Tree stand falls are the No.1 cause of injury and death for deer hunters. For that reason, it’s imperative to take precautionary measures to remain safe throughout your time in the stand. Hunter Safety Systems (HSS) offers safety harnesses and other gear that are designed to keep stand hunters safe.

 

HSS was founded after a tree stand fall almost cost one hunter his life. In the fall of 2000, John Wydner was hunting white-tail deer when his tree stand collapsed beneath him. Because he wasn’t wearing the harness that was provided with his stand, he was headed straight to the ground. Luckily, as he fell he was able to grab ahold of the top of the climber and shimmy down. John made it to the ground safely with a few scratches and bruises, but he knew many hunters have not been so lucky. At the time, tree stand harnesses were cumbersome and easily tangled, so hunters often avoided wearing them, which John learned was unacceptable. John and his brother Jerry became driven to design a more user-friendly option. With the help of a designer and John’s sister-in-law Mary Alice Cagle, the duo designed a comfortable, adjustable and affordable harness beginning a new era of hunting safety harnesses. Hunter Safety System, Inc. is now in its 16th year and can be credited with saving the lives of numbers of hunters. John and Jerry are very humbled by the multitude of testimonials they have received from hunters who have been saved by the Hunter Safety System harness.

 

Realtree is a huge supporter of tree stand safety and is proud HSS displays Realtree’s patterns on its large assortment of tree stand harnesses and safety accessories.  Below is a sampling of HSS’s offerings.

 

Hybrid Flex – The Hybrid Flex features individual, padded hexagons straps for comfort and maximum flexibility in or out of the stand. The trim design gives a snug fit without compromising movement and the 1.25-inch upper-body webbing, shock absorbing tether and waist buckle reduce weight and bulk. The Hybrid Flex also features HSS’s new ElimiShield® Scent Control Technology -- the revolutionary approach to controlling human scent before it forms. This Active Scent Control Technology produces a strong molecular chain of atoms that resembles a microscopic “bed of nails.” These charged atoms attract, then physically pierce the cell walls of odor-causing bacteria, eliminating odor on treated articles. Smart Fabrics keep you comfortable all season long and are deadly quiet in any temperature.

 

Elite --  The Elite, available in Realtree Xtra, features ElimiShield® Scent Control Technology to control human scent before it forms. A 1.25-inch-thin tether absorbs more shock and the unique six-plus-two pocket design features two deep well pockets, two accessory pockets and two hand warmer pockets. The removable/stowable bino straps store in the “plus-two” zippered chest pockets. The Right Fit™ stretch panel provides a tailor fit and the easy-to-use, lightweight leg buckles for easy dressing in the field.

Contour— The Contour combines form with function. Featuring ElimiShield® Scent Control Technology to control human scent, the Contour is engineered specifically for the contours of a woman’s body. The Contour features three Right-Fit™ stretch panels for a comfortable, snug fit and maximum range of movement.  Two lined zippered pockets double as storage and hand-warming pockets.  All of this is built on HSS’s patented system that millions of hunters trust. The Contour features turquoise blue piping and accent colors and the patented HSS design eliminates dangerous dangling straps and weave-through buckles.

 

Big Boy Harness – The Big Boy Harness is perfect for the big guys. It's got plenty of room in the chest and belly and has plenty of adjustability for a custom fit. It’s loaded with pockets, including two chest pockets that are perfect for smart phones and other small essentials. The binocular straps are also a great addition.

 

 

Muff Pack  -- The Muff Pack is lined with warm polar fleece to keep hands warm when temperatures drop. It boasts an ergonomically correct design for standing or sitting and a fitted front and back with multiple storage pockets. An adjustable waistband sizes easily for bulky winter clothing.

Lifeline – Eighty six percent of tree stand accidents occur while ascending or descending the tree or getting into or out of the stand. Stay attached to the tree from the ground to the stand, during the hunt and back again with a properly installed HSS-Lifeline. Available in a variety of configurations, the Lifeline eliminates the need to move tree straps up and down as you ascend and descend the tree.  In the event of a misstep, the Lifeline stops you wherever you happen to be in your climb.  The Lifeline offers total protection from the ground to the stand and back again. Comes complete with Recon carabiner and HSS-COWBELL sound dampener that eliminates rattles and clangs.

For more info, visit www.huntersafetysystem.com

 

Editor’s Note: Realtree licenses 27,000 products that can be found in more than 38,000 retail locations worldwide. Whether customers are looking for rugged outdoor equipment or everyday gear that enhances their active lifestyle, it can be found in a Realtree pattern. If you’re interested in growing your business with a Realtree licensing program, let’s talk! Find out more and contact us here.