History

TMA’s History

The Treestand Manufacturer’s Association was formed in 1995 where a small group of key leaders in the industry met during a consumer trade show held in Atlanta, Georgia. Initial challenges included forming a board of directors and building trust. From the beginning, even as competitors, the common interests and goals of the association were to promote treestand safety and also to develop performance standards, test methods, practices, terminology, and promote knowledge related to treestands and safety related accessories for the purpose of reducing the risk of injury to the individual who hunts from an elevated platform or treestand. The first board consisted of 5 manufacturer representatives: Ben Southard (Loc On), Ray McIntyre (Warren & Sweat), Frank Hood (Trail Hawk), John Woller (Summit) and Paul Meeks (API). In 2004 the Association incorporated as a non-profit trade association and in 2005 filed for exemption with the Internal Revenue Service which was granted in 2006 and classified as a 501(c)(6) non-profit.

The initial standards were drafted by the board in conjunction with experienced engineering consultants in 1995 and consisted of 8 test methods that TMA members approved in 1996. Using these 8 standards as a basis for testing, members submitted products to be tested by a third party independent testing firm named LAW Engineering located in Jacksonville, FL.

In 2000 TMA President, John Woller worked with Norb Mullany (Chairman of ASTM F08.16 Archery Sub-Committee) to draft TMA standards for balloting and approval through American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). All 8 standards were approved and published by ASTM in 2001. The TMA Standard Committee continues to work in conjunction with ASTM to develop performance standards, test methods, practices, guides and terminology related to treestands, harnesses and safety related accessories and also to promote knowledge to reduce the risk of injury to the individual who hunts from and/or is preparing to hunt from an elevated platform and/or treestand.

Beginning in 2002 the TMA Board of Directors appointed John Louk as the first Executive Director to oversee the daily activities of the association. His duties to include: maintaining a central office, improve communications between the members and the industry, be responsible for and take a leading role in public relations of the association, directly support TMA Board and its members, and also maintain the web site.

Since 2003, TMA representatives work with officials from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) located in Bethesda, MD to discuss the safety of treestands and the use of Fall Arrest Full Body Harnesses. The interaction between the two agencies prove to be beneficial to all involved and their working relationship continues to obtain a better understanding of what is being done to promote treestand safety and also share the commitment to take a proactive approach to reduce incidents involving treestands.

TMA continues to promote the use of Fall Arrest Full Body Harnesses and supports legislative action for mandatory use. Since 2004 TMA members’ products are required to include a Full Body Harness/ Fall Arrest System that meets industry standards with all treestands. An estimated 18.5 million full body safety harnesses have been provided with products as an integral part of the treestand and/or sold to hunters to reduce the risk of falls associated with hunting from an elevated position and/or treestand.

Since 2004 TMA has published a web site to provide information to anyone interested in learning more about TMA and also to promote treestand safety. The web site maintains a current list of Participating and Supporting members’ with links to their web sites to provide additional resources to inform the consumer and general public. Another feature of the web site lists Members’ Products that have completed the product conformance process. The web site also includes a detailed list of Product Recalls with links to CPSC current recall notices.

Since 2005 the Association has published a comprehensive list of treestand safety best practices entitled “Treestand Safety Guidelines”. The document is available on the TMA web site and copies are being distributed throughout the hunting industry through its members and other industry affiliates who share an interest in promoting treestand safety. In 2014 the document was condensed to 5 of the most important best practices which include graphic illustrations and published as the “Treestand Safety Tips”. Both publications continue to be used by hunter education instructors, state agencies and retailers to teach and also promote treestand safety.

Effective June 2007 membership approved a revision to industry standards that require inclusion of both written and video/DVD instructions with all treestands and harnesses. It is estimated that to date over 10 million copies are in circulation and the royalties paid by participating members have generated over $700,000 as funding which TMA uses to support treestand safety education. TMA has designated 2 video/DVD service providers: Oquirrh Productions and National Bowhunters Education Foundation (NBEF). Both videos are widely used by state agencies and other hunter education instructors to teach and also promote treestand safety.

