What was recalled
If you are a hunter who relies on precision and safety in the field, it is crucial to know exactly which equipment has been identified as unsafe by federal regulators. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for specific climbing sticks manufactured by FeraDyne Outdoors. These products are marketed under the Rhino brand and are specifically known as the "Rhino 24-foot Hot Foot Climbing Sticks." They are designed primarily for use in game hunting, allowing users to elevate themselves in trees for a better vantage point. While these tools are intended to provide stability and height, the specific units involved in this recall have been found to have significant structural defects that compromise their safety.
To ensure you can accurately identify whether your equipment is part of this recall, you need to look closely at the physical details of the product. The recalled items are the 24-foot models, which feature extended tree braces and angled steps distributed across six four-foot stick sections. This configuration is designed to wrap around a tree trunk securely, but the integrity of the weld points holding these sections together is what has come under scrutiny. You can identify the specific model by looking for the name "RTSL-24" printed on a label attached to the support pole. This alphanumeric code is your primary key to verifying if your gear is affected.
In addition to the model number, the production date is critical in determining eligibility for this recall. The lot codes are also printed on the same label as the model name. These lot codes follow a specific format: a two-digit year followed by a two-digit month. For example, a code starting with "2312" would indicate December 2023, while "2212" would indicate December 2022. The recall encompasses all lot codes that include the calendar year 2023 and any previous years. This means that if your climbing stick was manufactured in 2022 or earlier, it is included in this safety notice. There is no specific upper limit on the number of units recalled provided in the current facts, but the scope covers a wide range of production dates leading up to the recall announcement.
These products were sold through various channels, though the exact retail locations are not specified in the immediate recall text. However, consumers can verify their purchase and product details by contacting FeraDyne Outdoors directly or visiting their dedicated recall website. The recall was officially announced on February 15, 2024, marking the point at which the company and the CPSC determined that the risk of weld failure posed an unacceptable danger to users. If you own Rhino branded climbing sticks with the RTSL-24 model number and a lot code from 2023 or earlier, it is essential to treat this recall as an immediate stop-use directive.
The hazard, explained
When you are climbing a tree to hunt or observe wildlife, your entire body weight rests on the integrity of every single connection point in your climbing system. With the FeraDyne Rhino Climbing Sticks, the critical failure point is the weld—the specific spot where metal components are fused together. Under normal use, these welds are designed to withstand significant stress, but in this case, the structural bond at the weld point is compromised. This means that the connection is weaker than it should be, lacking the necessary tensile strength to hold up a human being moving dynamically on a tree trunk.
The danger here is not just that the stick might bend or slip; it is that it can snap completely apart. When a weld fails under load, it does so suddenly and without much warning. Because climbing sticks are used at heights ranging from the ground up to twenty-four feet, a sudden break creates an immediate fall hazard. You lose your footing instantly, which often leads to a hard impact with the ground or the tree itself. This is particularly dangerous because hunters are frequently carrying heavy equipment, such as bows, firearms, or backpacks, which can alter your center of gravity and make it harder to brace yourself during a slip.
Beyond the risk of falling, there is a significant secondary hazard: lacerations. The Rhino Climbing Sticks feature extended tree braces with angled steps designed to grip the bark. When these metal components break at the weld, the jagged edges of the fractured metal can remain sharp. If you are close enough to the tree when the stick fails, or if you fall and tumble against the remaining parts of the apparatus, these broken metal edges can easily cut your skin. The recall records confirm that this is not just a theoretical risk; nine reports of the sticks breaking have been received by FeraDyne, resulting in three confirmed cases of laceration injuries. These cuts can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds requiring medical attention, depending on the force of the fall and the angle at which the metal strikes.
It is important to understand that this failure mode is insidious because it may not be visible during a casual inspection. A weld might look solid from the outside but have internal fractures or porosity that weaken its structural integrity. This is why relying on visual checks alone is insufficient. The degradation of the weld can happen over time due to repeated stress cycles—climbing up and down, shifting weight, or environmental exposure like rain and mud accelerating corrosion at the joint. Until the weld finally gives way under your weight, the stick may appear functional, giving a false sense of security. This is why immediate cessation of use is the only safe course of action when a recall for structural failure is issued.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is most at risk with the FeraDyne Rhino Climbing Sticks, it is important to look beyond just the mechanical failure of the product and consider the context in which these tools are used. The primary group affected by this recall consists of hunters who rely on these 24-foot climbing sticks for game hunting. These individuals are not casual users; they are people who intentionally place themselves in elevated, precarious positions within trees to wait for wildlife. This activity inherently requires trust in the integrity of every component that supports their weight. When a climber is suspended twenty-four feet above the ground, relying on a structure made of multiple sections joined by weld points, the margin for error is virtually non-existent. The risk here is not just about getting hurt; it is about surviving a fall from a significant height while possibly holding heavy equipment or navigating difficult terrain.
