The Treestand Injury Problem
Falls from treestands send thousands of hunters to emergency rooms every year. These aren’t minor tumbles—falls from 15 to 25 feet routinely cause spinal injuries, traumatic brain damage, broken bones, paralysis, and death.
Big Dog Treestand Models
Big Dog manufactures various treestand models including ladder stands, hang-on stands, and climbing treestands designed for deer hunting and other game. These products are marketed as durable hunting platforms for gaining elevation advantage during hunts.
No Current Recall Information
As of now, Big Dog treestands have not been recalled by the CPSC or the manufacturer. The absence of a recall doesn’t mean accidents can’t happen—it simply means no widespread safety defects have been identified that require pulling products from the market.
Common Treestand Failure Points
Across all brands, treestands can fail in several ways: straps that break or slip, welds that crack, cables that release, platforms that collapse, attachment points that give way, and ladder sections that separate. Any one of these failures can send a hunter falling.
Other Brands That Have Been Recalled
The treestand industry has seen numerous recalls over the years. API Outdoors recalled climbing treestands when cable assemblies released, causing falls and serious injuries including broken vertebrae.
Ameristep Treestand Recalls
Ameristep recalled Patriot and Outfitter hang-on treestands after j-hook attachments failed, creating collapse hazards. Three j-hook failures were reported before the company initiated the recall.
Big Game Treestand Issues
Big Game Treestands recalled “The Captain” hang-on models when plastic-coated cable crimps slipped during use, causing the standing platform to release. Ten falls and two injuries occurred before that recall.
BBK Enterprises Recall
BBK recalled their model 10010 tree climbers after discovering the steel back brace could weaken and fail. Though no injuries had been reported at the time, the company recognized the catastrophic potential of structural failure.
The Fall-Arrest System Problem
Even with treestands that don’t fail, hunters can still fall if they slip, lose balance, or get struck by falling limbs. That’s why fall-arrest harnesses and safety systems are critical—but only if they actually work when needed.
When Safety Equipment Fails
Tree straps can snap, harness buckles can break, and connection points can release. In the C & S Global Imports case, a hunter died when his fall-arrest system’s tree strap snapped during a hunt, dropping him 18 feet.
The Installation Factor
Many treestand accidents result from improper installation rather than product defects. Straps not tightened correctly, platforms not secured properly, or stands attached to unsuitable trees can all lead to failures.
Wear and Deterioration
Treestands left outdoors year-round face corrosion from moisture, UV degradation from sunlight, and stress from temperature cycles. Components that were safe when new can become dangerous after seasons of exposure.
Weight Limits and Load Capacity
Every treestand has a rated weight capacity that includes the hunter plus all gear, weapons, and equipment. Exceeding that limit stresses components beyond their design specifications and increases failure risk.
The Invisible Flame Problem
Just as alcohol fires burn with nearly invisible flames in daylight, metal fatigue and stress cracks in treestand components aren’t always visible during inspection. A component can look fine externally while being compromised internally.
Annual Inspection Requirements
Hunters should inspect treestands before each season, looking for rust, corrosion, cracks in welds, frayed straps, worn cables, and loose bolts. But even careful inspection can miss hidden defects in critical components.
The Three-Point Contact Rule
Safe climbing requires maintaining three points of contact at all times—two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand. Breaking this rule while ascending or descending increases fall risk dramatically.
Manufacturing Standards
Treestands should meet the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA) voluntary safety standards. However, compliance is voluntary, and not all manufacturers follow these guidelines or test their products rigorously.
When to Consider Legal Action
If you were injured in a treestand fall and believe equipment failure contributed to the accident, document everything immediately. Preserve the failed treestand, photograph failure points, gather medical records, and consult with a product liability attorney.
What Makes a Valid Claim
Product liability cases require proving the equipment was defective when it left the manufacturer and that the defect caused your injuries. Strong cases involve clear evidence of component failure, proper installation and use, and documented injuries requiring medical treatment.
Contact an Attorney
If a treestand failure—whether Big Dog or any other brand—caused you to fall and sustain serious injuries, contact a product liability lawyer immediately. Save all failed equipment without attempting repairs, photograph everything at the accident scene, preserve purchase records, and gather all medical documentation of your fall injuries.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/Global-Manufacturing-Company-Recalls-API-Outdoors-Tree-Stands
2. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2006/hunting-tree-stands-recalled-for-collapse-hazard
3. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Big-Game-Treestands-Recalls-2021-The-Captain-Hang-on-Treestands-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards
4. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2004/CPSC-BBK-Enterprises-Inc-Announce-Recall-of-Tree-Climbers