Big Game Treestands Recalls 2021 The Captain Hang-on Treestands Due to Fall and Injury Hazards

What was recalled

If you are a hunter who purchased equipment from Big Game Treestands late last year, it is important to pause and verify whether your gear is part of this specific safety notice. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for a particular batch of the 2021 model year "The Captain" Hang-on Treestand. This is not a blanket recall affecting every treestand made by Big Game Treestands, nor does it cover every model in their lineup. Instead, it targets a very specific configuration that was produced and sold during a narrow window of time. Understanding exactly which product is affected is the first step in ensuring your safety and avoiding unnecessary stress.

The specific item in question is the Hang-on style treestand, designed to allow hunters to remain elevated while waiting for game. These units are primarily black in color and feature a distinctive flip-back seat that is imprinted with the brand name "Big Game Treestands." The design also includes a foot rest to help stabilize the user while seated. While this model was marketed for its utility in providing a stable hunting platform, the specific manufacturing batch identified in this recall has been flagged for a critical structural defect. It is crucial to note that this issue is isolated to the 2021 production run and does not necessarily apply to newer models or previous years' inventory.

To determine if your treestand is among those recalled, you must look for two key identifiers: the model number and the serial or batch number. The affected units bear the model number BGM-FP0050. However, the most definitive way to confirm inclusion in this recall is by checking the serial or batch number located on a metal plate that is riveted directly to the frame support of the stand. Only treestands with the serial/batch number "2M-0121" are subject to this recall. If your unit has a different number, it is not part of this specific safety alert.

This recall was officially announced on December 22, 2021. The affected treestands were sold at various retail locations and online stores during the period leading up to that date. Because the sale window has closed for new purchases, if you bought a "The Captain" Hang-on Treestand around late 2021, you need to physically inspect your equipment. Check the original product box, which should list the model number, and consult the product instruction manual included in the package, as these documents also identify the model. If you no longer have the packaging, locate the metal plate on the frame support to read the serial/batch number carefully. Identifying this information accurately is essential before proceeding with any remedy steps.

The scope of this recall is limited to units matching the exact specifications described above. Big Game Treestands has been working to identify all consumers who purchased these specific units so they can be contacted directly about the remedy options available. However, relying solely on company outreach may not be sufficient if your contact information has changed or if you are unsure of your purchase history. Therefore, taking proactive steps to verify your product's status is the most reliable way to ensure you are not putting yourself at risk.

The hazard, explained

When you are hunting from a treestand, your safety depends entirely on the integrity of the connection between your body and the tree. With hang-on style treestands like the Big Game Treestands "The Captain" model recalled in December 2021, that connection is made through heavy-duty plastic-coated cables. These cables are critical because they bear your full weight, often while you are shifting position, aiming a rifle or bow, or simply waiting for hours in cold weather. The specific mechanical failure identified in this recall centers on the crimps—the metal sleeves that secure the cable ends to the treestand’s frame. Under normal conditions, these crimps should hold fast, creating a rigid and stable platform. However, in the affected units, these crimps can slip or loosen during use.

This slipping is not always obvious until it is too late. Because the cables are coated in plastic, minor wear or slight movement might be hidden from view. When the crimp slips, the tension that keeps the standing platform securely attached to the tree is suddenly compromised. The platform does not just wobble; it can detach entirely from its anchor point. For a user hanging thirty feet or more above the ground, this is catastrophic. The sudden loss of support means there is no time to react, brace yourself, or grab onto something else. You fall with the weight of the treestand still attached to you or simply plummeting alongside you.

The potential for injury in these falls is severe and varied. Even a relatively short drop from hunting elevation can result in broken bones, such as fractures to the wrists, ankles, or hips, which are common impact points when trying to break a fall instinctively. More seriously, head trauma is a significant risk, especially if you strike branches, rocks, or the ground directly. The reports gathered by GSM Outdoors confirm this danger, documenting ten separate incidents where the cables released and caused consumers to fall. Two of these incidents resulted in actual injuries, proving that this is not just a theoretical risk but a real and present threat to user safety.

It is important to understand why this happens beyond the immediate mechanical failure. Treestands are subjected to dynamic loads; every time you shift your weight or move your limbs, force is applied to the attachment points. Over time, vibration and stress can exacerbate weak crimps. In this specific case, the design or manufacturing of the crimp in the affected serial number batch failed to withstand these forces reliably. When the cable slips, the treestand becomes a falling object, turning what should be a stable hunting blind into a dangerous trap. This is why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation—it is the only way to prevent the physical mechanism from causing harm.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at risk for this specific recall consists of individuals who own and operate the Big Game Treestands 2021 model year The Captain Hang-on Treestand, specifically those with the unique serial or batch number 2M-0121. These are not general outdoor enthusiasts in broad terms; they are a subset of hunters who have purchased this particular hang-on style unit for the purpose of elevating themselves above the ground to observe and hunt game. The hazard is intrinsic to the design and manufacturing defect of this specific batch, meaning that any person who climbs into or stands on this treestand is immediately exposed to the danger, regardless of their prior experience level with hunting equipment.