Since 2007, TMA has offered a Treestand Safety Grant Program for state wildlife agencies to assist with funding and the training of hunter education staff and volunteer instructors. Over 700 students have completed the course which includes the latest treestand safety best practices. 30 states have benefitted from the training funded through the Grant Program and have implemented the treestand safety curriculum into their hunter education programs and publications which teach more than 700,000 students annually.

Since 2008 TMA, Oquirrh Productions and HunterCourse.com have developed and offered hunters the first on-line treestand safety course. The 15 minute course is FREE and can be viewed at: www.huntercourse.com.

In 2009, TMA representatives worked with state wildlife agencies in Alabama and Mississippi to pass new regulations that require hunters to use full body safety harnesses while hunting on state wildlife management areas.

Most importantly, the Association continues to seek new ways to promote treestand safety. TMA solicits involvement from the hunting industry and encourages setting a good example for treestand safety and the use of a Full Body Safety Harness. In 2010, outdoor industry leaders and well-known camouflage brands, Mossy Oak and Realtree, collaborated to create a public service announcement to promote treestand safety. Featuring Mossy Oak’s Cuz Strickland and David Blanton from Realtree, the PSA highlighted the importance of wearing a safety harness when hunting from a treestand.

Since 2010, TMA established and implemented a Treestand Accident Investigation Grant Program for state wildlife agencies to assist with funding and the training of Conservation Officers. Training has been conducted in 11 states with over 325 Conservation Officers completing the course.

In 2010, TMA representatives proposed treestand safety standards to International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) to establish minimum standards for hunter education. IHEA members unanimously approved the standards for all 50 states. The standards were revised and approved in 2014 with a more detailed curriculum for treestand safety.

Since 2007, the association has established the Treestand Hall of Fame to give special recognition to those who have made significant contributions to the treestand and hunting industries and also TMA.

Contributing Virtues of Inductee Include:

Instrumental in developing unique treestand design
Places an emphasis on safety and product testing
Exemplifies a willingness to contribute to treestand safety and education
Prominent in marketing and promoting treestands in the hunting industry
Established as a long standing and respectable image in the treestand industry

Contributing Virtues of JOHN A. WOLLER

JOHN A. WOLLER founded Summit Specialties in 1981; and has been innovative in the designing of treestands, harnesses and accessories with an emphasis on quality and safety for over twenty-eight years.
JOHN A. WOLLER as the representative of Summit Specialties, was one of the founders of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and was instrumental in forming its bylaws and charter.
JOHN A. WOLLER has served on the Board of Directors of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association from 1999 to 2009.
JOHN A. WOLLER has been instrumental in developing and establishing the standards approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and ASTM.
JOHN A. WOLLER has voluntarily served as Chairman of TMA’s Standard Task Force and also appointed as the Technical Adviser for the ASTM Archery subcommittee since their inception.
JOHN A. WOLLER has freely given of his time and expertise in reviewing scripts for video productions and other publications to educate and inform the consumer on best treestand safety practices.
JOHN A. WOLLER, also known as “THE LAB COAT GUY,” considering his eagerness to influence others; is regarded as a friend by most TMA members and others in the hunting industry.

Contributing Virtues of DR. RAY G. McINTYRE

DR. RAY G. McINTYRE purchased Warren & Sweat Treestand Manufacturing Company in 1983.
DR. RAY G. McINTYRE, as the owner of Warren & Sweat Treestand Manufacturing Company, was instrumental in the beginning of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association.
DR. RAY G. McINTYRE served as the first President of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association from 1996 to 1998.
DR. RAY G. McINTYRE was instrumental in establishing the first sets of standards approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association.
DR. RAY G. McINTYRE was innovative in the design and safety of Warren & Sweat Treestands for over thirty-five years.
DR. RAY G. McINTYRE wrote articles and books as well as producing videos to inform the public about safety with Treestands.
DR. RAY G. McINTYRE retired in 2002 while still being active in the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association.

Contributing Virtues of LORNE “L.J.” SMITH, Jr.

