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With firearms deer season approaching in Indiana, hunters must understand the risks of hunting from a tree stand and how to protect themselves from a fall.
Falls from tree stands are the leading cause of deer hunting accidents in Indiana, accounting for almost half of all accidents. In an average deer season, about 18 hunters will experience a fall.
Already this year, deer hunters have reported five falls from tree stands during the early archery season, including one fatal fall on Oct. 29 in Daviess County. Firearms season, the most popular among the different deer seasons, starts Nov. 12 and last 16 days.
Lt. Bill Browne of the DNR Division of Law Enforcement said falls are preventable if hunters follow basic tree-stand precautions.
“If they are thinking safety, safety, safety, they should be just fine,” he said.
The first step toward tree stand safety is to make sure the stand is in working order. Only use a tree stand that has the approval of the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA) and make sure to read the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions before installation.
Hunters who use homemade tree stands should check them thoroughly for stability prior to using, especially stands that are exposed to weather from being left outside year-round.
Hunters should also wear a full-body, fall arrest harness system that meets TMA standards. Single-strap and chest harnesses should not be used. Do not leave the ground until the full-body, fall arrest harness system is on. Always have three points of contact with the tree when climbing and descending.
“Most of the people falling are falling while they are ascending or descending,” Browne said.
A hunter should never climb with anything in his hands or on his back. A haul line should be used to lift a gun, a bow or other gear into the stand. Firearms on a haul line should be unloaded with the action open and muzzle pointed downward.
Other safety tips include hunting with a buddy, telling someone the exact location of your tree stand before heading into the woods, getting a full night’s rest before a hunt, and making sure a cell phone, whistle, flare or some other signal device is on your person at all times.
For more information and a short online safety course, visit www.hunterexam.com/treestandsafety.
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