Outdoors Question of the Week

Tree stands are popular among hunters -- especially among archery enthusiasts -- because they help improve the hunters’ visibility and decrease the chance their scent will spook prey. But the stands also can be precarious perches if they’re used incorrectly or carelessly, hunting safety specialists say.

“Research has shown that one out of three hunters will fall from a tree stand sometime during his or her hunting career,” says Tim Lawhern, hunter education administrator for the Department of Natural Resources.

The Department of Natural Resources has a new 30-second video public service announcement on tree stand safety available by clicking on the “Be Careful Up There” button on the home page of its Web site.

Falls can be caused by a variety of factors, including a weakness in the stand’s structure, incorrect installation, failure to use a fall restraint device, and hunters dozing off while on the stand, Lawhern said.

Tree stands can also be a factor in other hunting incidents, such as when hunters shoot themselves while climbing trees with their guns, or when bow hunters fall on their arrows.

Lawhern recommends that hunters who plan on using tree stands follow these precautions to avoid accidents:

• Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them, and replace any worn or weak lumber before it breaks.
• Read, understand, and follow the factory recommended practices and procedures when installing commercial stands.
• Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts each time the stand is used.
• Use either a safety belt or harness.
• Use three points of contact while climbing into or out off the tree stand (two feet and one hand; two hands and one foot etc.).
• Use a haul line to raise and lower your equipment – and keep firearms unloaded and arrows in a covered quiver.
• Select a tree – one large enough to support your weight -- before the season. Some mishaps occur as hunters are hurrying to set up their stands on opening morning.
• Make sure someone else knows the location of your tree stand and knows when you will be hunting there.
• Stay awake.