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Tree Stand Theft Prevention

James McClain - Tree Stand Lock Inventor

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If your passion is hunting as is mine, you know timing is everything. We wait until the wind is just right, we watch for that big white oak to drop its acorns, and most importantly, we eagerly anticipate opening day. A well seasoned hunter thoughtfully and strategically places a tree stand weeks -- sometimes months -- prior to the opener. But it’s what we don’t anticipate, what we don’t look for, that can blow the most carefully set plans. On opening day five years ago my plans and sense of security were violated when I fell victim to a lesser discussed hunting event-- the theft of my tree stand.

Months of scouting, tree pruning and trail clearing blown to kingdom come with the heavy metallic crunch of a vandal with a bolt cutter. With a cut padlock and cable at my feet I made a vow that I would never have another tree stand taken-- or lose another opening day. Indeed, that was the real hurt, knowing the tree stand could be replaced but the day was gone forever.

I invented and patented an anti-theft device for fixed-position tree stands; the type with dual upright construction (such as the API Baby Grand). The bolt-cutter bandit won’t find a chain, cable, or padlock to destroy with this device. The locking system fits over the dual uprights and is secured by an eye type bolt. I should point out that this device adds no safety enhancement to the tree stand hunting environment. I signed a contract with San Angelo(210.661.9494 x136) in 2003 and my tree stand lock/anti-theft device can be found in Wal Mart, The Sportsman's Guide and various outdoor stores. Suggested retail price is $19.95.

The installation is simple and uses no specialty tools-- everything you need comes with the product. The first step of installation is to screw the large eye bolt into the tree in the approximate vicinity of the dual uprights of the tree stand. The eye bolt can be started by hand and further tightened by using the elongated slot in the lock flange. Next, install the tree stand per manufacturer's instructions with the eye bolt between the two uprights. The third step is to place the tree stand lock over the large eye bolt, perpendicular to and overlapping the dual uprights. Lastly, engage the locking mechanism through the eye bolt.

What separates this from any other tree stand locking device is the absence of exposed contact points. The design of the flange prohibits access to the eye bolt. The "v" design on the top and bottom of the flange allows the use of any size tree from which you can safely hang a tree stand. Succinctly, this means the bolt cutter bandit is out of business. What this also means is peace of mind knowing that your tree stand will be there when the time is right.

Marketing anti-theft tree stand devices can be difficult because it deals with a segment of our hunting fraternity we don't like to discuss. The fact is, it happens to many of us. My goal is to make everyone acquire their tree stand hunting equipment just like I do-- honestly! This lock fits into a backpack and with little or no care, will last a lifetime.

Hunting is full of surprises. To have your equipment stolen is one surprise we can do without. I currently have a patent pending on a scouting camera anti-theft device. I plan to launch my marketing campaign this month.

Good Hunting
James McClain
> Tree Stands > Tree Stand Lock