While the mechanical failure involves the slipping of plastic-coated cable crimps, the human vulnerability lies in the physical consequences of a sudden drop from elevation. The most vulnerable users are likely those who rely heavily on the stability of the standing platform for balance before taking a shot or observing wildlife. Although the recall notice does not specify age demographics, we can look at the nature of the hazard to understand who is most exposed. Hunters using elevated treestands often position themselves in wooded areas where terrain can be uneven and access may require climbing ladders or navigating steep inclines. A fall from this height can result in serious injury, including fractures, head trauma, or spinal damage.

Certain physical conditions can exacerbate the risk of severe injury from such falls. Older adults, who may have reduced bone density or slower reflexes to catch themselves during a sudden slip, are at significantly higher risk for catastrophic injuries like hip fractures or concussions. Similarly, individuals with pre-existing balance issues, joint problems, or muscle weakness may find it much more difficult to recover from the shock of a platform release. The reported incidents confirm that this is not merely a theoretical risk; GSM Outdoors has already documented ten separate reports where the cables released unexpectedly, leading to falls. Two of these incidents resulted in confirmed injuries, proving that the hazard is active and affecting real people.

Furthermore, the nature of hang-on treestands means the user is often suspended or perched high above the ground, sometimes with limited immediate access to safety lines if they were not properly rigged from the start. The suddenness of the failure—described as the standing platform releasing during use—leaves little time for reaction. This lack of warning makes the risk particularly acute for anyone relying on the structural integrity of the footrest and cables for their physical support. Therefore, the entire community of owners with this specific model is considered at immediate risk until they take action to secure a remedy. Ignoring the recall does not reduce the danger; it only prolongs the period during which you are exposed to a known failure point that has already caused harm to others.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you are a hunter who purchased equipment from Big Game Treestands during the 2021 season, it is crucial to verify whether your specific gear falls within this recall before using it again. Because these treestands look nearly identical to other models in their lineup, relying on general appearance alone is not enough. You need to check three distinct physical markers: the model name, the serial or batch number, and a specific metal plate on the frame.

First, confirm that you own a "The Captain" Hang-on Treestand from the 2021 model year. These units are designed for hunting from elevation and feature a distinctive black finish. Visually, the stand includes a flip-back seat that is imprinted with the brand name "Big Game Treestands," along with a foot rest. While these visual cues help narrow down the product line, they do not guarantee that your unit is part of this specific recall. You must move beyond the general look to identify the exact manufacturing batch.

The most definitive way to identify if your treestand is affected is by locating the serial or batch number. This code is printed on a small metal plate that is riveted directly to the frame support of the stand. For this specific recall, only units with the serial/batch number "2M-0121" are included in the safety notice. If your metal plate shows any other number, your treestand is not part of this particular hazard. Please note that this identification information is also listed on the original product box and in the instruction manual that came with your purchase, so checking those documents can save you time if you no longer have the physical stand easily accessible.

If you are unsure or cannot find the metal plate, do not guess. The CPSC emphasizes that this recall applies strictly to the batch identified above. To be absolutely certain, you can contact Big Game Treestands directly at 877-343-8211 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, visit their website at https://www.biggametreestands.com/safety-recall-notice/ or navigate to the "Recall Notice - The Captain Hang-on Treestand" section on their main page for further confirmation. Taking these steps ensures you are not putting yourself or others at risk of a fall due to slipping cable crimps.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your Big Game Treestands 2021 The Captain Hang-on Treestand is part of this recall, take a deep breath. You are not alone in this situation, and the company has established a clear, structured pathway to resolve the issue for you. The remedy offered by Big Game Treestands is designed to be flexible, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your needs and comfort level. Whether you prefer to keep using your treestand with new parts or decide it is time to part ways with it entirely, the company has prepared specific protocols for both scenarios. It is important to remember that you do not need to navigate this process in isolation; Big Game Treestands is actively contacting all known consumers directly regarding these defects, but if you are reading this because you missed that initial outreach or want to take proactive control of your safety, you can initiate the process yourself.

Your first step in either scenario is to cease using the treestand immediately. The hazard involves the crimps of the plastic-coated cables slipping, which can cause the standing platform to release unexpectedly. Continuing to use it poses a serious fall and injury risk. Once you have safely stored the unit away from hunting areas, contact Big Game Treestands toll-free at 877-343-8211 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit their website at https://www.biggametreestands.com/safety-recall-notice/ or navigate to the "Recall Notice - The Captain Hang-on Treestand" page on https://www.biggametreestands.com for detailed instructions.

