Some other great tips include always using a haul line or pull-up rope. Never climb with your bow, firearm, or pack in hand. Instead, use a rope to raise and lower your gear safely. Always remember to keep at least three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) on the ladder or climbing sticks at all times to prevent slipping or falling. Once you are in your stand, immediately attach your harness to the tree, making sure to stay attachedfrom the first step through to the last.
Comfort and Confidence Lead to Success
When a hunter is comfortable and confident in their safety gear, they can hunt longer and focus better. Most safety harness designs allow a full range of motion, whether drawing a bow, shifting for a better shot angle, or simply turning your head to scan for movement. Knowing you’re securely tethered brings a level of calm that translates to better decisions and more success in the field.
Make Safety a Habit
Hunting is meant to be a lifelong passion. Every trip to the stand should end the same way it began, with you walking out of the woods safely. No deer is worth risking your life, and no excuse can justify skipping safety gear. Before the next hunt, take a few extra minutes to clip in, double-check your setup, and keep your focus on the hunt, not the hazards.
