A tree climbing stick nesting system includes a plurality of tree climbing stick assemblies each including a stick body. A step and a standoff are each attached to the stick body. A coupler is attached to the stick body and releasably secures together a pair of the tree climbing stick assemblies to define secured tree sticks such that longitudinal axes of the secured tree sticks are orientated parallel to each other. The coupler includes a first mating member and a second mating member. The first mating member of one of the tree climbing stick assemblies is vertically engageable with the second mating member of another one of the tree climbing stick assemblies when the stick bodies of the secured tree sticks are vertically orientated.

A gaff guard for use in covering the gaff of a climbing spur, the gaff guard comprising a first section having a first diameter, the first section configured to at least partially surround the gaff, and a second section having a second diameter, the second diameter larger than the first diameter, wherein the second section comprises an elongated opening therein to enable the second section to be removably attached to a portion of the climbing spur. The gaff guard further comprises a tapered section between the first section and the second section, wherein the tapered section couples the first section and the second section, and further wherein the tapered section comprises a cut-out portion configured to allow the climbing spur to pass therethrough.

A gaff guard for use in covering the gaff of a climbing spur, the gaff guard comprising a first section having a first diameter, the first section configured to at least partially surround the gaff, and a second section having a second diameter, the second diameter larger than the first diameter, wherein the second section comprises an elongated opening therein to enable the second section to be removably attached to a portion of the climbing spur. The gaff guard further comprises a tapered section between the first section and the second section, wherein the tapered section couples the first section and the second section, and further wherein the tapered section comprises a cut-out portion configured to allow the climbing spur to pass therethrough.

A folding stirrup for use with a climbing tree stand utilizes a peg pivotally mounted to a bracket attached to the support arms of the stand such that the peg may be selectively moved between a stowed position and a working position wherein a user's feet maybe inserted between the platform, the peg, and the support arm to manipulate the platform.

A folding stirrup for use with a climbing tree stand utilizes a peg pivotally mounted to a bracket attached to the support arms of the stand such that the peg may be selectively moved between a stowed position and a working position wherein a user's feet maybe inserted between the platform, the peg, and the support arm to manipulate the platform.

A tree stick mount attachment assembly includes a tree stick body. A panel has a front side, a back side, and a perimeter edge extending between the front and back sides. The backs side faces and is attached to the tree stick body. The perimeter edge has a plurality of slots therein and each of the slots extends through the front and back sides. The slots removably receive a tether extending around the tree to retain the tree stick body on the tree. The tether is attached to the tree stick body and extended around the tree. Thereafter, the tether is then extended into the slots to secure the tree stick body to the tree.

A tree stick mount attachment assembly includes a tree stick body. A panel has a front side, a back side, and a perimeter edge extending between the front and back sides. The backs side faces and is attached to the tree stick body. The perimeter edge has a plurality of slots therein and each of the slots extends through the front and back sides. The slots removably receive a tether extending around the tree to retain the tree stick body on the tree. The tether is attached to the tree stick body and extended around the tree. Thereafter, the tether is then extended into the slots to secure the tree stick body to the tree.

A connector includes a first ring with a blocker collaborating with a rod. The rod is movable between a first position where the first ring is closed and a second position where the first ring is open. The blocker is movable between a first position collaborating with the rod to keep the first ring closed and a second position allowing opening of the first ring. A second ring includes a probe. The probe is connected to the blocker. When the distance between the probe and the sliding area is greater than a threshold value, the probe prevents opening of the first ring by the blocker. When the distance between the probe and the sliding area is smaller than the threshold value, the probe allows opening of the first ring by the blocker.

A rigid tether for use with a friction brake. The tether has a rigid handle with a pulley arm and pulley at one end. The friction brake is attached to rotate about a brake hole at one end of the handle. A pulley arm with pulley is attached to rotate about a pulley hole at the other end of the handle. The pulley arm is two parallel plates, a fixed plate and a gate plate, with an axle between them on which his mounted the pulley. The plates, pulley, and handle define a rope slot. The gate plate can pivot on the axle to provide access to the rope slot.

The present invention generally relates portable treestand for hunters which comprises a platform and a seat member wherein when the treestand if folded up for easy transport the seat interlocks to the treestand platform creating a shelf useful for carrying gear, backpacks, game, etc. In one embodiment, the platform and/or seat are each of one-piece construction fabricated from a solid aluminum/aluminum alloy workpiece, optionally by a waterjet process.

The invention also contemplates improved climbing sticks, also referred to as ladder modules, for use in climbing trees for hunting or other purposes. The module includes one or more support brackets mounted to the support member. The brackets are generally V-shaped and include a number of teeth on the interior surface of the bracket that engage the tree on which the module is placed to prevent the module from slipping on the tree. These brackets that grip the tree when climbing pivot allowing them to become flush with the body of the stick to minimize profile and to allow the sticks to nest closely together so that they can be easily carries/secured to the treestand of the invention.

The invention also contemplates the treestand of the invention coupled to the climbing sticks of the invention.