Tree stand experts - a question

[TSchirm]

Ok, I feel a little foolish even asking this, but, this is what happened.  Last fall I put up a tree stand around the end of August (our archery season for deer opens Sept 1).  I shot a deer from a ground blind a few days later, but thought a friend might use the stand.  Later when elk hunting, I hurt my hip enough that it was very painful to try to climb anything. I figured I would go back and get the stand and climbing sticks when my hip didn't hurt so much.

Well, I got so busy with things, I forgot the stand and it has been up this whole time, along with the safety rope with Prussic knot, and climbing sticks.

My question is, will the straps and rope be okay, or (as I am thinking) should I replace the straps, rope, etc.

I can't believe these things out there slipped my mind, I sometimes wonder if senility is creeping up on me - lol.

[Orion]

Don't know.  Good that you have the safety rope still there.  Test it a bit before you use it to take down your stand and steps. I assume you have nylon straps on the stand and steps.  Check them over carefully as you're going up, and after they're removed.  Critters like to chew on straps.  Over time, sun degrades nylon. Freezing and thawing can contribute to weakening them as well. They can become quite weak despite not showing a lot of wear.  If it were me, I'd probably replace the straps.

[maineac]

Ditto

[JamesV]

I would replace them, if it only saves your life once it will be worth the trouble and expense.

James

[ESP]

I would replace them.

[KSdan]

Ditto everything said. The tree growth can even put tremendous stress on the workings.

Your LIFE depends on those straps/buckles/ropes!

Dan in KS

[Bowwild]

I would also replace them. I know guys who leave their stands up all year (I have as well sometimes). They (we) simply replace the ratchet straps with new ones. I do take my ascent/descent rope down at season's end though - those things are expensive at $100 for 3!

Roy

[Possum Head]

Simple enough to test at twice your weight.

[Stump73]

If you want to hunt that same spot leave them hooked to tje tree and simply just run new rachet straps either right above or below the old ones. At least you will havexa little extra security.  But if you are moveing to a another replace all. But I wood defiantly replace the safety rope. I have on stand that probably has about 5 straps on it. Being it is the best stand lon the whole property.

[hunterjrg]

Having my own land in the WI northwoods I leave my stands up for several years at a time. I will loosen the ratchet straps to allow for tree growth but then cinch them up for the season. A high quality nylon ratchet strap will last a long time.

Being in the trades and rigging I have seen first hand what they are capable of.

Of course use your own judgement on your straps.