An empty ladder stand against a straight oak at the edge of a field in autumn

Tree stand types, explained

Hang-on, climbing, and ladder stands, and the guidelines for all three.

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Hang-on stands

A hang-on stand is a platform and seat strapped to the tree, reached with separate climbing steps or sticks.

Climbing stands

A climbing stand comes in two parts that you move up and down the tree in turns.

Ladder stands

A ladder stand has its own ladder, with the seat and platform at the top, set against the tree.

Guidelines for every type

The Treestand Manufacturers Association says to read the maker's warnings and instructions each season, never exceed the weight limit, and never modify a stand without the maker's written permission. It says never to use homemade or permanently elevated stands, and to use stands certified to industry standards it recognizes.

Choose the tree

The TMA says to select a live, healthy, straight tree within the maker's size limits, never a leaning tree, and not to leave a stand installed for more than two weeks.

Always the harness

The TMA says to wear a full-body fall arrest harness every time you leave the ground, whatever the stand. Tree stand safety harnesses

Sources: Treestand Manufacturers Association, Treestand Safety Guidelines (PDF); CPSC, Hunting Treestands and Harnesses, Safety Alert 5200 (PDF).

FAQ

Which type is safest?

We do not rank them. The TMA guidelines apply to all of them.

Can I build my own stand?

The TMA says never to use homemade stands.

General information only. Hunting laws, seasons, licenses, and hunter orange rules are set by each state; check your state wildlife agency's current regulations before you hunt, and take the hunter education course your state offers. If you hunt from a tree stand, wear a full-body fall arrest harness system every time you leave the ground, including while climbing up and down, follow the Treestand Manufacturers Association's Treestand Safety Guidelines and the maker's instructions, and have a plan for rescue. Tell someone where you will be and when you will return. In an emergency, call 911.

A full-body tree stand harness with tether and tree strap laid neatly on a cedar bench under autumn trees

Tree stand safety harnesses

Every time you leave the ground.

A dark fabric ground blind tucked into the edge of a hardwood treeline beside a quiet meadow

Ground blinds, explained

Hunting from the ground.

A quiet rustic classroom table by a window with a closed notebook

Hunter education courses

Find your state's course.

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