Stand hunting after a snowfall : risky or no big deal?

[Northcountryman]

Up here in the Catskills , been snowing for almost past 2 days. When I go in the morning , should I not climb into my stand ? To me , it’s kinda risky cuz the snow and ice reduce traction and increase the potential for a nasty fall; what do you think ? I’m thinking if maybe staying on the ground and bringing my portable blind and / or doin a little still hunting ; what do you think? 

[First-light]

Don't risk it. I fell this year without any snow. I was very lucky not to get hurt. Pick a good spot and Whack one!

[Daveboone]

I am going to be up there...best conditions and the reason we are there. Be sure to clear your steps  and platform and use a fall restraint/belt, and haul line.

[luberhill]

Be hooked up before your feet leave the ground , firearm attached to lift cord

[heavuser]

21 hours ago, Northcountryman said:

Up here in the Catskills , been snowing for almost past 2 days. When I go in the morning , should I not climb into my stand ? To me , it’s kinda risky cuz the snow and ice reduce traction and increase the potential for a nasty fall; what do you think ? I’m thinking if maybe staying on the ground and bringing my portable blind and / or doin a little still hunting ; what do you think? 

Do you not hookup on the way up or down your stand? If not, then regardless of snow, you are needlessly risking your life.

[Doc]

I hunt from the ground 100% now (fear of heights). But one thing I do remember is how slick tree steps and stand platforms can get with just a little snow. Be sure to harness up snow or no-snow.

[Larry]

First always use a harness not a belt. I hook up on the ground then when I get up in the stand I hook on to a fall restraint that is supposed to lower me to the ground if I fall. I have gone to all ladder stands, since my first knee replacement easier to get in and out of. 

What I would recommend if you still use hang ons is remove the gut hooks and go to climbing sticks wherever possible a lot safer.

[nybuckboy]

I agree with everything that was said^^^^

[luberhill]

On 12/18/2022 at 2:45 PM, heavuser said:

Do you not hookup on the way up or down your stand? If not, then regardless of snow, you are needlessly risking your life.

Hook up on the ground … unhook on the ground 

[luberhill]

On 12/20/2022 at 3:56 AM, Larry said:

First always use a harness not a belt. I hook up on the ground then when I get up in the stand I hook on to a fall restraint that is supposed to lower me to the ground if I fall. I have gone to all ladder stands, since my first knee replacement easier to get in and out of. 

What I would recommend if you still use hang ons is remove the gut hooks and go to climbing sticks wherever possible a lot safer.

And if u use a hang on , replace the cables with chains 

[heavuser]

2 hours ago, luberhill said:

Hook up on the ground … unhook on the ground 

It amazes me how many people do not do this. 

[luberhill]

8 hours ago, heavuser said:

It amazes me how many people do not do this. 

Agree , and every year it seems there is at least one person killed because of it