Mike Hanback brought up a good point about tree stand safety in his May 18th blog post. Many hunters leave their stands out all year long. Hanback points out that not only is this an open invitation for stands to get stolen, it also can be a safety hazard. The elements take their toll on tree stands. The combination of sun and moisture can weaken straps and ropes leading to premature failure.
It is a good idea to pull your stands and store them in an area that is out of the sun and rain. Before you hang them again in the fall check them and replace any rusted bolts or straps that might be questionable.
Not only can storing your stands and a little preventative maintenance prolong the life of your hunting gear, it might also save you from a future malfunction resulting in injury.
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