The Short Answer: Every type of tree stand requires a full-body harness and a proper fall protection system to prevent serious injuries. Never climb or hunt without staying connected from the ground up, regardless of your experience level.

Every year, thousands of deer hunters are injured or killed from falls while using tree stands. These accidents often happen in an instant—during the climb, while shifting position, or even as hunters doze off after hours of waiting. The Treestand Manufacturers Association emphasizes that these serious injuries are largely preventable with proper safety equipment and practices.

Whether you’re deer hunting for food or sport, fall protection should be as essential as your firearm or bow. At Malta Hunting Safety, we understand the dangers of working and playing at height. That’s why we’ve built hunting-specific fall protection systems that keep you anchored and in control during hunting season.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most common types of stands and recommend the best fall protection gear for each type of stand.

The Risks of Hunting from Heights

Tree stands are one of the most effective tools for deer hunters, but they’re also one of the most dangerous when safety precautions are overlooked. A single misstep during a climb, a moment of fatigue in the elevated stand, or wet and slippery conditions can quickly lead to a devastating fall.

A study by Ward & Ward found that tree stands are the leading cause of serious injuries during hunting season. These incidents happen most often while ascending or descending the stand or transitioning from climbing aids to the platform. Even seasoned hunters are at risk—years of experience don’t eliminate the danger of a fall. 

Environmental conditions amplify these risks. Rain, frost, or muddy boots can make tree steps and platforms slick. Hours spent sitting in one position can cause stiffness, increasing the chance of losing balance. 

The solution is simple: stay connected from the ground up. A properly fitted full body harness and a secure tether line ensure that if a slip does happen, you’re anchored and protected. With the right fall protection system, hunters can focus on the experience—not the risk.

Types of Tree Stands and Recommended Fall Protection

Tree stands give deer hunters an advantage in the field, but each design comes with its own set of safety challenges. Understanding these differences is the first step to choosing the right fall protection system for your hunt. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of stands and how to stay anchored in each one.

Hang-On (Fixed Position) Tree Stands

What They Are 

Hang-on tree stands are lightweight platforms that strap directly to a tree trunk. Hunters typically use climbing sticks or screw-in tree steps to reach the desired height. These hang-on stands are popular for their portability and quiet setup, especially among bowhunters on public land.

The Risks 

Because hang-on stands lack guardrails, hunters are fully exposed to the risk of a fall. The transition from the climbing aid to the platform is one of the most dangerous moments. Slips often happen during this phase, and without proper tie-off, there’s nothing to stop a fall. For first time users, this type of stand requires extra caution and practice.

Recommended Fall Protection

• A full-body hunting harness that offers comfort and flexibility for long sits
• A lineman’s climbing strap to stay secured while ascending, descending, and setting up the stand
• Locking carabiners and lifelines to maintain a continuous connection from the ground up
• Always maintain three points of contact while using climbing sticks

Safety Tip: Always stay connected while climbing and never rely on your stand alone for hunter safety.

Climbing Tree Stands

What They Are 

Climbing tree stands allow hunters to scale a tree by “walking” the stand up the trunk. They’re lightweight, portable, and ideal for hunting on public land where permanent installations aren’t allowed. This climbing stand requires finding a straight tree without branches to work effectively.

The Risks 

Falls can occur if the stand’s grip on the tree trunk fails or if the hunter loses balance mid-climb. These stands require practice and careful attention to technique to use safely. Your body weight and climbing technique are critical factors in maintaining secure contact with the tree.

Recommended Fall Protection

• A full body harness paired with an attached harness tether
• A tree strap system that allows controlled upward and downward movement
• Regular inspections of the stand’s gripping teeth to ensure they bite securely into the tree trunk

Safety Tip: Practice using your climbing tree stand at low heights before hunting season to build confidence and identify potential issues.

Ladder Stands

What They Are 

Ladder stands combine a ladder with a platform and seat. They offer more stability than hang-on or climbing stands and are easier to use, making them a popular choice for hunters of all experience levels. This type of stand is excellent for hunters who return to the same stand location repeatedly.