If you wish to continue using your equipment, you can request replacement cables. Big Game Treestands has streamlined this process to minimize your effort. They will arrange for the pick-up of the original, defective cables and deliver the new, safe replacement cables directly to your address. This service is provided at no cost to you. The company handles the logistics of retrieving the unsafe parts, ensuring that hazardous components do not remain in circulation while you prepare for future hunting seasons.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to repair the unit, you are entitled to a full refund. To exercise this option, you will need to mail back the entire treestand. Big Game Treestands will provide a pre-paid shipping label, ensuring that you incur no cost for returning the product. This is a complete remedy; once the return is processed, your financial loss is fully compensated. Choose the path that gives you peace of mind, knowing that your safety is the priority and that the company stands behind its products even in the face of this recall.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a manufacturer issues a recall for equipment used at height, the stakes are inherently higher than with most other consumer products. In the case of the Big Game Treestands 2021 The Captain Hang-on Treestand, ignoring this notice is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct invitation to serious physical harm. The core mechanical failure involves the crimps on the plastic-coated cables that secure the standing platform. Under normal conditions, these components hold firm, but under the dynamic load of a hunter shifting weight or reacting to game, they can slip. If you continue to use the treestand after this recall has been announced, you are essentially gambling with your stability in an environment where there is no safety net.

The consequences of this failure are immediate and severe. When the cables slip, the standing platform releases unexpectedly. For a hunter who may be focused on scanning the woods or preparing a shot, this sudden loss of footing can lead to a fall from elevation. Falls from tree stands are among the most dangerous incidents in hunting, often resulting in broken bones, head trauma, or worse. The risk is not theoretical; it has already materialized for others. GSM Outdoors has documented ten separate reports where these specific cables released during use, causing consumers to fall. Two of those incidents resulted in confirmed injuries. These are not hypothetical statistics; they are real people who likely continued using their gear until the moment it failed, underscoring how unpredictable and sudden this hazard can be.

Beyond the immediate physical danger, ignoring the recall carries additional burdens that could have been easily avoided. If you wait until an incident occurs or the treestand fails completely, you lose the protective measures put in place by the manufacturer. By acting now, Big Game Treestands has committed to resolving the issue at no cost to you, whether through replacement cables or a full refund. If you ignore the recall and the product fails, you may be left with broken equipment, potential medical bills, and the loss of hunting season—all because a simple step was skipped. The structural integrity of the platform is compromised once the crimps slip; it cannot be trusted again even if you attempt to tighten or adjust it yourself. The only safe course of action is to cease use immediately. Your safety in the field depends on recognizing that this specific model has a known, critical flaw that requires professional intervention to correct.

Furthermore, continuing to use recalled equipment can have legal and insurance implications if an injury occurs. While hunting involves inherent risks, using a product known to have a manufacturing defect that was publicly recalled may complicate claims or liability assessments. More importantly, it places you in unnecessary danger when the solution is so readily available. The company has already contacted known consumers directly, demonstrating that they are aware of the issue and have the resources to fix it. By disregarding this warning, you are choosing to expose yourself to a known hazard rather than accepting the free remedy offered. Please do not wait for a second report of injuries to validate what is already known. The fall hazard is real, the mechanism is unreliable, and your well-being is worth more than the hassle of making a phone call or printing a shipping label.

Staying safe: broader tips

Owning high-elevation hunting gear like hang-on treestands is an exciting part of the outdoor experience, but it comes with a unique set of responsibilities that go far beyond simply checking for product recalls. While staying informed about safety notices from agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the manufacturer is your first line of defense, true safety in the field relies on proactive maintenance and rigorous pre-use checks. The primary danger with hang-on treestands lies in the complex interaction between mechanical fasteners, tensioned cables, and the natural elements. Over time, weather exposure can degrade plastic coatings, corrode metal components, and weaken the integrity of crimps and connectors. Therefore, treating your equipment with the same respect you would treat a climbing harness is essential. Before every single outing, regardless of how recently it was inspected, perform a tactile inspection of all load-bearing points. Run your fingers along the plastic coating of cables to feel for any signs of fraying, cracking, or slipping crimps. Check that all bolts are tight and that no parts are bent or misaligned. If you notice even minor wear, do not risk it; replace the component immediately.

Proper installation is equally critical to preventing falls. Many accidents occur not because the equipment failed, but because it was installed incorrectly on a tree with insufficient girth or on bark that could not provide adequate friction. Always consult the manufacturer’s manual for specific diameter requirements and ensure you are attaching the stand to a living, healthy tree with enough bark texture to prevent slipping. Use a level to ensure the platform is balanced, and test the stability by applying gradual pressure before fully committing your weight. It is also wise to use a safety harness or fall arrest system in conjunction with the treestand, as these devices are designed to catch you if the primary structure fails, providing a crucial secondary layer of protection.

Beyond physical checks, consider the broader context of your hunting preparation. Fatigue, cold temperatures, and distraction can impair judgment and dexterity, making it harder to secure gear properly. Take time to acclimate to the environment and ensure you have clear visibility when setting up your stand. Finally, make recall verification a habitual part of your pre-season routine. Register your products with manufacturers when possible, subscribe to their safety alerts, and periodically check official government databases for updates on your specific models. By combining regular mechanical inspections, correct installation practices, and proactive information gathering, you transform potential hazards into manageable variables, ensuring that your focus remains on the hunt rather than on your safety.