Abstract: A tree winch mounting system includes a tree mount that straps to the stem of a tree and a removably attached winch. The winch is a self-tailing winch. The tree mount includes several incoming fair leads to appropriately guide approaching rope to the base of the winch drum, as well as an outgoing or return fair lead which guides rope as it returns to the winch for lowering. The outgoing fair lead is appropriately located to allow significant movement of the winch operator while attending to other tasks. The mounting system also includes a trailer hitch winch mount so that the winch can be used on a vehicle. In addition, other devices such as rope brakes, pad eyes, etc. can be removably attached to the tree mount and/or the trailer hitch mount.