Abstract: A stand, for supporting a person on a vertical post such as a hunter in a tree, including a platform having a generally horizontal top surface upon which the hunter stands and a support assembly below the platform including a pair of struts providing load-bearing support between the platform and the tree. A cable which extends around the tree opposite the platform has a first end attached to the platform and a second end attached to a cable tensioning arrangement which is mounted on the platform. The cable tensioning arrangement includes a lever pivotally attached to the platform and a drawbar which is pivotally attached at a first end to the lever, at a point spaced outwardly from the platform, and which has a second end upon which is affixed a spool to which the second end of the cable is attached.