Statistics show that accidents involving tree stands are the number one cause of injuries involving hunters each season. In fact, estimates show that one in every three hunters who opt to hunt from elevated tree stands are more likely to experience a fall that will result in a serious injury at some point. To help prevent these senseless and tragic incidents, here are 10 safety tips that you should keep in mind as you are climbing, hanging, hunting, and/or descending from a tree stand during deer season. Don’t forget to keep your stand’s owner’s manual with you—or at least in mind—as you take your tree stand into the woods this fall.
Tip #1: Make sure that you choose the proper tree prior to using a climbing tree stand or hanging a fixed-position tree stand. The tree needs to be healthy and alive without any noticeable damage or rot. The tree needs to meet size restrictions and specifications that are set forth by the tree stand company.
Tip #2: Do not ever hunt from a tree stand unless you have a high-quality and secure safety harness. Remember that it takes just a single fall to suffer an incredibly serious injury or to even put a permanent end to your deer hunting career.
Tip #3: A strong, sturdy safety strap or rope needs to be attached to the tree as well as your safety harness in order to prevent you falling more than a foot.
Tip #4: Be sure to continuously inspect and monitor your harness and tree stand prior to and throughout the hunting season to look for signs of wear and tear or potential damage.
Tip #5: When you are hunting from a hang-on or fixed-position stand, you need to make certain that you inspect the tree stand attachments and ladder steps to ensure everything it properly secured to the tree.
Tip #6: Make sure that you’re always utilizing a haul line to bring up your hunting gear, bow, or unloaded firearm. Don’t ever climb with anything at all attached to your back or in your hands. Prior to climbing down, the haul line should be used to lower your gear on the opposite side of the tree.
Tip #7: Make certain that you inform your friends and family know the exact location of the tree stand that you’re hunting from. If at all possible, hunt with a friend. In addition, you should always have a communication device—a walkie-talkie or cell phone—with you that is easily accessible on your body at all times.
Tip #8: Be sure to follow the 3-point rule, which states that you should always have 3 points of contact to your ladder or steps when climbing or descending from your tree stand.
Tip #9: Be careful with hazardous and slippery climbing conditions that may result from sleet, rain, ice, or snow, and take the necessary precautions.
Tip #10: When utilizing a climbing tree stand, make slow and steady movements of no more than a foot at a time. You should ensure that the climbing section and platform of the tree stand are attached together by a rope or safety cord.
If you follow the aforementioned tree stand safety tips, you will return home to your family, friends, and loved ones safely after every hunt. Good luck, and remember to #livelifeatfulldraw