What is the first step you should take when hauling your firearm into a tree stand?

When hauling your firearm into a tree stand, the most important first step is to unload the firearm and open the action. This is crucial for safety; by ensuring that the firearm is unloaded, you significantly reduce the risk of an accidental discharge while you're in the tree stand. Opening the action of the firearm provides additional safety by physically demonstrating that the gun is not loaded, making it clear to anyone in the vicinity that it is safe to handle.

This step is foundational in firearm safety protocols and helps to prevent dangerous situations that could arise from handling a loaded firearm. While other steps, such as using a safety harness for personal safety or ensuring the firearm is on safety, are important, they come into play after you have ensured that the firearm itself is safe to be handled and transported. Checking the weather conditions is also not a priority when specifically addressing how to handle your firearm, although it's a good practice overall for planning your hunting trip.