The specific hazard identified in this recall involves the breaking of climbing sticks at the weld point. For the average consumer, a broken hinge on a step ladder might mean a minor stumble. For a hunter using these Rhino Climbing Sticks, a failed weld means an immediate and uncontrolled descent. The individuals most vulnerable to severe injury are those who have already ascended with these units. Because the sticks are designed to extend tree braces with angled steps in six four-foot sections, users must climb up and down repeatedly. Each ascent and descent places dynamic stress on the welds. If a weld fails while a person is mid-climb or settled into their hunting stand, the result can be catastrophic. The record indicates that these failures have already resulted in laceration injuries, suggesting that the broken metal edges or the sudden drop caused cuts and trauma as the user fell or struck surrounding objects like tree branches.
While hunters are the direct users, we must also consider who might be indirectly at risk. Family members or other individuals who might assist with setting up or retrieving these climbing sticks could also be exposed to danger if they inspect or handle a unit that has not yet failed but is structurally compromised. Although the recall primarily targets the active hunter, anyone in close proximity to the installation or removal of these sticks shares some level of risk. Furthermore, the nature of hunting often involves early morning hours, low light conditions, and cold weather. These environmental factors can impair a person’s reaction time and physical dexterity. If a weld gives way under these conditions, the user may not have the physical capacity to grab onto something safe or prevent themselves from hitting the ground hard. The combination of height, potential weight of gear, and poor visibility amplifies the severity of any fall.
It is also worth noting that the recall covers lot codes from 2023 and all previous years. This means older units may have experienced wear and tear that could weaken the welds over time. Hunters who have owned these sticks for several seasons might assume they are safe due to long-term use, but fatigue in metal structures can be unpredictable. The people most at risk are those who continue to use these sticks without realizing that the material integrity may have degraded. The vulnerability is highest for anyone who values their safety but relies on equipment that has a known structural flaw. In this case, the "risk" is not about skill level; it is about the hidden danger present in every single unit of the recalled model, regardless of how carefully it was maintained.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action or contact the manufacturer, it is crucial to confirm that your specific piece of equipment is part of this recall. FeraDyne Outdoors has identified a very specific subset of their Rhino Climbing Sticks as being at risk, and because hunting gear can look similar across different product lines, verifying the details is the most important first step in ensuring your safety. You do not need to guess; the manufacturer has provided clear identifiers that make identification straightforward if you know exactly where to look. The primary identifier you need to check is the model name, which is clearly printed on a label attached directly to the support pole of the climbing stick. For this specific recall, the affected model is the "RTSL-24." This is not a general recall of all FeraDyne products, but rather one focused on their 24-foot Hot Foot Climbing Sticks used specifically for game hunting. These sticks are designed with extended tree braces and angled steps distributed across six four-foot stick sections. If you have a different length or a model name that does not match "RTSL-24" exactly, your product is likely not included in this specific safety alert, though it is always wise to check the lot code as well to be absolutely certain. The second critical detail to verify is the lot code, which indicates when the product was manufactured. The recall covers all lot codes that include the calendar year 2023 and any previous years. These lot codes follow a specific format: a two-digit year followed by a two-digit month. For example, you should look for codes such as "2312xx" (representing December 2023) or "2212xx" (representing December 2022). If your lot code begins with a year prior to 2023, or if it is from 2023, your climbing stick is part of this recall. This date-based criterion is vital because the structural integrity issues related to the weld points are associated with these specific production runs. To summarize, please inspect the label on the support pole of your Rhino Climbing Stick. Confirm that the model name is RTSL-24 and that the lot code reflects a manufacturing date in 2023 or earlier. If both of these conditions are met, you possess a recalled item that poses a fall and laceration hazard due to potential weld failures. Do not use the product further until you have contacted FeraDyne Outdoors for instructions on your remedy options.What to do — step by step
If you own the recalled FeraDyne Rhino Climbing Sticks, your immediate priority is safety. The first and most critical action is to stop using them right away. These climbing sticks are designed for game hunting and feature extended tree braces with angled steps, but they carry a significant risk of breaking at the weld point. This structural failure can lead to serious falls or laceration injuries, as evidenced by nine reported incidents where the product broke, resulting in three confirmed injuries. Do not attempt to test their stability or continue using them for any purpose, even if they appear intact. The integrity of the weld is compromised, and relying on visual inspection alone is not a safe substitute for removing the hazard from your environment. Once you have secured the climbing sticks safely out of reach, contact FeraDyne Outdoors to initiate the remedy process. You can reach their dedicated recall support team by calling 800-787-7589. Their representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. If you prefer written communication, you may send an email to RTSL24recall@FeraDyne.com. Alternatively, you can visit their online portal at www.RTSL24recall.com or go to www.feradyne.com and click on the "Recall" link at the top of the page for detailed instructions. These channels are specifically set up to handle this recall efficiently, so use them to get personalized guidance for your situation. After you have made contact, FeraDyne will provide you with options for returning or disposing of the product. You can choose to return the recalled climbing sticks using a prepaid mailer provided by the company. This service is included at no cost to you, ensuring that you do not incur additional expenses while resolving this safety issue. If you prefer not to mail the item, FeraDyne can also provide clear instructions on how to safely destroy the climbing stick yourself. Whichever method you choose, ensure that the product is rendered unusable to prevent anyone else from accidentally using a hazardous item. Finally, understand that your remedy for this recall is a full refund. Once you have followed the return or destruction instructions provided by FeraDyne, you will receive your money back in full. This is not a partial credit or an offer for a replacement part; it is a complete reimbursement for the product. Keep records of your communication with FeraDyne, including any tracking numbers for returned items or confirmation emails, until you see the refund processed in your account. By following these steps promptly, you protect yourself and others from potential injury while ensuring you are made whole financially for the defective product.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own a recalled FeraDyne Rhino Climbing Stick, the most important thing to understand is that there is no repair option available for this specific product. Because the failure point involves structural integrity at the weld—a critical safety component for something that supports your entire body weight when suspended in a tree—attempting to fix it yourself would be incredibly dangerous and is not permitted under this recall notice. Instead, FeraDyne Outdoors has structured their remedy around two clear paths: returning the product for a full refund or receiving instructions to destroy it. The company is prioritizing your safety and financial protection over forcing you to keep a potentially hazardous item, which means you have complete control over how you proceed once you confirm your unit is part of this recall.
