Know-How: Treestand Maintenance

by
posted on February 16, 2018
treestandmaintenance_lead.jpg

Season’s over, and as you daydream about the buck possibilities ahead, consider a review of your treestand inventory. Pulling and checking all your stands after the season could lesson hassles when you put them up—and hunt from them—later. It may even save your butt from a tragic equipment failure.

As soon as possible after the season, round up stands and move them indoors to a shed, barn or storage unit. Hang them on walls to avoid indoor rodent attacks, and put out plenty of rodent poison. This is the perfect time for a close inspection of your stands.

Check for Chewing 
Rodents love chewing on anything soft and supple—including stand parts. Treestands that utilize fabric straps, regardless of the ruggedness, are susceptible to the gnawing actions of rodents. Do you remember all of those annoying squirrels? Black bears also relish biting and tearing on soft components of stands.

The majority of stands have some sort of cloth strap to attach to the tree. Plus, many hunters leave safety straps and ropes in favorite trees. Even a quick nibble from a squirrel could jeopardize their security effectiveness. Replace any strap or rope that has been gnawed or is frayed. Also heed the service life of safety straps; many manufacturers recommend replacing these straps every three to five years.

Straps aren’t the only favored appetizer of rodents and other forest critters. Padded seats and arm rails garner the attention of the toothy crowd. Your safety may not be in danger from missing padding, but your bum may go numb from the feel of cold steel. Plus, the unforeseen clink of a rifle on an unpadded rail may cause you to miss the buck of a lifetime. Fix worn areas now.

Fend Off Rust 
Most stands are constructed of welded metal. Steel especially sees the effects of years of outside exposure, but even aluminum can crack from significant use and abuse. Inspect welded joints and seams for signs of cracking and rusting. Flaking paint is a clue something bad may be occurring underneath. Clean, repair and repaint as needed.

Examine all nuts, bolts, pins, hooks and connecting points for signs of malfunction or looseness. If your stand was squeaky last fall, now’s the time to determine why and silence it.

Ratchet straps also need to be tested and replaced if weathered, or if the locking mechanism fails to engage properly. If you question any damage anywhere it’s better to replace the stand instead of risking your safety.

Mind the Climb 
Stand safety is paramount, but don’t forget about the climb. As you pull or erect stands remember to employ a climbing line such as the Hunter Safety System Lifeline to ensure that even with stand failure you’ll be safe and able to get down. Now continue the same thorough inspection of your steps, ladders and climbing sticks. Those attached with fabric straps also face rodent aggression. Anything made of metal is subject to rust, cracking or weld failure. Ratchets could be worn or fail to lock, and hooks could be bent.

Of course, screw-in steps have their own issues. As trees grow, the process can loosen screw-in steps. A tree’s healing effort from the thread wounds produces sap that may loosen steps. Always check and re-set any step that has the slightest wobble. A better option is to use climbing sticks, or screw in new steps each season.

Finally, if you utilize a homemade stand or shooting house, scrutinize its construction for future failures. Wood rots, nails work loose, and screws and nails rust. Any could cause wood to splinter and the structure to collapse under your weight. Consider replacing your carpentry with a manufactured stand, like one from Summit that meets industry standards from the Treestand Manufacturers Association. Many retailers put stands and related accessories on sale at this time of year, and you may score a great bargain you’ll appreciate next fall.

Latest

LEDE Pull Shoot Save Rebate Program
LEDE Pull Shoot Save Rebate Program

Remington Ammunition Announces Pull, Shoot, Save! Shotshell Rebate

Remington Ammunition recently announced its Pull, Shoot, Save! Rebatewhich offers consumers the chance to buy some of Remington’s best target loads and receive up to $50 back. This promotion runs through June 30, 2025.

XS Sights Introduces Handguard for Henry Lever-Action Rifles

Designed for modern lever-action enthusiast who want to upgrade their Henry rifle, this highly customizable handguard is equipped with six M-LOK slots on each side and seven on the bottom to accommodate a wide array of accessories.

Montana FWP Announces 2025 Migratory Bird Stamp

A trio of tundra swans winging their way through a gray sky in the shadows of Rocky Mountain peaks is captured brilliantly in the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp.

Tested: EAA Witness2311 10mm Auto Hunter Pistol

This 2011 double-stack pistol is available with a six-inch barrel and an optics-ready slide for less than you might expect.

New for 2025: Escort Shotguns WS Youth 20-Gauge Shotgun

Youth shotguns are often the first introduction to hunting for many individuals, and Escort Shotguns is looking to help continue that tradition with its WS Youth shotgun.

Busting the Roost Myth: Why You Shouldn't Tree Talk to Toms

Should you call to a roosted tom? Mike Roux fills his readers in on why this popular strategy may be the reason they don't fill all their tags this spring.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.