Introduction

The Bowhunter Suspension Relief & Deer Drag Strap is a versatile hunting accessory designed for both safety and convenience. This dual-purpose strap provides essential support in case of a fall, allowing hunters to relieve pressure on their legs and maintain circulation while suspended. Additionally, it can be easily converted into a deer drag strap, facilitating the transport of game with minimal effort. Lightweight and durable, this strap is an essential tool for any serious hunter. The price of the Bowhunter Suspension Relief & Deer Drag Strap is $29.99.

WARNING! Read, watch, understand and follow all written and DVD instructions prior to using any part of this product. Failure to read, watch, understand and follow this information could result in not being able to return to the stand and being suspended in the harness after a fall and can cause serious injury or death! speak to a qualified company representative BEFORE using your harness or any portion of this package if there is ANYTHING about these products or instructions you do not understand! If you call after hours or when a company representative is not available, do not use this product until you speak to qualified company representative who clarifies anything you don’t understand. 

Warning! Some photos in this instruction manual may show a harness other than the Bowhunter X-1. The item or part shown and instruction being explained will be the same as intended for the Bowhunter Model X-1 and must be followed.  

A warranty registration form is included with your X-1 Harness. Please fill out the information requested in its entirety and return it to HSS Bowhunter,  8237 Danville Rd., Danville, Al. 35619. This warranty form must be signed and dated in order for the warranty to be in force. Your signature also acknowledges that you have read and understand the instructions and warnings contained within this booklet and that you recognize their importance. 

This Bowhunter X-1 harness contains the following items: Instruction and safe use booklet, instructional DVD, neck tag instructional booklet, a 1-7/8 inch wide tree strap, 1-inch wide suspension relief strap that can double as a deer drag, and a harness. Although every component has been examined for quality compliance by the  Manufacturer, all components must be examined by the user before each use to assure there is no damage, wearing etc. Call 1-877-296-3528 and speak to a manufacturer’s representative before using this harness if any of the above contents is missing or if you have any questions about the safe use of this harness. 

Warning! This harness DOES NOT include a Lineman’s Climbing Strap. Anytime ladder sticks, steps, other climbing aids or treestands are being installed or removed, you MUST use an optional HSS Lineman’s Climbing Strap with this harness according to all HSS climbing strap and harness instructions. An HSS Lineman’s Climbing Strap can be purchased at sporting goods stores, online at https://www.hssvest.com 

Detailed Specifications

The Bowhunter Suspension Relief & Deer Drag Strap is made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. It features a comfortable shoulder strap that distributes the weight of the deer evenly across your back and shoulders. The product also has a sturdy handle that provides a firm grip while dragging the deer. The overall length of the guide is 5 feet, making it easy to maneuver in any terrain.

ADJUSTING YOUR BOWHUNTER X-1 HARNESS 

1. Put the harness on and securely fasten the waist buckle together. Listen for a secure, complete snap that indicates it is locked in place. Grab each side of the buckle and pull sharply to make certain it’s locked and secure. Examine the buckle to ensure it is properly locked and secured.

2. Locate the adjustable slide bar attached to the waist strap. This thin, metal adjustment slide-bar is attached to the webbing that connects to the waist buckle found at the middle of your torso. (Figure 1)

   

   1. With the buckle’s bent sides upward, thread the tree strap end from the bottom between the sewn portion of the tree strap and gnarled slide bar.
   2. Bring the tree strap between the knurled slide bar and…
   3. Insert the tree strap between the gnarled slide bar and the end of the buckle
3. Move the adjustable slide bar forward or back to adjust the vest comfortably snug to your body.  The harness will adjust to accommodate both light and heavy clothing. Large adjustments are more easily made while not wearing the safety system. To make a large adjustment, place the harness on a flat surface, locate the adjustable slide bar, and move it as needed. Make sure all straps are repositioned in place and not twisted after making any adjustments. This can usually be accomplished by picking the harness up by the waist buckle and shaking the harness.
4. Release each leg strap buckle, bring them between your legs, and securely snap them in place securing the left strap to the left leg buckle and right strap to the right leg buckle. Listen for a secure and complete snap indicating they are locked in place. Grab both sides of each buckle and pull sharply to make certain they are locked and secure with no clothing caught in the buckle.
5. Adjust each leg strap length making the webbing comfortably snug to the leg.

ATTACHING YOUR HARNESS TO THE TREE 

1. Wrap the tree strap around the tree and bring the loose end through the loop located at the end of the harness’s tether. (The tether is the strap that extends off the rear of the harness neckline.) Properly weave the tree strap’s webbing and buckle as follows: With the bent “sides” up, thread the tree strap end from the back side between the sewn portion of the tree strap (1) and the knurled slide bar. Bring the tree strap over the knurled slide bar (2) and insert the tree strap between the knurled slide bar and the end of the buckle (3). (Figure 2)

   

   Pull tight to the tree and test attachment by pulling sharply on the tether and tree strap connection making sure it’s secured tight to the tree.  After securing, there must be at least 8 inches of slack webbing beyond the buckle.

