when should a hunter wear a fall-arrest system?

A hunter should wear a fall-arrest system any time their feet leave the ground , from the moment they start climbing until they are safely back on the ground.

Quick Scoop

• Wear a fall-arrest system:
  • When climbing up to a tree stand or elevated position.

* While installing or hanging a tree stand using climbing aids.

* The entire time you are seated or standing in the stand.

* When entering and exiting the stand, including transitioning on and off the platform.

* When descending back down the tree or ladder, until both feet are firmly on the ground.

Why it matters

• Most treestand accidents happen while climbing up or down, not just while sitting in the stand.

• A properly used full‑body fall-arrest system can prevent serious injury or death from an unexpected slip, broken step, or failed strap at any stage of the hunt.

Simple rule to remember

If you’re off the ground, your harness goes on and stays attached.

That means clip in at ground level, stay connected as you climb, hunt while attached, and only unclip once you are back on the ground.

TL;DR: When should a hunter wear a fall-arrest system? Every moment they are off the ground—climbing, hanging the stand, getting in or out, and while hunting from the stand.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.