Malta Dynamics Hunter's Elite User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
XXXXXXXXXX
Hunter’s Elite Harness
INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFE-USE MANUAL
These instructions apply to the following models:
HUNTER'S ELITE HARNESS
W/SUSPENSION RELIEF/DEER DRAG, TREE STRAP,
AND LINEMAN'S CLIMBING STRAP
Read, watch, understand and follow all written and video
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!
Call us at 1-800-494-1840 and 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
WARNING
WARNING

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product information...............................................……………...........................5
Adjusting your harness…………………………………………...............................6
Attaching your harness to the tree…………………………….............................7
Using the Suspension Relief/Deer Drag Strap……………….….....................7-8
Use with various treestand styles………………………………......................9-10
Overall safe use instructions………….……………...……............................10-14
Instructional Photos …………………………………………................................15
Warranty……………………………………………………......................................16
Safety Video ...........................................................………….…...........................4

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.
Safety Video
Scan this QR code to
watch the instructional
video. It is required to
watch the full video before
using the product.

Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
XXXXXXXXXX
This Hunter's Elite harness contains the following items: Instructions ,
instructional video, a 2 inch wide tree strap, 1-inch wide suspension relief strap
that can double as a deer drag, a 2 inch wide lineman's climbing belt, 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
1-800-494-1840 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.
Some photos in this instruction manual may show a harness
other than the Hunter's Elite. The item or art shown and
instruction being explained will be the same as intended for the
Hunter's Elite and must be followed.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

6
Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
MaltaDynamics.com | [phone]
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.
ADJUSTING YOUR HUNTER'S ELITE HARNESS
• 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.
• Locate the adjustable slide bar attached to the waist strap. This
adjustment slide-bar is attached to the webbing that connects to the
waist buckle found at the middle of your torso. (Figure 1)
• 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.
• 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.
• Adjust each leg strap length making the webbing comfortably snug to
the leg.
Anytime ladder sticks, steps, other climbing aids or treestands
are being installed or removed, you MUST use an Lineman’s
Climbing Strap with this harness according to all Malta Dynamics
climbing strap and harness instructions.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

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User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
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ATTACHING YOUR HARNESS TO THE TREE
•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.
•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 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)
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.
WARNING
WARNING
USING THE SUSPENSION RELIEF STRAP
•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
You must Always keep the suspension relief strap in a easily
accessible location should a fall occur.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.
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.
•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.
•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)
•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.
•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.
• 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.
•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.
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.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
XXXXXXXXXX
USE WITH VARIOUS TREESTAND STYLES
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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 an optional Life Line or
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.
WARNING
W
W
ARNING
ARNING
When using the optional Life Line or Lineman’s Climbing
Strap, you must follow all Life Line, Lineman’s Climbing
Strap, and harness instructions.
WARNING
WARNING
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
Hunter's harness and deer drag strap to drag anything!

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
MaltaDynamics.com | [phone]
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.
OVERALL SAFETY USE INSTRUCTIONS AND
SAFE HUNTING PRACTICES
• 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 video. 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, call
1-800-494-1840 and speak to a manufacturer’s representative
BEFORE using it.
• 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's Elite 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.
• Keep the provided 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. If there is
anything you are not certain about, call 1-800-494-1840 and speak to
a manufacturer’s representative before using your harness. Also, you
must give the complete safe use and instructional material to anyone
to whom you loan or sell your Hunter's Elite harness.
Anytime the harness’s tether is not attached to the tree as per
the Hunter's Elite lineman’s climbing strap instructions, the
harness, when used with the lineman’s climbing strap,
should be considered a climbing aid only and NOT a fall
restraint device.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
You must ONLY use an optional Hunter 's Elite lineman’s climbing
strap with this harness!
WARNING
WARNING

Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
XXXXXXXXXX
•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)
•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. To replace your harness in the event of a
fall, call 1-800-494-1840. (A nominal fee will apply.)
NEVER exceed the total weight limit (yourself and gear)
specified for the particular model harness you are using.
WARNING
WARNING
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.
•DO NOT modify, repair, alter, sew, or cut this product in any
way. Doing so may cause serious injury or death!
•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.
•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.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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•Anytime you are ascending, descending, or hunting from an
elevated platform, make sure that you are secured to the tree 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 Lineman’s Climbing Strap and tree
strap combination (to stay doubly attached to the tree), or the
optional Lifeline.
• Always use the optional Hunter's Elite Lineman’s Climbing Strap
and tether/tree strap according to the manufacturer’s instructions
when hanging a fixed position, hang-on style treestand.
• 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 Hunter's Elite 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Hunter's Elite 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.
• 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.

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User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
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•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.
•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.
•Always hunt from the ground when self-recovery/escape ability is
absent.
•Never climb up/down or hunt at heights at which you are not completely
comfortable.
•Never connect your harness to any part of the treestand, climbing aids,
or tree limbs.
•Never use your harness to lean out from the treestand for any reason
including trimming branches or shooting.
• 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.
• 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.
• If you have purchased this harness in a sealed package with
all instructions, warnings and items listed on 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.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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• 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.
• 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 Hunter's Elite harness. User must be physically and
mentally able to recover after a fall has occurred.
•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.
• Any person under 16 years of age wearing an Hunter's Elite 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!
Never wrap the harness’s tether around or across your neck or
under your arms.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

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User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
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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
Figure 3
There should be no slack
in the tether while in the
sitting position
The photos shown may display a different model harness than the one you
purchased; owever, the harness parts and instructions will be the same.
Figure 4
Adjust the strap to a
length that will allow
you to step into it and
stand, thus relieving
pressure on your body
caused by hanging.
Have responsible
assistance when
testing harness near
ground level.
Figure 5 Figure 6
Figure 2

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Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.
WARRANTY
The following warranty is made in lieu of all warranties or conditions, whether
expressed or implied. This includes the implied warranties or confitions of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Equipment offered by Malta Dynamics is warranted against factory defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of one year from date of installation or
first use by the original owner.
LIMITED REMEDY: Upon notice in writing, Malta Dynamics will repair or
replace all defective items at Malta Dynamics’s sole discretion. Malta Dynamics
reserves the right to require that the defective item to be returned to its plant for
inspection before determining the appropriate course of action.
This warranty does not cover equipment damage resulting from wear, abuse,
damage in transit, failure to maintain the product or other damage beyond the
control of Malta Dynamics. Malta Dynamics shall be the sole judge of product
condition and warranty options. This warranty applies only to the original
purchaser and is the only warranty applicable to this product. Please contact
Malta Dynamics customer service department at 800-494-1840 for assistance.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: IN NO EVENT WILL MALTA DYNAMICS BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
— INCLUDING , BUT NOT LIMITED TO—LOSS OF PROFITS IN ANY WAY
RELATED TO THE PRODUCTS, REGARDLESS OF ANY LEGAL THEORY
ASSERTED.

17
Hunter’s Elite Harness
User Instruction Manual
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instruction manual based upon date of manufacture.

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User Instruction Manual
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Manual Revision Code:
XXXXXXXXXX
[phone]
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Malta, OH 43758 USA