While there have been remarkable improvements in tree stands in recent years, some hunters continue to use stands they have had for years. Some even include climbing to the stand with very primitive foot and hand holds. Once in the stand, there is often a single belt used to attach the hunter to the tree.
While such stands might “still work” and were “good enough to get that big buck a couple of years ago,” such aging tree stands are disasters waiting to happen.
“I had a friend who had been using a tree stand for a number of years,” said Karen Norris of the District 1 (Columbus) office of the Ohio Division of Wildlife. “When she looked at her stand to use it this year, she discovered some of the welds had let go and the nylon straps were going bad. So she decided to get a new stand.”
Many hunters use stands they — and perhaps their fathers — have used for years. Some even leave them up all year.
“The weather can be rough on a tree stand,” Norris said. “Over time, wood gets rotten and straps can fray. And trees grow, so straps can be stressed. You don’t have to go out and buy a new stand every year, but you should take the stand down at the end of the season and give it a good inspection before putting it back up.”
The Division of Wildlife is recommending hunters update their tree stand equipment, including the use of full body safety harness. They are so much safer than using a single waist belt or even a chest harness. Both of those devices were found to restrict a person’s breathing after a fall from a tree stand.
Consider this warning from the Division of Wildlife: “Statistically, one out of three hunters will fall from a tree stand at some point in his or her hunting career. Given that statistic it is imperative that the proper safety gear be used — and used correctly.”
The agency also reminds hunters to use a safety strap whenever they climb or “whenever their feet leave the ground.”
Today, all hunter education organizations recommend wearing a full-body safety harness (FBSH) that distributes the hunter’s weight throughout their shoulders, chest, waist and legs. That secures and supports a fallen person without causing added harm or injury.
If you use anything other than this type of safety harness, think about it for a minute. Is your life and well-being worth the risk? Do you want to put yourself through the agony of a tree stand fall? Think of the peace of mind you will have in your stand if you are wearing the proper equipment? It’s a no-brainer.
Here are a few tips from the Division of Wildlife to help prevent accidents this hunting season:
— Always use a FBSH and read manufacturer instructions before use.
— Before using your FBSH in the field, practice using it at ground level.
— Always use a climbing safety strap. Most accidents occur when climbing up or down from a tree stand.
— Never climb with anything in your hands. Always use a haul line to raise and lower your equipment.
— For more safety tips visit tmastands.com or wildohio.com.
About the Author