2. While in a standing position on the stand platform, position the tree strap and tether at or above head level and tighten. There should be no slack in the tether between the tree connection and the hunter while he/she is in a sitting position. (The tether is the 1.25 strap that extends out from the neckline of the vest/harness). If slack is present, raise the tree strap until there is no slack. (Figure 3) 

   

3. Warning! The tree strap and suspension relief strap MUST be carried in the mesh bag that comes standard with the harness and never attached to the tether or suspension relief loop when being transported. Attach the mesh bag to a side webbing strap by looping it over the webbing and back through  the loop in the bags pull cord.
4. Warning! You must Always keep the suspension relief strap in a easily accessible location should a fall occur.

Description

The Bowhunter Suspension Relief & Deer Drag Strap is a must-have tool for hunters who want to make their hunting experience more comfortable and safe. The guide provides relief to your back and shoulders while dragging a deer, reducing the risk of injury. It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it an ideal tool for any hunting trip. The product is designed to withstand any terrain, making it a reliable tool for any hunting environment.

USING THE SUSPENSION RELIEF STRAP

1. A one-inch strap is provided with your harness to be used ONLY as a suspension relief strap or deer drag aid. This suspension relief strap MUST be on your person and easily accessible while using the harness. NEVER use this or the loop located at the rear, bottom of the harness as a means of securing the harness to the tree.
2. Practice at least one self recovery method while near ground level and in the presence of a responsible adult. An example of this use can be seen in figure 4.

3. If you fall and must hang for extended periods of time while waiting for help to arrive, the suspension relief strap can be used to relieve suspension trauma to the body. While hanging, take the strap from your pocket (keep this strap with you and easily accessible at all times) and attach the metal clip to the loop found at the rear bottom portion of the harness. This loop can be seen on figure 6. Adjust the strap to a length that will allow you to step up onto it and stand thus relieving pressure on your body caused by hanging. (Figure 4)

   

   

4. You should never hunt without the suspension relief strap in an easily accessible pocket or the supplied mesh bag; however, if you drop or lose it, move your legs often while hanging to maintain good blood flow. In addition to the suspension relief strap, always carry a screw-in step in an easily accessible pocket that can be screwed into the tree and stepped onto to relieve suspension trauma.
5. Always keep an emergency signal device such as a whistle, small air horn and a cell phone or personal locator beacon in an accessible pocket at all times so that you can contact someone for help.
6. Warning! In the event of a fall, DO NOT PANIC! Put your practiced self recovery plan into action, ie suspension relief, self recovery, or other means of rescue.
7. Note: Several optional products/systems are available that offer self recovery or self extraction from a fall when suspended in a harness. Some systems automatically descend the user while others allow control. One of these product/systems can be considered for use as an additional safety precaution against prolonged suspension and suspension trauma. Be sure to follow the manufacturers’ directions on the safe use of these products/systems.
8. To use the suspension relief strap as a deer drag, place the adjustable loop over the antlers or neck of the harvested animal and connect the clip to the loop located at the rear, bottom of the harness.

WARNING! NEVER drag an animal or weight that may cause injury to your back, legs, bones or muscles. If you are presently or have ever experienced problems with these, DO NOT use the HSS harness and deer drag strap to drag anything!

Use with various treestand styles

1. When using a climbing treestand, be sure to follow the treestand manufacturer’s instructions and warnings with regards to proper usage. Make sure you attach your harness tether and tree strap securely to the tree while at ground level and advance the tree strap up or down as you ascend or descend staying connected to the tree at all times. Always keep the attachment as high as possible. Test your tree attachment by pulling on the tether with each advancement to make certain it is tight.
2. If using a ladder stand, make sure you comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings. Once the ladder stand is erected and you have gained access to the platform, it is critical that you attach your tree strap and tether to the tree before engaging in further activities. In order to regain access to the platform in the event of a fall, it is critical that the tree strap is connected so there is no slack in the tether when in the sitting position. (Figure 3). Important! The manufacturer strongly recommends the use of a Hunter Safety System Life Line when using a ladder stand to stay attached to the tree from the moment you leave the ground to the moment you return.
3. When using a hang-on style treestand, be sure to follow the treestand manufacturer’s instructions and warnings with regard to proper usage.  When ascending to an existing hang-on style treestand  you must stay attached to the tree from the moment you leave the ground until you return. This must be accomplished with the optional HSS Life Line or optional HSS Lineman’s Climbing Strap and the provided tree strap with tether connection staying doubly attached.  Upon reaching the stand, connect the tree strap and tether above the stand, disconnect the lineman’s climbing strap, and reconnect it above the stand.  Remain doubly attached when stepping down into the center of the stand.  Once secured in the stand, you can remove the lineman’s climbing strap.
4. Warning! When using the optional  Hunter Safety System Life Line or Lineman’s Climbing Strap, you must follow all Life Line, Lineman’s Climbing Strap, and harness instructions.

