Tree Stand Safety – Don't Be Left Hanging

AKRON, OH - Tree stands are more widely used by hunters than ever before and in the past few years there has been an increase in tree stand-related accidents.  Human error and/or equipment failure causes debilitating, life changing injuries.  Some injuries are fatal.  The ODNR Division of Wildlife would like to remind hunters of some safety tips when using a tree stand:

1) There are many selections of tree stands available on the market today.  Choose one that will suit your personal needs, but check for solid construction and safe quality design before deciding.  Do not sacrifice safety for cost.
2) Select a step as thoughtfully as you would a tree stand.  Legality, safety, portability, and ease of use are things to consider.  Again, do not sacrifice safety for cost.  Use the very best step you can afford.
3) Don't leave steps in tree trunks for the next hunting season.  Remove them for safety reasons.  Steps can rust and break under the hunter's weight or the tree may grow around the step, partially obstructing the contact surface.
4) No hunter should ever use any tree stand without thoroughly inspecting it for defects, missing parts, or weaknesses.  Be sure all bolts are tightened and frayed ropes, straps, and worn chains are replaced before placing the stand in the tree.
5) Check with the manufacturer of your tree stand periodically for recalls.  Just like the safety on your firearm or the brakes on your vehicle, these are mechanical devices, which are subject to failure or deterioration.
6) No hunter should ever attempt to climb a tree or hunt from a tree stand without using a climbing belt and a full-body safety harness. 
7) Practice first putting your tree stand on a tree while standing on the ground.
8) More falls occur while climbing, setting, removing, and descending, not just when hunting from the tree stand.  Never carry your bow or gun while climbing!  Use a haul line as long as needed to reach the ground from the stand.  Do not attach the haul line to the trigger guard or the barrel.  Attach the line to the stock of the firearm so the muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction--toward the ground and away from you and other hunters.
9) Many accidents occur while hunters are climbing down from the tree stand.  This could be due to hunter fatigue, weather conditions, lack of attention, or the excitement of taking a shot.  Wake up and get yourself together before starting down.  Unload your gun and lower your bow or unloaded gun to the ground with your haul line.  Lower and swing out the gun or bow on the opposite side of the tree from where you climb and let it lie on the ground.  This keeps them out of the way in case a fall should occur.  Be sure to keep your safety belt or line around you while climbing down.
10) If you fall, your survival from a serious fall depends as much on prior precautions as what you do afterwards.  Tell someone exactly where you are going, hunt with a companion, prearrange whistle signals, and leave a location note in your vehicle. Have a cell phone available in an easy-to-reach pocket if service is available at the hunting location.

Be sure to check the hunting laws before using a tree stand.  In Ohio, the ODNR Division of Wildlife advises that it is unlawful to construct, place, or use a permanent-type tree stand, or to place spikes, nails, wire, or other metal objects into a tree to act as steps or to hold a tree stand on public hunting lands.  It is also unlawful to do any of these things on private property without first getting the permission of the landowner or the landowner’s authorized agent.

Have safe and enjoyable hunt, but remember that preparation and prevention are the keys to safe tree stand use afield.