AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/hunt-three-points-contact

What does 'three points of contact' mean when climbing to a stand?

Two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, touching at all times.

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  1. Two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet ✔
  2. Both feet and your harness tether
  3. Three rungs between each step

Why: Moving only one hand or foot at a time keeps you steady if a step is slick. Morning dew can make ladder steps slippery. TMA also says to climb slowly and never hurry.

Huh, didn't know that: TMA says climbing stands should move no more than ten to twelve inches at a time.

The dad joke
Why did the ladder stand get nervous? It felt like everyone was stepping on it.
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References

Answer: Two hands and one foot, or one hand and two feet. Moving only one hand or foot at a time keeps you steady if a step is slick. Morning dew can make ladder steps slippery. TMA also says to climb slowly and never hurry.

  1. TMA Treestand Safety Guidelines tmastands.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/English-TSG.pdf
    maintain three points of contact with each step. This means having two hands and one foot (or one hand and two feet)
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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