Whether setting new stands or checking in on old ones, making sure the bases are covered and each perch is safe and stable will ensure a successful and incident free hunting season. Simonson Photo.

By Nick Simonson

The start of August also begins the countdown to autumn’s archery seasons for deer and other big game, and in the next few weeks, those bowhunters looking to be ready to go are setting stands and securing them in place from their favorite vantage points.  Whether it’s a current treestand that has remained up all year, or a new one being hung along a trail or a field edge, late summer provides an opportunity to be certain those positions are securely in place and safe to use.  What follows are a few tips to get the job done right and ensure a season of safe and successful hunting.

For both new stands and those that have been hanging around awhile, now is the time to inspect the various connection points, bolts, inserts and general structure to be certain they are in good shape, have not been compromised by rust, the elements, or other wear, and provide a secure perch for hunting.  Check to make sure nuts are tight and hold pieces securely together as a new stand goes up and inspect D-ring pins to see that they fit snugly and have not been removed or fallen out over time in current stands. Once the overall structure is confirmed to be in good shape, follow all directions when attaching it, or inspecting its current connection to a tree.

This step is of the utmost importance, as ratchet straps and other lines are put in place to hold a stand firmly to the tree.  Follow all instructions when lashing stands in place – whether ladder or hang-on style – and be certain the stand is placed level against the trunk before tightening straps up.  Confirm the platform is also level and allows a standing shot that doesn’t angle too far forward or back and provides good footing for the draw-and-hold required in some hunts.  Utilizing provided ratchet straps and those of a proper weight rating to secure stands in place, get them as tight and secure as possible.

Additionally, for those stands that have remained up since last autumn, inspect ratchet straps for wear resulting from exposure to rain, melting snow, and sunlight, which all tend to weaken fabric over time.  Animals such as squirrels can also chew on the fabric and use its pieces to line nests for warmth, so be certain there are no teeth marks, tears or rips in ratchet strap materials, as those permanent stands get inspected heading into the new season.

Finally, ascend the stand with the proper fall protection and install the necessary safety strap above the stand which will allow for both prolonged standing and sitting without negatively impacting comfort or a potential shot.  Make sure that the safety strap going around the tree is secure and undamaged (especially if left up from last season), and that a harness can be easily connected to it and disconnected in a quiet, efficient manner when starting and ending a hunt.  While doing so, inspect harnesses to ensure they’re also in good, safe, working order, and are comfortable to get into and out of, and do not restrict the action of drawing a bow.

In addition to all the other steps which make for a safe and enjoyable archery hunting season, from setting trail cameras and mineral licks, to running a few hundred arrows into a target, ensuring stands are safe and sturdy and ready for the hunt is one of the biggest.  Undertaking these efforts now and giving them a final look just before opening day will have stands set for a great season of big game archery hunting, from the sweaty days of late summer to those chilly options available in December.

Simonson is the lead writer and editor of Dakota Edge Outdoors.