Each year dozens of hunters across the country are injured as a result of falls from treestands. Some of these injuries are fatal.
The most unfortunate part of such a statistic is that the majority of these accidents, if not all of them, could have been prevented if the hunter had only taken one or more steps to ensure a safe hunt.

Buy From a Reputable Company

With literally hundreds of different treestands currently on the market from a dozen manufacturers or more, hunters have a wide variety of choices when it comes to selecting the brand and model they wish to use. Here, treestand safety relates directly to purchasing equipment from a reputable manufacturer. The price of second-hand or irregular stands may at first seem attractive; however, hunters should inspect such bargains closely, or avoid them altogether. Most manufacturers are more than happy to assist hunters with any and all questions they might have concerning the purchase of a treestand.
Veteran treestand users, too, are a good source of information, as product reviews and evaluations found in many of the nation's hunting publications. A good rule of thumb...when in doubt check it out.

Read the Instructions

The first thing a hunter should do after purchasing a new stand is to thoroughly read the instructions concerning assembly, placement and fastening. Again, many of these questions can be answered by the manufacturer's representative, or from another hunter skilled in the proper use of that particular type of stand. Ignorance of operation is no excuse in an accident situation.

Pick a Safe Tree

Picking the right tree in which to hang the stand is as important to preventing an accident as is reading the instructions on use and operation. Hunters should not be tempted to hang a stand in a less than suitable location just because trees are at a premium. If such locations show promise, hunters may want to consider alternative methods of concealment such as ground blinds or even self-standing tripod or tower stands.
Safe trees have strong, straight trunks, with no dead tops or limbs that could wind-fall and injure a hunter. Trees with medium-rough bark such as oaks hold stands well. Rough-barked trees such as shagbark hickory, or smooth bark like beech can present slippage problems.
Hunters should only hang stands at heights where they feel comfortable. In most cases, heights of 12 to 18 feet are adequate; however, heights may differ with terrain and topography.

Ensure Safe and Secure Footing

Hunters should make sure that all the steps leading to the stand itself are free of ice and snow either before or as they climb. Ladders and other steps can be easily swept clean with a small whisk broom or even a few passes of a gloved hand. Step surfaces can also be sprayed with a rough-texture paint, or wrapped with a texture tape in order to provide better traction in less-than-ideal conditions.
The floor or base of the stand should also be cleared of snow, ice, or water prior to the hunter getting into position.

Always Use a Safety Belt or Harness

Safety belts and harnesses are NOT an option for treestand users. They are a NECESSITY. Many stands come complete with belts or harnesses. Those that don't often include information that will help hunters purchase the right safety equipment. Manufacturers, too, can suggest the proper equipment, as can experienced treestand hunters.
Many of today's belts and harnesses are different in design and proper use. Hunters need to completely read the instruction manual that is included with their belt and be fully familiar with the use and operation of the belt or harness of their choice.
Eighteen feet above the ground is no place to begin learing how a piece of safety equipment works. And remember...never carry or pull up a loaded firearm or bow into a treestand.

When purchasing your tree stand be sure to look for the Treestand Manufacturers Association sticker

Always practice with new equipment at ground level before using it out in the woods. Learn your stand's strengths and limitations

Use a full body harness if possible. If you decide to use a safety belt, wear it around your upper chest and under your arms, not around your waist

The tether between your safety restraint and the tree should be tied above you to the main tree trunk and offer little slack

Purchase and use climbing systems that allow you to stay securely to something solid the entire time you off the ground

When installing ladder stands, tie two lengths of rope to the platform that will reach to the ground when the stand is moved into place. Then raise the stand with the assistance of someone. Prior to climbing up the ladder, secure its support bar to the tree, and then tie the two ropes to trees behind the stand tree. This will keep the platform snugly in place while you climb up and tightly secure the platform to the tree.

Use a safety restraint while hanging tree stands. They make the job easier and safer.

Inspect stands and safety gear before each use for flaws ans weaknesses.

Stay out of unfamiliar permanent stands.

Be careful when using portable stands on smooth-barked trees such as aspen, birch, maple and hickory.

Don't use branches for climbing. NEVER step on a dead branch; no matter how secure it may look.

Be wary when ice, rain or snow is present.

Always use a rope to raise and lower your gear.

Never modify a commercially made stand or safety device. It was designed that way for a reason!