How To Hang A Hang On Tree Stand

Published October 14, 2023

Hanging a tree stand is not difficult, but there are some specific steps you should take to make sure the stand is safely secured to the tree.

Before you begin to install your hang on tree stand, make sure you read the appropriate manuals and safety instructions. Hunting is inherently dangerous—you don't need to add falling out a tree to your risk list. Always practice good tree stand safety and verify your stand is securely attached.

When you're ready to begin, select the best tree for your hang-on stand, hunting needs, and equipment. Plan your height and ensure all safety harnesses and other equipment are securely fitted.

How To Hang A Stand

Here is a great video that shows how to hang a hang on tree stand. It takes you all the way through each step and shows in great detail how a hang on stand should be secured.

Use Climbing Sticks

Once you’ve determined your goal height, use climbing sticks to scale the tree to your desired height. It’s a good idea to pack around 4 or 5 sticks to get the maximum height for your hang on stand.

Place the first climbing stick a foot or so off the ground to get a good start. Make sure that the sticks are positioned properly to prevent movement during climbing. All foot stands or ladder portions should be properly locked together or in place before you begin to climb.

Consult the safety manuals and manufacturer’s instructions provided with your climbing equipment, as well.

Rope Your Stand

Measure the rope reaches to the height at which you want to place your tree stand, tie it to your tree stand, and then attach it to your harness. This rope will allow you to easily pull your hang on stand to the correct height when you are ready to install it.

This same rope technique may be used to lift any bulky equipment or other items into the tree stand once it has been securely fitted to the tree.

Secure Yourself To The Tree

Be sure to wear a tree stand safety harness any time that your feet are off the ground.

Always use a safety line with prusik knot to prevent lengthy falls. The tree rope goes around the trunk of the tree and then through the loop.

Next, attach the carabiner on the prusik knot to the loop on the collar of your tree stand safety harness.

Another option is to use a linesman rope.

Attach a carabiner to each end of a length of rope to wrap tightly around the tree. Wrap the rope around the tree, clipping each carabiner to the sides of your safety harness. This measure adds extra resistance in the event of a slip or fall while climbing.

Make sure to move the rope with you as you climb and use a secure knot such as a bowline for added safety during the climb.

Here's a great video from Lee and Tiffany Lakoski about how to use a linesman rope.

Keep Placing Climbing Sticks

As you move up the tree to your target height, place more sticks. Take your time and make sure each stick is properly installed before placing your weight on it. Move your safety harness ropes and safety line with each climbing stick and step up you take.

Repeat this process as many times as necessary until you reach the spot you’ve picked for your hang on tree stand.

Pull Your Stand Up

Once you’ve reached your desired height, double-check all safety harness ropes before proceeding. Once you are certain you’re safe, begin to slowly pull your hang on stand up using the rope you tied to it at the beginning of this process.

Avoid hitting or sliding against the tree with your tree stand as you pull it up. This reduces your chance of dislodging your sticks or other safety equipment. If you’ve chosen to carry your hang on stand on your back as you climb, simply remove the stand and prepare for installation.

How Should A Hang On Stand Be Secured

Attach The Tree Stand

Folding Down the platform on a hang on tree stand

When you’re ready to hang the stand, place the stand up against the tree and wrap the strap around the tree and pull it tight.

Push down on the stand to tighten and lock it into place on the tree. This motion also tests your straps and ropes to ensure that they are secure.

If you are using a ratchet strap to hang your stand, now would be the time to ratchet it down tight.

Fold Down The Platform

Once your stand is securely fitted to the tree, unfold the standing platform and seat, if necessary. Test the resistance of each to check for safety before climbing on.

Double Check All Straps and Safety Equipment

View from below looking at a hang on tree stand

Before beginning your hunt or hauling up extra equipment, climb into your stand and position yourself comfortably. Adjust your harness and safety rope accordingly, securing each tightly if necessary. Once you’re secure, haul up or remove any equipment and supplies.

To safely take down your stand, pay attention to your safety equipment before climbing down onto the sticks again. Remove your stand’s straps and safely lower the stand or attach it to your back before climbing down.

On your way down the tree, remove any unused climbing tools as you go and secure your safety gear with each movement. Pack all climbing tools and stand, hunting, or other personal equipment, and bring everything out of the woods with you when you leave.

Tip: If you are using your hang on stand on public land, consider taking the bottom two climbing sticks with you when you leave. This way no one can climb into your stand because the bottom sticks are missing. When you go hunting, just install the two bottom sticks to access your stand.

FAQs

Q: How High Should I Climb for My Hang On Stand?

A: Most hunters want to aim for a height of around 15 to 25 feet., but you should only climb as high as you feel comfortable. Hunting on the ground level puts you right in the line of sight of the game that you are pursuing. Lower than 15 feet and you begin to lose the advantages that a tree stand gives you. Higher than 25 feet makes for sharp, difficult shot angles.

Q: What Types of Trees Can I Hang a Hang On Tree Stand In?

A: Hang on tree stands are very versatile and can be used on different trees. Many options are designed to tilt and fasten to bent or angled trees, which is ideal for those times when you have found a great location, but can't find the best tree for your stand. These stands feature leveling qualities to help you stay steady and safe while making good shots.

Q: Are Hang On Stands Safe?

A: Absolutely. While every type of hunting tree stand carries unique risks, hang on tree stands are reliable, safe, and durable when used, installed, and stored correctly. All manufactured treestands today must meet TMA standards. Make sure to read all available safety materials and brush up on hunting and tree stand safety before every hunt.

Q: Are Hang On Stands Comfortable?

A: Yes, they are comfortable. The best models are the most comfortable. Generally, the bigger they are and the more comfort features that they have, the more comfortable they are. If you are going to be hunting in inclement weather, you should consider using a tree stand umbrella for even more comfort.

Q: Do Hang On Stands Damage Trees?

A: Fortunately, no! While some hang on tree stands use teeth to fasten to the tree securely, these teeth only rough up the tree bark and do not damage the tree itself.

Q: Are Ratchet Straps Noisy?

A: Ratchet straps are a safe, secure way to attach any hang on stand to the tree of your choice. They are only making noise when you are attaching the tree stand to the tree. After that they are completely silent as long as they are kept tight and provide the extra security to make you feel safe.

Q: Are Backrests Necessary?

A: For longer hunts, we definitely recommend getting a tree stand with a backrest, armrest, and a footrest, if possible. These important features make sitting for longer periods and other aspects of tree hunting far more comfortable.

Q: What do hang on stands require?

A: Hang on stands require climbing sticks, tree steps or tree ladder in order to hang and access the stand.