A bootstrap system releasably positively connects a hunters boot to a base platform of a climbing tree stand in a manner giving control when raising (or lowering) the base platform as part of climbing (or descending) a tree. The system includes an upper strapping component comprising a nylon strap with buckle and strap lock attached to the hunters boot shaft, and a lower strapping component having similar components and that is releasably attached to the upper strapping component and to the base platform. The bootstrap system can be used in combination with known toe-restraint devices on the base platform of a climbing tree stands. The bootstrap system is adjustable for any boot size, and for use with a wide variety of climbing tree stands.