To initiate the process, you must contact FeraDyne Outdoors directly. They have set up dedicated channels specifically for this recall to ensure your request is handled quickly and accurately. You can reach their support team by phone at 800-787-7589. It is helpful to know their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, so you may want to plan your call accordingly to avoid long hold times. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you can email them directly at RTSL24recall@FeraDyne.com. For those who prefer navigating the process online, FeraDyne has created a dedicated landing page at www.RTSL24recall.com. You can also visit their main website at www.feradyne.com and click on the "Recall" link located at the top of the page to access detailed instructions and forms.
Once you have made contact, FeraDyne will guide you through the next steps. The company offers a prepaid mailer for consumers who wish to return the physical product. This is a significant convenience, as it removes the cost and logistical burden of shipping a large, awkwardly shaped item like a 24-foot climbing stick back to them. Using the provided mailer ensures that the recalled sticks are properly processed and removed from circulation. However, if you do not wish to return the item, or if returning it is not feasible for your situation, FeraDyne will provide you with clear instructions on how to destroy the climbing stick yourself. This option allows you to permanently render the product unusable, ensuring that no one else can accidentally use a broken unit.
In both scenarios—whether you choose the prepaid return or the self-destruction method—the outcome is the same: you will receive a full refund. This means you should get back every dollar you originally spent on the climbing sticks. There are no restocking fees, no partial credits, and no requirements to purchase future products from FeraDyne to qualify for this remedy. The goal here is straightforward: remove the hazard from your property and put your money back in your pocket. Take your time with the process, double-check that your lot code matches the recall criteria (2312xx, 2212xx, or earlier), and do not hesitate to ask the support team any questions you have until you feel completely comfortable with your decision.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to think that a piece of equipment that has worked perfectly for years will continue to do so forever, especially when it seems sturdy and well-made. However, with the recalled FeraDyne Rhino Climbing Sticks, ignoring the recall notice is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct gamble with your physical safety. The core issue lies in the structural integrity of the weld points. These climbing sticks are designed to support the full weight of a hunter, often while moving dynamically or adjusting position at significant heights. When a weld fails under this load, the failure is typically sudden and catastrophic. There is rarely a warning sign, such as bending or creaking, that allows you to step back in time. The connection simply gives way.
The consequences of ignoring this hazard are severe because they involve both falling from height and exposure to sharp, broken metal. According to the recall data, there have already been nine reported instances where these climbing sticks broke during use. In three of those cases, consumers suffered laceration injuries. These cuts are not superficial scrapes; they are deep wounds caused by jagged edges of steel that have snapped apart under tension. If you continue to climb with a compromised unit, you risk becoming the next statistic in this growing list of accidents. The danger is compounded by the fact that these incidents often occur while the user is high up in a tree stand, far from immediate medical help.
Beyond the immediate physical trauma, ignoring the recall can lead to unpredictable and dangerous scenarios. A broken climbing stick does not just fall to the ground; it can whip around violently, striking other parts of your gear or even hitting you as you try to maintain your balance. The shock of a sudden drop can cause secondary injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or head trauma from hitting branches or the ground. Furthermore, the psychological impact of a near-miss fall is profound. Many hunters report lasting anxiety about hunting after a mechanical failure, which can ruin the experience for years to come. You are not just risking your body; you are risking your peace of mind and your ability to enjoy the outdoors safely.
It is important to understand that these failures are not due to user error but are a result of manufacturing defects in specific lots. By continuing to use the product, you are placing your trust in a faulty component rather than taking control of your safety. The recall provides a clear path to resolution: a full refund and instructions for safe disposal or return. Choosing to ignore this offer means choosing to live with an unknown risk every time you climb. Given that the hazard involves falling from heights and suffering deep cuts, there is no scenario where continuing to use these sticks is worth the potential cost. Your health and safety are far more valuable than any piece of hunting equipment.