The Risks 

Falls often occur during installation when ladder sections are being connected or secured. Climbing with gear in hand also increases the chance of losing balance. Recent years have shown that even stable ladder stands can pose risks during setup and takedown.

Recommended Fall Protection

• A full body harness and vertical lifeline system
• A secure anchor point at the top of the ladder before stepping onto the platform
• A two-person setup to stabilize the ladder during assembly
• Use a haul line for gear instead of carrying items while climbing

Safety Tip: Take your time assembling and inspecting your stand. Always maintain three points of contact while climbing the ladder.

Box or Tower Stands

What They Are 

Box stands (also called tower stands) are elevated, enclosed structures that provide protection from the elements and more space for gear. They’re common for firearm hunters and long sits in variable weather conditions.

The Risks

Complacency is the biggest threat. Hunters often skip wearing a safety harness because the enclosure feels safe. However, the climb up to the stand remains a significant fall hazard, and wet or icy steps can still cause slips.

Recommended Fall Protection

• A full body harness for climbing into and out of the stand
• An anchored lifeline if the interior height requires additional tie-off
• Anti-slip treads on steps and platforms to improve footing

Safety Tip: Treat every climb as a potential fall hazard, no matter how sturdy or enclosed your tower stand feels.

Choosing the Right Harness for Hunting

Hunting from a tree stand requires a safety harness that’s designed specifically for the unique challenges of the outdoors. Standard worksite harnesses, while effective in industrial settings, can often feel too bulky, too restrictive, or too noisy for deer hunters. A body harness built for hunting addresses these concerns while still providing the same level of fall protection you’d expect from professional-grade gear.

The right hunting safety harness should be:

• Lightweight and quiet to help you stay undetected in the woods
• Comfortable enough for long hours in the deer stand without causing fatigue or discomfort
• Streamlined and flexible for smooth movement while drawing a bow or shouldering a firearm
• Rugged and reliable, tested to the same safety standards as worksite equipment

At Malta, we’ve applied the same engineering and attention to detail we use in our industrial harnesses to create gear that meets the specific needs of hunters. With the right full body harness, you can stay focused on the hunt while staying anchored and secure from the moment your feet leave the ground. Shop Hunting Fall Protection Gear today!

Pro Tips for Safe Hunting at Heights

Using the right fall protection system is the foundation of treestand safety, but there are additional best practices every hunter should follow to reduce risk and stay secure in the field:

• Inspect your gear before every hunt. Check harnesses, ropes, carabiners, and stands for wear or damage before use. This first step could save your life.
• Maintain three points of contact while climbing. Always have two hands and one foot—or two feet and one hand—on the ladder or tree steps to maximize stability.
• Use a haul line for gear. Never carry firearms, bows, or backpacks in your hands while climbing; instead, raise and lower them using a strong haul line.
• Practice with your fall protection system. Familiarize yourself with your safety harness and lifeline before hunting season so you’re confident and efficient in the field.
• Plan for emergencies. Keep a communication device within reach and share your hunting location and expected return time with someone at home.
• Choose your stand location carefully. Select a straight tree that can support your body weight and provides a clear view of your hunting area.

These proactive steps, combined with reliable fall protection gear, allow you to focus on your hunt with peace of mind during hunting season.

Hunt Safe. Stay Anchored.

Tree stands are an essential part of many deer hunting strategies, but hunter safety must always come first. Falls can happen to anyone—regardless of experience level—and preparation is the key to preventing accidents and serious injuries.

At Malta Hunting Safety, we’ve built our hunting fall protection systems with the same care and expertise that go into our worksite safety gear. Whether you’re using a climber, setting up a hang-on tree stand, or waiting for the perfect shot in your deer stand, we’re here to help you hunt with confidence.

From your first time in a tree stand to decades of hunting experience, the right safety equipment protects you every step of the way. Don’t let a preventable accident cut short your hunting season or worse—invest in quality fall protection gear that keeps you safe at height.

Shop Hunting Fall Protection Gear