Getting an elevated view can change your whole perspective on the woods. It’s a powerful way to connect with the land and a critical skill for many deer hunters.

But let's be honest: even for experienced hunters, climbing safely can feel like an intimidating hurdle to overcome. We're here to break down that barrier, together.

Safety is the foundation of every ethical hunt. We know that most hunting-related accidents are falls, and we also know they are preventable. This workshop is dedicated to giving you the knowledge and hands-on practice you need to climb with confidence, supported by experienced mentors who put your well-being first.

This is a safe and supportive space to learn, ask questions, and build skills at your own pace. As with all Kinfolk events, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone, and we explicitly encourage BIPOC, Queer, and Women-identifying folks to join us.

What We’ll Cover: This hands-on session will cover the pros, cons, and safe-use principles for the most common climbing methods:

• Ladder Stands: How to properly install and use them without taking risky shortcuts.

• Climbing Stands: Mastering the original "mobile" setup and climbing with them safely.

• Climbing Sticks: Best practices for using sticks with hang-on stands or tree saddles.

• Tree Saddles: An in-depth look at this popular, lightweight method and its unique safety benefits.

• Rope Climbing: An introduction to arborist-inspired rope techniques for safe and efficient ascent.

Event & Application Details:

• Event Date: Sat, Nov 1st from 10am - 3pm

• Location: Putnam County, NY (Participants will be responsible for their own transportation.)

• Cost: Free for Mentees

Please Note: This is an intensive, hands-on class limited to 10 mentees to ensure everyone gets personalized instruction. Because this is a foundational safety skill, we will be giving priority to mentees who plan on hunting from an elevated position during this deer season.

Applications are closed.