Hunting is a very safe sport if you’re on the ground. More people die from stepping on hornets’ nests and getting stung than they do getting shot from another hunter – on the ground. Up in the air is a different story. People fall out of trees from 12 to 16 feet high and the results are never good. Many are crippled for life and a number of people die from falling out of tree stands. You would think veteran hunters would know better, but they are the ones most likely to think they are immortal, they don’t need a safety strap, that surely the nails in that old hand-built tree stand will surely last another year and they are the ones to tumble from the treetops.
Bottom line? Use a harness or a safety strap as you are climbing the tree, when you are in a stand and as you descend. Do that and you’ll be perfectly safe.
Here are some other safety tips from the division of Wildlife Resources.
- Let other hunters in your party know where your stand is located. Leave a map on the dashboard, and the time you will return.
- Put a whistle, horn, strobe, 2-way radio or a cell phone in your pack. Make sure it is properly charged or have fresh batteries.
- Don’t move seriously injured victims; treat for shock, stop the bleeding, and go for help. Mark the trail going out.
- Wear a full-body safety harness and always maintain three points of contact.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE using your tree stand and harness.
- Inspect for damage to a stand before the season begins and before and after each use.
- Securely attach stand to a healthy tree.
- Read the instructions that came with the stand.
- Always use a haul line for gear.
- Tie a haul line to the belt or stand when climbing to keep hands free.
- Unload gun or bow before climbing or descending stand.
- Be especially careful using tree stands during rain, snow and ice conditions.
- Don’t use tree stands if you’re tired, sick or on medications.
- Wear blaze orange in the stand. Let other hunters in the area know where you are.
Remember: Always Harness Up Before You Climb Up!