Abstract: A new and improved portable tree climbing apparatus for a hunter for ascending and descending a tree is disclosed. The invention comprises an upper member having a seat adapted for swivelly supporting a hunter and an arcuate retaining loop adapted for rolling communication with the tree and keeping the upper member in a horizontal disposition when ascending and descending the tree. The retaining loop has a first end and a second end adapted for releasable engagement with the seat. A lower member has a safety blade disposed in releasable ratchetable engagement with a trunk of the tree for keeping the apparatus in stable communication with the trunk when ascending the tree. A traction wheel is disposed therebetween on an upstanding elongated member and has a plurality of teeth in intermittent contact with the trunk for effortlessly ascending and descending the tree.