Treestands are elevated platforms used by hunters in pursuit of game. Usually deer, but sometimes for other species. Unfortunately, hunters lose their lives or are seriously injured each year because of falls from treestand. Most of these accidents are avoidable if a few simple rules are followed.
Treestand safety is a topic I cover every year, because I know firsthand the devastation a family experiences when they lose a loved to a treestand fall. After waiting beyond a reasonable amount of time for his father to show up at their predetermined meeting place after an evening hunt, a friend of mine went to find out what was taking his dad so long. Sadly, he walked up on his father dead at the base of his tree.
He was not wearing fall protection.
The Treestand Manufactures Association (TMA) supplies information to combat treestand falls. They help guide rules and regulations set by state game agencies. Here are some tips the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department put together to help hunters stay safe by avoiding unnecessary falls.
Choose a live, straight tree
Avoid trees in decline and be sure to use a tree large enough to support the weight of hunters. Avoid ash trees that may be in decline due to emerald ash borers.
Inspect treestands each time you use them
Check your treestand for wear and tear each time you go out into the woods.
If you are using straps, make sure they are in good order. Do not use straps left up from last year.
Buy smart
Only use stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA).
Always wear a safety harness in the stand
Safety harnesses have become smaller and less intrusive. Wearing one is more comfortable than expected. There is no excuse to be in a treestand without a safety harness.
Always wear a safety harness when climbing
Most falls occur going up and down the tree and getting in and out of the stand.
Make sure your safety harness is in good condition. Especially, check the straps.
Don't go too high
The higher you go, the smaller the vital zone on a deer becomes, while the likelihood of a serious injury increases. Climb within your personal limit.
Never carry firearms or bows up and down trees
Always use a haul line to raise and lower all gear. Make sure your firearm is unloaded.
Familiarize yourself with your gear before you go
The morning of opening day is a poor time to put on your safety belt for the first time.
Be careful with long-term placement
Exposure can damage straps, ropes and attachment cords. Also, the stand's stability can be compromised over time, as the tree grows.
"Hunter education instructors want you to be safe this coming season," said Nicole Meier, Vermont Fish and Wildlife's Hunter Education Program Coordinator. "Falls from tree stands are a major cause of death and serious injury to hunters, but they are preventable by always wearing a full-body harness and staying connected to the tree."
Aside from personal safety, you must know the rules about treestand use where you are hunting.
On most public lands, it is illegal to damage a tree in any way. That means no nails, screw-in steps, or claws that rip off bark may be used. You are also not to build permanent stands on public lands.
On private lands, you must have landowner permission to set up a tree stand, cut or remove trees or other plants, or to cut limbs.
All stands, including ground blinds, must be marked with the owner's name and address on most public lands.
You can learn more about Tree Stand Safety at tmastands.com/safety/.
See you down the trail. ...
III
Brandon Butler is an outdoors columnist for the News Tribune. Contact him at [email protected].