The Hunter's Elite Harness by Malta Dynamics is a comprehensive fall arrest system designed for elevated hunting, including a full-body harness, a 2-inch wide tree strap, a 1-inch wide suspension relief strap that doubles as a deer drag, and a 2-inch wide lineman's climbing belt. This manual provides critical instructions and safe-use guidelines for the product.
Function Description:
The Hunter's Elite Harness is designed to protect users from falls when hunting from elevated positions such as treestands. It functions as a fall restraint device when properly worn and attached to a tree. The system includes components for ascending, descending, and maintaining connection to the tree, as well as features for post-fall suspension relief and deer dragging. The harness is intended for a single fall arrest, after which it must be returned to the manufacturer for replacement.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Components: Full-body harness, 2-inch wide tree strap, 1-inch wide suspension relief/deer drag strap, 2-inch wide lineman's climbing belt.
- Weight Limit: Users must adhere to the total weight limit (user and gear) specified for the particular harness model.
- Service Life: If purchased new and sealed, the harness must be removed from service five years from the date of purchase. If purchased used or without proof of purchase, it must be removed from service five years from the date of manufacture (printed on the tether label).
- User Age: Users must be 16 years or older and physically and mentally capable of using the harness without adult supervision. Minors under 16 must be instructed and supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Usage Features:
- Adjustability: The harness features adjustable waist and leg straps for a comfortable and secure fit, accommodating various clothing layers. The adjustable slide bar on the waist strap allows for easy vest adjustment.
- Attachment to Tree: The tree strap is wrapped around the tree and threaded through the harness's tether loop. Proper weaving and tightening of the tree strap buckle are crucial, ensuring at least 8 inches of slack webbing beyond the buckle. The tree strap and tether should be positioned at or above head level with no slack when in a sitting position.
- Suspension Relief/Deer Drag Strap: A 1-inch strap is provided for suspension relief after a fall or as a deer drag aid. This strap must be carried on the person and easily accessible. In the event of a fall, it attaches to a loop at the rear bottom of the harness, allowing the user to step onto it to relieve suspension trauma. For deer dragging, the adjustable loop goes over the animal's antlers or neck, and the clip connects to the rear harness loop.
- Lineman's Climbing Strap: This strap is essential for installing or removing ladder sticks, steps, other climbing aids, or treestands. It must be used according to Malta Dynamics' climbing strap and harness instructions. When climbing or hanging, the lineman's climbing strap should be used in conjunction with the tree strap and tether to maintain a double attachment to the tree.
- Compatibility with Treestand Styles:
- Climbing Treestands: Users must stay connected to the tree at all times, advancing the tree strap up or down as they ascend or descend.
- Ladder Stands: After erecting the stand and accessing the platform, the tree strap and tether must be attached to the tree before further activities. The use of a Life Line is strongly recommended for continuous attachment from ground to return.
- Hang-on Treestands: Users must stay attached to the tree from the moment they leave the ground until they return, using an optional Life Line or Lineman's Climbing Strap and the provided tree strap with tether. Doubly attached when stepping into the stand.
- Safety Practices:
- Always read, understand, and follow all instructions and watch the instructional video before use.
- Always wear the harness and use accessories (Life Line, Lineman's Climbing Strap) to stay connected to the tree from the ground to return.
- Carry safe-use instructions, an emergency signal device (whistle, air horn, cell phone, or personal locator beacon), and a screw-in step for suspension trauma relief.
- Inform someone of your hunting location and expected return time.
- Practice self-recovery methods at ground level with a responsible adult.
- Never hunt from an elevated position if physically or mentally unable to recover from a fall, or during inclement weather.
- Never climb dead, dying, leaning, icy, wet, or loose-barked trees, or utility poles.
- Never connect the harness to any part of the treestand, climbing aids, or tree limbs.
- Never use the harness to lean out from the treestand.
- Maintain 3-point contact when climbing.
Maintenance Features:
- Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, all components (harness, buckles, straps) must be thoroughly examined for damage, wear, or improper function. Any missing components or damage requires contacting Malta Dynamics before use.
- Post-Fall Replacement: The harness is designed for a single fall arrest. After a fall, it must be returned to the manufacturer for replacement (a nominal fee applies).
- Storage: The tree strap and suspension relief strap MUST be carried in the mesh bag provided and never attached to the tether or suspension relief loop when being transported.
- Modifications: Users are strictly warned against modifying, repairing, altering, sewing, or cutting the product, as this can lead to serious injury or death.
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