Got my 1st tree stand

[Ed Brooks]

A friend of mine had a Gorilla hang on tree stand for several yrs hanging in his garage, he sold it for a 30 pack to another friend, who hung it in his garage for a few yrs. It seems to be in great shape, however the strap tag said it expired in 2003- Change it? Use it? How often do you guys change them? I do not see any ware spots in the strap.
I still need to find a safety harness any suggestions? Thank You. Ed

[bowtarist]

I have a harness still in the bag I got with a ladder stand a few years ago. It's your;s if you want. dp

[Mohawk13]

Cabela's in Lacey will have a new strap/harness set up....Used to work in that Dept.....

[PEARL DRUMS]

I don't change them until I see wear, which is never for me. If I have any question at all about a straps integrity Ill wrap another ratchet strap around it for insurance. Cables are what I watch closely, yet Ive never replaced one in 25 years.

[Eric Krewson]

I would use the original strap but back it up with another heavy duty ratchet strap. I double strap all my hang ons, even ones that have a chain.

[osage outlaw]

You can get a very nice quality harness for around $40 online.  I got one last fall and they are much better than the free ones that come with a new stand.  But if you don't want to spend the money, get the one Derik offered.  It will keep you safe if you use it correctly.

[killir duck]

i don't use stands much, but i always use besides the main strap a heavy ratchet strap.

[Ed Brooks]

Thank you for the feedback,
DP: PM sent Thank you.

Mohawk: thank you for that, you must be pretty close to were I'm, I'm going to hit DP up for this 1st one, as I'm still not sure I will be able to go up a tree, spooked of heights a little 

PD, Eric & Duck: I will be getting a new ratchet strap or a few anyway, think I'll be making a few ladders out and about that I will strap up to the tree,  and will be adding one to my stand, thank you.

Outlaw: Going to hit DP up for this one, just to try it as I don't really want to spend much $ . Kinda how I got into archery, To see if I can do this without sending $ to do so. My hunting equipment last yr was free / home made and fun as well all get out. Hope you all have a good day. Ed.

[H Rhodes]

Ed, I'm not wild about high places either, but those ratchet straps will hold it good and steady and last for years.   I hardly ever hang a stand higher than ten or twelve feet - I don't think you need to be real far off the ground to kill a deer.  Even six or eight feet off the ground and you have given yourself a real advantage.  Hunting higher up messes with my accuracy anyway - my arrows don't like those extreme angles!  Good luck with your new stand.