Bowhunting from a treestand can be an incredibly rewarding experience, providing you with a bird’s-eye view of the forest, allowing you to spot game from a distance, and giving you the advantage you need to take a successful shot. However, it’s important to remember that hunting from a treestand also poses certain risks, especially if you’re not familiar with the proper techniques for setting up and using one. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the steps you can take to safely set up a treestand, so you can enjoy your hunting experience without worrying about accidents or injuries.

Choose the right tree

The first step in setting up a treestand is choosing the right tree. Ideally, you want a tree that is straight, healthy, and strong enough to support both you and the treestand. Look for a tree with a diameter of at least 8 inches, and make sure it doesn’t have any major cracks or other signs of weakness. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the location of the tree. Choose a spot with plenty of game activity, but also make sure it’s safe and legal to hunt in that area. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have a clear line of sight in all directions, so you can see the approaching game and take a clean shot.

Clear the area

Before you set up your treestand, you’ll need to clear the area around the tree. Remove any branches, debris, or other obstacles that could interfere with your treestand or your ability to move around it safely. If you are hunting public land refer to your state’s protocol before interfering with the terrain. Make sure you have a clear path to the tree, and that there are no sharp rocks, roots, or other hazards on the ground.

Choose the right stand

There are several types of treestands available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some popular options include ladder stands, climbing stands, and hang-on stands. Consider your hunting style and your physical abilities when choosing a stand. Ladder stands are relatively easy to set up and provide a stable platform for hunting. Climbing stands require more effort to set up, but they offer more versatility in terms of where you can hunt. Hang-on stands are lightweight and easy to move, but they require you to have a good tree to attach them to.

Check your equipment

Before you begin setting up your treestand, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You’ll need a harness, a safety rope, pliers, and any additional tools required by your specific treestand. Everything should be built prior to heading into the woods, but it is always good to have a few tools just in case something happens. It would really suck to leave before the hunt even started because something was loose or came apart. Basically, check all your equipment for wear and tear, and make sure it’s in good condition before you start.

Set up the stand

Before you begin setting up your treestand, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You’ll need a harness, a safety rope, pliers, and any additional tools required by your specific treestand. Everything should be built prior to heading into the woods, but it is always good to have a few tools just in case something happens. It would really suck to leave before the hunt even started because something was loose or came apart. Basically, check all your equipment for wear and tear, and make sure it’s in good condition before you start.

Below we have created a detailed video of installing the XOP Air Raid Evolution A treestand using the MUDDY Safeguard Harness. You can also visit the gear list page linked here to see an in-depth list of what we take into the field.