Looks like you've got all the bases covered as well Hoytman!
Ratchet tie downs are definitely a good idea. "No deer" is worth taking a life threatening chance on a stand shifting. We use API body harnesses and home made climbing ropes like yours as well. Just slipping the rope over each step as you climb.
Most accidents I think happen when climbing up and down, "and" when making the transition from ladder to platform. That's where a climbing rope is a necessity. I also keep another rope with snaps permanently attached(while we are hunting that location) "above" our stands to clip onto our harness, so we can safely unhook the main rope when we go "above" the platform.
Only when we are on stand and have hooked our tree-harness strap to our harness, do we unhook our climbing belt.
All of the risks of climbing ladders, entering/exiting stands etc is made even more dangerous by... bulky hunting clothes and boots, being cold and stiff after sitting for long periods, and the excitement of shooting a deer.
Play it safe out there guys! Don't take chances! Especially don't use old home-made wooded stands of unknown origin or unsafe construction.
Ratchet tie downs are definitely a good idea. "No deer" is worth taking a life threatening chance on a stand shifting. We use API body harnesses and home made climbing ropes like yours as well. Just slipping the rope over each step as you climb.
Most accidents I think happen when climbing up and down, "and" when making the transition from ladder to platform. That's where a climbing rope is a necessity. I also keep another rope with snaps permanently attached(while we are hunting that location) "above" our stands to clip onto our harness, so we can safely unhook the main rope when we go "above" the platform.
Only when we are on stand and have hooked our tree-harness strap to our harness, do we unhook our climbing belt.
All of the risks of climbing ladders, entering/exiting stands etc is made even more dangerous by... bulky hunting clothes and boots, being cold and stiff after sitting for long periods, and the excitement of shooting a deer.
Play it safe out there guys! Don't take chances! Especially don't use old home-made wooded stands of unknown origin or unsafe construction.