ATTENTION:  WHEN YOU SEE THE FOLLOWING SYMBOL, READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN CAREFULLY.  THE CONTAINED MESSAGE COULD VERY WELL SAVE YOUR LIFE!

   WARNING: 

Thank you for purchasing our product.

Product particulars:

Model:      Product Name:                    Weight limit:*    

SATS1      Skunk Ape                          350lbs

SAJR        Little Ape                            included in above.

*includes hunter, gear & child

WARNING:  The products weight limits are not to be exceeded for any reason.  Weight limit shown above includes the hunter, gear & child.

WARNING:  Statements have been placed throughout this Instruction manual. These statements point out important safety information and instructions that, if not followed, could endanger the personal safety of the owner. It is imperative that the owner of this product, or any other product(s) read and follow all the instructions and warnings contained in this manual prior to attempting to use this product(s), or any other product(s). Failure to comply with these instructions and/or warnings may result in accidental injury or death!

Thank you very much for purchasing our product.  We sincerely hope that you find as much enjoyment hunting in it as we intend for you to and as we do ourselves.

If you suspect that a part(s) is missing and/or defective, immediately contact us on our website:  www.skunkapetreestands.com for replacement of missing or defective parts. Never modify your stand in any way by making repairs, or altering, adding or attaching anything to it unless authorized in writing by Skunk Ape Tree Stands.

LADDERSTAND USAGE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS:

ATTENTION:  WHEN YOU SEE THE FOLLOWING SYMBOL, READ THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN CAREFULLY.  THE CONTAINED MESSAGE COULD VERY WELL SAVE YOUR LIFE!

WARNING:  When stand, and accessories, is not in use, remove from the woods and store in a cool, dry place.

The tether is to be replaced annually with a new TMA approved tether.

The body harness is to be replaced annually with a new TMA approved body harness.

All four (4) of the connection ratcheting straps are to be replaced annually with TMA approved ratcheting straps.

The seat swivel/lap belt combination is to be replaced annually with a new one.

The Skunk Ape Tree Stand comes with a safety tether rope with a Prusik Knot.  There is an additional length of rope included as well.  These are to be used to raise the stand to the tree (instructions to follow) and then the tether with Prusik knot is to be installed as per instructions (instructions to follow) and used for safely ascending and descending the ladder until safely upon the ground.

The Skunk Ape Tree Stand comes with a roll of no slip grip tape for the top of the ladder rungs (instructions to follow).  This tape should be replaced annually with new tape.

  WARNING:  FALLS FROM A TREESTAND CAN OCCUR ANYTIME AFTER LEAVING THE GROUND. THESE FALLS MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL INJURY OR DEATH! FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY, PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THIS PRODUCT INSTRUCTION MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO ASSEMBLE, SET-UP, INSTALL IT AND/OR OTHERWISE USE THIS PRODUCT(S). AT LEAST ANNUALLY, REVIEW THE CONTENTS OF THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL.  ADDITIONALLY, KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION THAT YOU OWN THIS PRODUCT(S). THE SAFE USE AND OPERATION OF THIS PRODUCT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER. IT IS ALSO THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER TO PROVIDE ANY PERSON(S) WHO BORROW OR PURCHASE THIS PRODUCT WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.   ADDITIONALLY, FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION MAY SUBJECT YOU TO PERSONAL LIABILITY PENALTIES AS DETERMINED BY THE U.S. JUDICIAL SYSTEM. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL INJURY OR DEATH!

WARNING:  Prior to each hunt, you must inform someone of your hunting location, including the specific location of your tree stand and the expected duration of your hunt.

Also prior to each hunt, make sure that you have a signaling device (cell phone, radio, whistle, signal flare, personal locator beacon (PLB), etc.) in your possession and in an operable condition. This device must be within easy access should you experience the need to contact emergency assistance. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death!

WARNING:  Make certain all braces, connection ratcheting straps, etc. are tightened per this instruction manual prior to use. All tree stand contact points must be solidly in contact with the tree. The correct adjustment and tightening of attachment hardware is critical to the stable installation of this tree stand. DO NOT attempt to make adjustments to this product while in the tree stand (off the ground). All adjustments must be made with the tree stand on the ground in its entirety. Check all connection points and all safety features prior to each use.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

  WARNING: Prior to attempting to use this product(s), you must take a moment to become familiar with how it is assembled, set-up and installed. You must practice installing, setting up and using this product(s) at ground-level prior to attempting to use it at heights above the ground. Once you have become thoroughly knowledgeable and comfortable with this product(s) set-up, installation and use at ground-level, you are now ready to use it at heights above ground-level. It is recommended that practice erecting the stand be done in the comfort of your yard.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

  WARNING:  Prior to each use thoroughly inspect the tree stand and all safety devices each time before use for signs of wear, rot, corrosion, cracks, deterioration and/or any other type of defect. Make certain that your tree stand is tightly secured at all connection points prior to use. Protect this product from extended exposure to direct sunlight, excessive heat or freezing temperatures by storing inside and in a cool, dry place when not in use. Do not use this or any other product(s) if it shows evidence of wear, rot, corrosion, cracks, deterioration and/or any other type of defect. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death!