5. Warning! Anytime the harness’s tether is not attached to the tree as per the Hunter Safety System lineman’s climbing strap instructions, the harness, when used with the HSS lineman’s climbing strap, should be considered a climbing aid only and NOT a fall restraint device. NOTE: While the Bowhunter X-1 harness does not come standard with a lineman’s climbing strap, it does have loops on the harness that are connection points for this strap. These loops are located above and to the side of the leg strap buckles. (Figure 5)

   

6. Warning! You must ONLY use an optional Hunter Safety System lineman’s climbing strap with this harness!

Setup Guide

Setting up the Bowhunter Suspension Relief & Deer Drag Strap is easy. 

1. Start by attaching the shoulder strap to the guide using the built-in clips. 
2. Adjust the strap to fit your size and comfort level. 
3. Once the strap is securely in place, grab the sturdy handle and start dragging the deer. 
4. Always ensure that the guide is positioned correctly and that the weight is evenly distributed across your back and shoulders.

Overall Safety Use Instructions and Safe Hunting Practices

1. Prior to using the harness, make sure you read, understand and follow all safe-use instructions, warnings and the product expiration date. Watch the enclosed instructional DVD. If there are any questions concerning the proper usage of this product or anything you do not understand in the written or video safe-use instructions representative BEFORE using it.
2. When hunting from an elevated position, falls can occur any time after leaving the ground causing injury or death. ALWAYS wear your harness and use any additional Hunter Safety System accessory such as a Life Line or Lineman’s Climbing Strap to stay connected to the tree from the moment you leave the ground until you return to the ground. If you cannot wear your full body harness for any reason, you MUST hunt from the ground. 
3. Keep the provided neck, hang-tag/booklet, safe use instructions with you at all times while hunting aloft for reference. Refer to the safe use instructions annually or anytime you are not certain about using your harness. Also, you must give the complete safe use and instructional material to anyone to whom you loan or sell your Bowhunter, X-1 model harness.
4. Familiarize yourself with the harness and all its adjustments while at ground level. Also, while slightly above ground level and in the presence of a responsible adult, practice using your harness to experience the feeling of hanging suspended before using in a hunting environment. (Figure 4)
   Warning! NEVER exceed the total weight limit (yourself and gear) specified for the particular model harness you are using.
5. The harness/fall arrest system is designed to arrest a single fall only. If you experience a fall while wearing this product, return it to the manufacturer for replacement. 
6. WARNING! DO NOT use this product or hunt from an elevated platform while using drugs of any type without approval from your personal physician or after the consumption of any amount of alcohol. These items can impair your balance, judgment and ability to safely hunt from an elevated position.
7. WARNING! DO NOT modify, repair, alter, sew, or cut this product in any way. Doing so may cause serious injury or death!
8. WARNING! DO NOT use this product or hunt from an elevated platform unless you are well rested and alert, or if you have in the past or are presently experiencing any back or heart problems or medical condition that could cause a problem while above ground level. You MUST be physically and mentally able to recover to the stand’s platform or ground in the event of a fall.
9. WARNING! Never hunt from an elevated position during inclement weather such as rain, lightning, high wind or icy conditions. Always end the hunt & return to the ground immediately if inclement weather conditions arise.
10. Anytime you are ascending, descending, or hunting from an elevated platform, make sure that you are secured to the tree from the moment you leave the ground until the moment you return to the ground. This should be accomplished with the use of one or more of the following: The optional Hunter Safety System Lineman’s Climbing Strap and tree strap combination (to stay doubly attached to the tree), or the optional HSS Lifeline. The HSS Life Line and Lineman’s Climbing Strap can be purchased from sporting goods stores, online at https://www.hssvest.com 
11. Always use the optional HSS Lineman’s Climbing Strap and tether/tree strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions when hanging a fixed position, hang-on style treestand. If lost or damaged, they can be purchased separately as an accessory at numerous sporting goods stores, by calling 1-877-296-3528 or on the web at www.hssvest.com.
12. When hanging or removing climbing aids or treestands, the Lineman’s Climbing Strap must always be used in conjunction with the tree strap and tether provided with the X-1 harness. To maximize safety, always attach the harness’ tether and tree strap to the tree along with the optional lineman’s climbing strap, staying doubly attached while climbing, hanging, or securing a treestand, ladder stick or other accessories to/from the tree.
13. Always maintain 3-point contact when climbing up or down a tree using climbing aids. Proper 3-point contact means having either two feet with one hand or one foot with two hands on the steps of your climbing aid at all times when climbing up/down or in and out of the treestand.
