Tree Stand Safety

Every year 36 percent of all reported hunting injuries and 20 per cent of hunting-related deaths are the result of the use of deer tree stands according to a Center for Disease Control Report. Defective equipment causes many of these injuries and deaths although most are caused by misuse of equipment or hunter carelessness. One of our cases revealed that the aluminum in one tree stand could not support the hunter and the stand collapsed. After our case this tree stand was removed from the market.

Smart hunters should look for these tree stand features:

• Take the time to "shop around" and buy safe and comfortable stand and harness of the type thatƒs right for you. Only use a tree stand approved by the Treestand Manufacturer's Association (TMA).
• Choose one that will hold you right-side-up and not restrict your breathing should you fall.
• Choose one with a quick release system.
• Practice setting up your stand and safety equipment at ground-level first. Use all recommended safety straps and pins to secure the stand.

Some Great Tips We'd Like to Share
Nearly 30% of all hunters that choose to hunt from tree stands experience a "fall" at some time. Most occur while ascending or descending to the stand. To help prevent these accidents, follow these safety precautions:

NEVER

• NEVER carry equipment with you while climbing. Use a haul line to raise or lower your gear.
• NEVER use a rope to replace a safety belt.
• NEVER hunt from a tree stand while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or if you're physically impaired.
• NEVER use a tree stand during high wind, lightning or if snow or ice is present on the stand or steps.
• NEVER select a leaning, diseased, shaggy barked or dead tree to place a stand!
• NEVER climb with a weapon! Use a pull-up rope.
• NEVER "jump" or "bounce" on a stand to "seat" it to the tree. Climb higher than the stand and step down onto it. Pulling up onto the stand can dislodge it.
• NEVER use a tree stand for anything other than hunting.
• NEVER use a tree stand for climbing a utility pole.
• NEVER use a stand without a "fall restraint" system. ALL tree stand manufacturers recommend use of these.
• NEVER insert screw-in steps into previously used holes, or into knotholes, or where limbs have been broken off.
• NEVER leave your stand or steps on the tree all year round. Remove and store them properly.

ALWAYS

• ALWAYS make sure guns are unloaded and broad-heads are covered prior to raising or lowering firearms or bows with a haul line.
• ALWAYS use a climbing belt.
• ALWAYS scout preseason and locate good stand sites.
• ALWAYS wear a full body safety harness, or at very least, a safety belt snug under your arms and around your upper torso.
• ALWAYS choose a tree that is straight and healthy, even if it may not be in the best place to see game.
• ALWAYS insert screw-in steps only where legal and allowed.
• ALWAYS scrape away any loose or excess bark from tree before inserting screw-in steps.
• ALWAYS insert screw-in steps only into the solid, live portion of wood of a tree. (*NOTE: IF a step is very easy to screw-in, it may also easily strip out when you step on it! It should require moderate physical exertion to insert a screw-in step properly.)
• ALWAYS climb up and remove small (and dead) branches to ready your selected site for safe use of your stand.
• ALWAYS read and follow the instructions provided with commercial stands. Failure to do so could cause injury or death if improperly used, and could also negate any legal claims you may have against the manufacturer.
• ALWAYS place weapon on the ground on the backside of the tree before climbing and when descending.
• ALWAYS if using a "Climbing Stand," tie both the climber and platform together to assure that the platform cannot slip away out of your reach.
• ALWAYS use a TMA certified tree stand. The Tree stand Manufacturers Association (TMA) conducts independent testing and certification of stands manufactured by companies that belong to this institution.

MORE SAFETY TIPS:

• Study the manufacturer's recommendations before using any equipment.
• Adhere to weight restrictions when using tree stands. Overloading the stand may cause metal fatigue, crimping and bending, potentially making the tree stand unsafe.
• Consider your general health when using a tree stand. Take precautions against leg cramps, legs/feet going to sleep, etc. during long stints in a tree stand.
• Remove all logs, upturned and cutoff saplings, rocks and other obstructions on the ground below the tree stand as a precautionary measure, should you fall.
• Wear boots with nonskid soles, because steps and platforms can be slippery with rain or ice.
• Wear necessary gear to protect you from the elements in extreme cold or wet weather.
• Carry a whistle to call for help and carry a first aid kit, flashlight, and cellular phone in a fanny pack.
• Tell a dependable person where you are hunting and when you plan on returning. Map your whereabouts and leave a note at camp, at home or in your car so that you can be found if needed.

ALSO:

• Consider contacting your State's Parks & Wildlife department to see if they offer Hunting Safety courses.
• Go to this website for more informaiton: http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/hunting/

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