  WARNING:  DO NOT leave your stand installed for more than two weeks (14 days). Any number of factors can jeopardize its installation and integrity. These include, but are not limited to, natural occurrences, weather or other environmental factors that can negatively affect its performance.  Animals can also cause damage to your product(s) that can negatively affect its performance and your safety. Additionally, natural factors such as tree growth can stress and damage supporting straps, connection ratcheting straps and/or buckles. ALWAYS inspect the tree stand and all safety devices prior to each use. DO NOT use product if it shows signs of wear, damage, deterioration, or vandalism. Factors such as tree growth, vandals, weather and animals may affect the performance of an unattended tree stand.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

  WARNING:  You must wear a Fall Arrest System (FAS) comprising of a full-body fall arrest harness, tether, tree belt and Suspension Relief Device at all times after leaving the ground. Single safety belts and chest harnesses are no longer allowed and should never be used. If you are not wearing a Full-body fall arrest harness that is properly attached to the tree to protect you from a fall, do not leave the ground. You are responsible for annual safety upgrades for personal protection.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death!

   WARNING:  Never attempt to climb up or down with a weapon and/or gear in your possession/on your person. ALWAYS unload your weapon and pull it up to hunting height using a tether or pull up rope. ALWAYS lower your unloaded weapon down to the ground prior to attempting to climb up or climb down.  Use this same method when raising or lowering all other gear.  When raising or lowering firearms it must be unloaded, the chamber must be open and the barrel pointing toward the ground. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death!

WARNING:  DO NOT use this or any other product(s) if you have a history of heart problems, back problems, impaired vision, joints that lock-up, spinal fusions, equilibrium problems, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, are not well-rested and/or any other physical impairment that may limit your ability to use and/or operate this product(s) in the safe manner outlined in this instruction manual.  Also, if you are currently taking medication (including prescription) and/or using and/or consuming any substance, legal or illegal, including alcohol, that may limit your ability to use this product(s) as described then do not use this product(s). Never use a tree stand when feeling ill, nauseous or dizzy. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death!

   WARNING:  DO NOT modify, fix/repair, alter, bend, cut, weld, or heat the tree stand at any time.  Do not attach anything to your tree stand without explicit authorized and written instructions from the manufacturer. BEFORE each use, make sure all nuts and bolts are secure. CHECK all hardware and connection ratcheting straps and ladder braces prior to every use to make sure that no damage has occurred to hardware and that the straps (as applicable) are not cut or frayed.  Keep straps from coming into contact with any sharp edges.  DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF ANY DAMAGE IS SUSPECTED.  Failure to follow these instructions will void warranty and may result in accidental injury or death!

      WARNING:  Strict weight limitations have been set for each product to ensure your personal safety. Note the weight limitations of your stand and that this weight limit includes the user and equipment. NEVER EXCEED THESE WEIGHT LIMITATIONS!  DO NOT jump or bounce on the tree stand platform and/or the seat to engage the stand to the tree. The shooting rail on this product(s) is not designed to support the weight of the user.  NEVER place more than ten (10) pounds of weight on this structure. DO NOT stand on the tree stand seat.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

  WARNING:  DO NOT attempt to use this or any product(s) when ice, snow, and/or freezing rain has deposited or formed on any portion of the tree or stand you intend to climb. Do not attempt to use this or any other product(s) when thunderstorms are threatening and/or present within five (5) miles. Do not attempt to use this or any other product(s) when any other adverse weather condition presents itself. These include, but are not limited to, weather conditions which have the potential for producing winds, lightning, rain, snow, sleet and/or any other atmospheric condition which may limit the user’s ability to operate this product(s) in a safe manner as described in this instruction manual. Should inclement weather conditions arise during your use of this product(s), return to the ground at once. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death!

   WARNING:  ALWAYS inspect/check ALL expiration dates/tags on all straps and the full-body fall arrest harness and its components prior to each use. You must replace ALL straps and suspension seats EVERY year. Never use any strap(s) or full-body fall arrest harness that has expired and/or is showing any signs of damage and/or wear. ALWAYS wear the appropriate foot wear when using a tree stand. A good non-slip safety boot is important for your safety. Be careful that boot laces do not get hooked on the tree stand or climbing aids.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury and death!

   WARNING:  NEVER use this product, or attempt to use a tree stand on a dead, leaning, diseased, loose barked tree (bark that flakes or falls off), irregular shaped trees or utility poles. NEVER use this product on any tree that does not allow for a level standing platform.  NEVER hunt out of a tree stand at heights at which you are not completely comfortable.  Depending upon the tree and hunting conditions, choose the minimum hunting height that allows for safe, effective hunting. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

   WARNING:  This product(s) was designed for installation on trees with a minimum diameter of nine (9) inches. DO NOT use your product(s) on trees with trunk diameters that do not meet this minimum diameter requirement. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

    WARNING:  A minimum of three (3) adults (18+ years old) is required to install and/or remove a ladder stand. When installing a ladder stand, always apply weight on the first rung to set the ladder firmly into the ground.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

   WARNING:  Check the ground under ladder stands and climbing systems to make sure it is firm and level. Sloping ground and/or uneven surfaces (Example: roots or rocks.) can cause the ladder to tilt or shift off the tree as you climb.  ALWAYS maintain three-point contact when climbing up/down a tree when using climbing aids. Proper three-point contact means having either two feet with one hand or one foot with two hands on the step portion of the climbing aids at all times when climbing up or down.  ALWAYS lean forward as you climb and attach your harness to the tree before securing the platform to the tree and stepping onto the platform.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental injury or death.

   WARNING:   The hunter shall never pass his/her legs beyond the shooting rail uprights located behind the seat.  Legs/feet should always be in the foot platform or side step platform areas.  Always make sure that the safety pin (located on the right side of the seat when facing the tree) is secured properly through the stand frame and the chair frame.  Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury or death.