LORNE “L.J.” SMITH, Jr. was instrumental in planning and participating in the first organizational meeting for the treestand industry in 1989 and has supported TMA by promoting treestand safety since its inception.
L.J. SMITH, Jr., was instrumental in producing and publishing one of the first treestand safety videos in 1997 and has freely given of his time and expertise in reviewing scripts for video productions and other publications to educate and inform the consumer on best treestand safety practices.
L.J. SMITH, J., has a passion for teaching treestand safety, as a volunteer, faithfully contributed more than 1,000 hours of his time conducting training for instructors and conservation officers in treestand safety and treestand accident investigation.
L.J. SMITH, JR., since 2001 has served as consultant, investigator and expert witness in support of manufacturers and retailers in more than 400 hunting and treestand related accidents.
L.J. SMITH, JR., has shown a commitment to promote treestand safety by sharing numerous recommendations to manufacturers to enhance product design and also improve the hunter’s safety.

L.J. SMITH, JR., because of his willingness to serve others, is regarded as a trusted friend by members of the Association and also many in the hunting industry.
L.J. SMITH, JR. has represented himself with the utmost of integrity and is respected not only as a professional but also as a person in the treestand and hunting industries.

Contributing Virtues of PAUL MEEKS

PAUL MEEKS founded API OUTDOORS in late 1986 introducing the first all-aluminum line of treestands; and has been innovative in designing treestands, harnesses and accessories with an emphasis on quality and safety for over twenty-four (24) years.
PAUL MEEKS as representative of API OUTDOORS was one of the founders of the TMA and was instrumental in forming its bylaws and charter.
PAUL MEEKS has served on the Board of Directors of TMA from 1997 to Present and is recognized as the longest standing board member serving in various capacities including: President, Vice President and currently Secretary.
PAUL MEEKS has been instrumental in developing and establishing the standards approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and ASTM.
PAUL MEEKS has lead API Outdoors to be one of the first manufacturers to include a Full Body Harness with their product.
PAUL MEEKS has freely given of his time and expertise in reviewing scripts for video productions and lead his company to be one of the first manufacturers to co-package video instructions.
PAUL MEEKS has been instrumental in developing and establishing the standards approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and ASTM.
PAUL MEEKS lead API Outdoors to be one of the first manufacturers to include a Full Body Harness with their product and also to co-package video instructions.
PAUL MEEKS has been actively involved with the TMA not only as a representative for API Outdoors but also Bass Pro Shops as well.

Contributing Virtues of ROBERT “Bob” CALDWELL HICE, SR.

ROBERT CALDWELL HICE, SR., affectionately known as Bob Hice, founded in 1981 the Tree Lounge, an innovative design in Treestands.
Bob Hice owned and sold the Tree Lounge for over 25 years through direct sales to the public.
Bob Hice was not only innovative in the design of the Tree Lounge, but in the instructions, video and safety equipment for the Tree Lounge.
Bob Hice was so concerned about treestand safety that in 1996 he contracted with a treestand expert to create a treestand safety video which in no way mentioned his company or product.
Bob Hice distributed over 44,000 copies of this video to Hunter Education Instructors, at his cost, and distributed an additional 250,000 of these videos, at his cost, to the State Hunter Education Programs requesting copies.
Bob Hice was a member in good-standing of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association.
Bob Hice passed away during the year 2006 while still owning and selling the Tree Lounge Tree Stands.

Contributing Virtues of THOMAS HUGH GALLAGHER (“TOM”)

THOMAS HUGH GALLAGHER (“TOM”) was elected to serve on the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association (“TMA”) Board as the first representative of the Retailer/Buyer Class in 2003 and has served as Treasurer, Vice President and Board Member for five two-year terms.
TOM GALLAGHER was instrumental in the continued support of TMA’s solvency by securing funding for the association from Cabela’s during the association’s infancy.
TOM GALLAGHER, while serving on the Board of Directors has encouraged other retailers to become involved with the TMA.
TOM GALLAGHER has been instrumental in establishing the TMA standards and their credibility by encouraging Vendor Partners who market their products through Cabela’s to be complaint to industry standards; and,
TOM GALLAGHER has been actively involved with TMA by promoting treestand safety and TMA’s charter; and,
TOM GALLAGHER has always placed a strong emphasis on safety and product testing; and,
TOM GALLAGHER has represented TMA and Cabela’s with the utmost of integrity and is respected not only as a professional but also as a person in the treestand and hunting industry.