14. When moving to gain access into the treestand with the optional Lineman’s Climbing Strap and tether/tree strap still attached to the tree, remove and reattach the tree strap to the tree at a point located above the treestand before disconnecting the lineman’s climbing strap. Once securely attached to the tree by the tether, remove the lineman’s climbing strap and climb above the base of the treestand. Reattach the lineman’s strap to the tree and stay doubly attached to the tree while stepping down into the center of the treestand. Remain doubly attached until you are secure in the stand. Then remove the lineman’s climbing strap.
15. The Bowhunter X-1 harness is only considered a fall restraint device when all waist and leg buckles are closed securely and adjusted comfortably snug in place around the body, and the harness is attached firmly to the tree by the tether according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
16. Leg straps & buckles must be correctly adjusted and in the proper position between your legs (left strap/left leg, right strap/right leg), and the waist buckle must be locked closed (and checked by pulling sharply on it) from the time you leave the ground until you return to the ground.
17. WARNING! The suspension relief/ deer drag loop located on the lower, rear portion of the harness is to be used as a deer drag or suspension relief only. This should never be used to attach or secure yourself to the tree.
18. Warning! Inspect belts, buckles and tree straps prior to each use. Do not use this harness if any of these components is not working properly, damaged or show signs of wear.
19. Warning! If you have purchased this harness in a sealed package with all instructions, warnings and items listed on page 4 of this instructional booklet, the harness must be removed from service five years from the date of purchase. (Be sure to keep your proof of purchase) If you have purchased or obtained this harness as a previously used harness or lose your proof of purchase, it must be removed from service five years from the date of manufacture. This date is printed on the tether label.
20. Prepare and practice a rescue, recovery plan should a fall occur. Plan ahead on how you will recover and return to the stand platform or ground in the event of a fall. If a fall occurs, DO NOT PANIC! Remain calm and implement your practiced rescue, relief and recovery plan. Always carry a folding screw-in tree step and emergency whistle, two-way radio, or cell phone in an accessible pocket of your vest for self-rescue use in the event of a fall. Hanging or suspension for long periods of time can cause discomfort, serious injury, or death!Always keep the suspension relief/deer drag strap in an easily accessible pocket for use in the event of a fall.
21. Always inform someone of your hunting location and when to expect your return. Always carry a cell phone or personal locator beacon in case you need help.
22. Always hunt from the ground when self-recovery/escape ability is absent.
23. Never climb up/down or hunt at heights at which you are not completely comfortable.
24. Never connect your harness to any part of the treestand, climbing aids, or tree limbs.
25. Never use your harness to lean out from the treestand for any reason including trimming branches or shooting.
26. NEVER climb a dead, dying, leaning, icy, wet, or loose-barked tree. If in doubt as to the condition of the tree, DO NOT CLIMB IT! Never rely on a tree branch for support. Never climb or hunt from a utility pole.
27. User must be 16-years old or older and be physically and mentally able to use the harness without adult supervision and assistance in adjustments, attachments to the tree, and all other safety concerns relating to the Bowhunter X-1 harness. User must be physically and mentally able to recover after a fall has occurred.
28. Youths or minors under 16 years of age must be instructed prior to each use and supervised during use on all safety aspects of use by a responsible adult.
29. Any person under 16 years of age wearing an HSS harness MUST be accompanied by a supervising adult at all times.  This is especially true while positioned in a treestand or any platform located above ground level, while ascending to the treestand or descending from it. Let’s protect our youth!
30. Warning! Never wrap the harness’s tether around or across your neck or under your arms.
31. To receive the industry’s safe treestand video.

Bowhunter Suspension WARRANTY 

This warranty is to the original retail purchaser and covers all materials and labor for the repair or replacement of the product due to defects in workmanship or materials within (1) one year from the date of purchase.  This warranty does not cover use or care other than that described in instructions on hang tags and tree strap.  Purchaser must read, follow and understand all safety and warranty instructions prior to use.  

Warning! If there is anything you do not understand about this product.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues while using the Bowhunter Suspension Relief & Deer Drag Strap, refer to the following troubleshooting guide. 

• Common problems include the guide not staying in place or the shoulder strap causing discomfort. 
• To prevent the guide from moving, ensure that it is positioned correctly and that the weight is evenly distributed. 
• If the shoulder strap is causing discomfort, adjust the strap to fit your size and comfort level. 
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings for safe and proper use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Relieves back and shoulder pain while dragging a deer
• Sturdy and durable materials
• Easy to use and set up
• Lightweight and portable
• Designed for any terrain

Cons

• May not fit all body types comfortably
• Limited color options