Hunters’ tree stands are being recalled due to the threat they could pose to consumer safety.
14,000 stands in total are thought to be affected by the recall that was announced by the Cumberland, Wisconsin-based Rivers Edge Tree Stands. Big Foot, Baby Big Foot, and Lite Foot models without an X or an orange dot on their snaphook but that contain 2012 on their ID tag below the crossbar are affected by the recall.
The recall was initiated because it was discovered that a failure can occur in the snap-hook assembly of these items. If this happens while the hunter is in the stand at the time of the incident, he or she can fall along with the stand. Three incidents have already been reported to the company. One person reportedly suffered bumps and bruises while another apparently cut their hand and broke their toe.
Scheels, Rogers Sporting Goods, and a variety of other retailers were responsible for selling these items, which were available across the country between the beginning of May and the end of August. They ran consumers anywhere from $39 to $120 depending on the model purchased.
Owners of the stands are being asked to not use them until such time that they can obtain a snap-hook assembly replacement component. This can be obtained by getting in touch with Rivers Edge, who will make the replacement available at no cost to the consumer.