Contributing Virtues of JOHN MARK LOUK

JOHN MARK LOUK was a co-founder of Ol’Man Treestands along with his father in the late-1980’s. The company quickly grew to one of the top forty companies in Mississippi by the late-1990’s; and,
JOHN MARK LOUK owned Ol’Man Treestands for over thirteen years, and during that time, in 1995, was one of the founding members of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and served as the first Secretary of the Association; and,
JOHN MARK LOUK served several terms on the Board of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and was instrumental in establishing the first Standards to used in testing Treestands; and,
JOHN MARK LOUK became the first Executive Director of the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association in 2003 and continues to serve in that position, going above and beyond what is called for in his duties; and,
JOHN MARK LOUK works extremely well with other safety organizations, such as Hunter Safety Administrators, the International Bowhunter Education Association, and many more. John has been instrumental in setting up treestand safety training courses in over thirty states and trained over 1,600 volunteer Hunter Safety Instructors in treestand safety; and,
JOHN MARK LOUK has been instrumental in setting up the Treestand Incident Investigation Courses in fourteen states, training over 350 wildlife officers how to properly investigate treestand incidents; and,
JOHN MARK LOUK volunteered to become the Committee Chairman for the ASTM Subcommittee on Treestands and has done an excellent job in his work.

Contributing Virtues of ROBERT M. “Bob” RANSOM

ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM started in the hunting industry in 1992 with the brand Ameristep and a single tree step, then in 1998 hunting blinds and in 2003 introduced its first treestand line with safety always a driving force; and,
ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM has been granted numerous US Patents as an inventor and has assisted with developing and successfully launching many other unique product designs in the hunting industry; and,
ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM has been elected to serve on the TMA Board of Directors since 2007. During his 15 years tenure has been appointed to serve as President since 2010 (currently the longest to hold this position); and,
ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM, since the first TMA Members’ Conference held at Henry Horton State Park in 2010 has been instrumental and influential in extending an invitation to many of our keynote speakers and special guests; and,
ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM as President of TMA Board of Directors has emphasized the importance of funding an annual Member’s Conference in support of TMA’s continued viability and solidarity; and,
ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM has aspired to take a leadership role in two successful treestand companies (Ameristep and Primal Treestands). Both companies have actively participated in and supported TMA’s charter to promote treestand safety; and,
ROBERT M. “BOB” RANSOM has exemplified throughout his career the ability to build strong and lasting relationships in the hunting industry to bolster success.

Contributing Virtues of JERRY DALE WYDNER

JERRY DALE WYDNER co-founded Hunter Safety System along with his brother John and lifelong-friend Jim Barta in 2001. With a single focus, the company has committed from the very beginning to ensure the safety of hunters; and,
JERRY DALE WYDNER has been granted numerous US Patents as an inventor and co-inventor and continues to develop other unique product designs to ensure that every customer comes home safely to their family; and,
JERRY DALE WYDNER has been elected to serve on the TMA Board of Directors since 2007. During his 15 years of service has faithfully served as Vice President for many of those years; and,
JERRY DALE WYDNER has faithfully supported treestand safety training with his generous donations of product to TMA and also many other organizations involved with hunter education; and,
JERRY DALE WYDNER has received numerous awards within the hunting industry in recognition of his dedication to safety and for fostering relationships with other companies that have similar goals; and,
JERRY DALE WYDNER has represented TMA and his company with the utmost of integrity and is respected not only as a professional but also as a person in the treestand and hunting industry; and,
JERRY DALE WYDNER continues to exemplify his deep passion for promoting treestand safety and endless devotion to his family, faith and friends.