Treestand accidents are the greatest cripplers and killers in the sport of hunting. Statistics range in numbers as high as 500 killed and 6,000 incurring permanent disability annually. Most of these falls occur while climbing up to or down from the stand. These accidents can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the hunter, the stand, and even the tree.
The following tips are common sense and commonplace in the world of hunters, but sometimes even the most seasoned take for granted basic precautions. These should also be required reading for young and beginning hunters. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks implements treestand safety in its hunter education program. Here are words to live by when going hunting:
- Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them. It is best to avoid homemade stands and use only stands approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association.
- Read, understand, and follow factory recommendation practices when installing or using commercial stands. Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts prior to each use.
- Choose only straight healthy trees, devoid of dead limbs, and never put all of your weight on a single branch.
- Do not use wood steps attached with nails or spikes. Tie-on ladders offer the safest and most secure footing.
- Use common sense when deciding on stand height–there is really no advantage to exceeding 15 to 20 feet. The higher you go, the harder you fall!
- Clean all debris from around your chosen tree.
- Always use a fall-restraint system–a single safety belt is not a system! Wear it not only while in the stand, but while climbing up and descending from the stand.
- Wear only boots with nonslip or nonskid soles.
- Do not wear rings while climbing.
- Always climb higher than your stand and step down into it. Climbing up onto it may dislodge the stand.
- Once in the stand, adjust the tether of your safety harness to eliminate slack–leave just enough to turn and shoot.
- Never climb with your firearm or bow. Use a haul line to raise or lower your unloaded gun or covered broadheads once you are secure in your stand.
- As hard as it may be sometimes–do not fall asleep in your stand.
- Make sure you tell a dependable person where you plan to hunt and return.
- Carry a whistle in case you need to signal for help. Also pack a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
While this is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the ins and outs of treestand
safety, it should help you to plan ahead and think of any other potential precautions to take. Safety is something you should never take for granted.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit conservation organization founded to conserve, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org
