My name is Cody Walker with Grigsby Outdoors, and I would like to take a minute to share my thoughts and concerns on stand safety. Working as a line Firefighter /Paramedic, I deal with safety and the lack there of on a daily basis. I have had the opportunity to work with several experts in the public safety, rescue and technical rescue fields. I am aware of the implications that can result if safety is taken out of an equation. During the initial planning stages of this operation we decided that we would not cut any corners regarding the safety of our clients. Safety has been a deciding factor in the techniques and products that we use and when you share your outdoor experience with Grigsby Outdoors it will show.

When Grigsby Outdoors was in the process of selecting stands we considered several issues including: safety, comfort, quietness, durability, bow hunter friendly, and the ability to accommodate customers of all shapes and sizes. We also considered the flexibility of offering a lock-on versus a ladder stand. We felt that the Gorilla King Kong lounger met all of our requirements for a lock on stand. The Gorilla King Kong Lounger is an exceptional stand with plenty of room. The stand features a roomy, oversized platform, which makes you feel comfortable while standing and drawing your bow. This stand also features arm rests that are connected to the seat which can conveniently be moved back in one fluent motion to hug the tree. All of our Loungers are connected to the tree via two anchors. The two anchors include a factory strap, which we placed on the bottom of the stand in addition to a 3000lb ratchet strap that Grigsby Outdoors added as an additional safety feature. Our philosophy is simple, “if it’s not right it’s wrong.” All stands are hung level and true. Grigsby Outdoors selected API Alumi-Tech stacking sticks in the 20-foot model. The stacking sticks are sleek and extremely quiet, equipped with an oversized step on each rung with a non slip surface and are anchored safely to the tree with manufactured supplied straps.

Grigsby Outdoors opted the Loggy Bayou bow hunter ladder in the 21 foot model. This sleek stand features a thick comfortable seat that towers to 21 feet. We have placed several of these stands throughout the property for hunters who prefer a ladder.

Grigsby Outdoors requires all hunters to use a safety system while hunting from an elevated position. We have researched many systems on the market and wanted to make certain that the system we selected exceeded our requirements. While researching the various systems, we wanted to consider every issue from ease of use to the overall effectiveness of the system, while keeping in mind our primary factor of safety. Grigsby Outdoors felt that a hands free system from start to finish was important and a determining factor in safety system selection thus selected the fall guy safety system. This particular system covers you from the time you leave the ground until the time you return. We have pre hung this system at all of our stand sites. When you walk up to your stand you pull the string attached to the fall guy safety system. You attach the carabineer to your harness and you climb to your stand. The system takes care of the rest. This is truly a hands free system.

STAND PLACEMENT
There is a great deal of time and consideration that goes into stand placement. Grigsby Outdoors head guide Benny Conn lives on The Grigsby farm and is extremely familiar with the property. He has spent a considerable amount of time on the property, averaging approximately 30-40 hours a week. Whether it is scouting, running trail cameras, maintaining food plots or taking video/pictures, Grigsby Outdoors understands the best locations for stand placement. All of the stands on our property are pre scouted and pre hung well before the season starts. A record is made for every stand and all stands are equipped with a safety system, pull rope and two bow hangers. In late summer, our staff works hard cutting shooting lanes and clearing trails making easy access to our stands. Grigsby Outdoors does not allow personal stands to be hung on our properties. Grigsby Outdoors guides will work with hunters in patterning deer relative to stand placement, whether it be hanging additional stands or altering stand placement.