Game Tracker Recalls Climbing Sticks and Tree Steps

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2001
Release # 02-070

Game Tracker Recall Hotline: (800) 241-4833
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Scott Wolfson, (301) 504-7051

CPSC, Game Tracker Announce Recall of Climbing Sticks and Tree Steps

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Game Tracker Inc., of Flushing, Mich., is voluntarily recalling 25,000 climbing sticks and tree steps. The buckles on the climbing sticks and tree steps can fail, posing a risk of serious injury to hunters.

Game Tracker and CPSC have received 16 reports of buckles failing, including one hunter who suffered a partial finger amputation and five others who suffered cuts, sprains, and bruises.

The recalled Gorilla Ultralite Climbing Sticks, model number 3163, have the serial numbers 040501, 050501, and 060801, printed on the main brace of the stick. The climbing sticks come in three to a package, are gray in color, have black swivel fold down foot pegs, and a black strap and buckle system. The recalled Strap-on Tree Steps, model numbers 3152 and 3153, have serial number 2899 stamped on the side of the metal step. The tree steps have a black strap, with a metal J hook, black buckle, and a metal step.

Hunting supply stores and catalogs nationwide sold these climbing sticks and tree steps from February 1999 through September 2001 for between $7 and $100

Consumers should stop using these climbing sticks and tree steps immediately. Consumers should return the product to the company, by writing to: The Game Tracker Inc., Attn: Product Safety Coordinator, PO Box 380, 3475 Eastman Dr., Flushing, MI 48433. Game Tracker will provide a free repair of the climbing sticks and a free replacement for the tree steps. For more information, consumers can call the company at (800) 241-4833 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.thegametracker.com.