Tree Stand Safety
In the South almost all of the deer hunters are hunting from the
tree stands. Hunting from above gives you several advantages,
such as remaining above a deer's field of view, keeping your
scent above the deer's nose, as well as often increasing our
visibility of the woods. Unfortunately, as the use of tree stands
increases, so has the number of hunters injuring themselves
through there use. Deer hunting has become one of the safest
sports you can engage in. With some common sense precautions it
can become even safer.
Tree stands can be used safely. I have used many types of stands,
often in conjunction with climbing spurs. I have used both
ladder-type stands climbing stands, lock-on-stands as well as
boards nailed to a tree as deer stands. I've been using tree
stands for deer hunting ever since I started hunting and I've
never been injured.
I won't use a stand if it seems unsafe to me, because where I
hunt, I am usually hunting by myself well away from home. If I
were to be injured and couldn't notify anyone it would be many
hours before I could expect anyone to start searching for me.
Risk is not a something that should be taken lightly. Every time
you climb into a stand you are taking some risk. It only takes a
second to kill yourself.
It might help you to know some of the common ways people are
injured using tree stands. Falling asleep, slipping when climbing
in or out of the stand and having components break are the most
common ways that hunters are injured. There is a common cure for
all of these possibilities. A safety harness. But having a safety
harness will not help you unless you wear it. It is not good
enough to put the harness in use after you have settled into your
stand. Remember climbing into or out of your stand is when you
are most likely to be hurt. Ideally you should be tied off and
secured as you climb, when getting in or out of your stand as
well as when you are waiting on the big buck. The hassle this
causes is small when you really look at it. It is more of a
mental hassle than anything else. The delay is usually not more
than a minute. That's a small price to pay to ensure that you will
go home at the end of the hunt.
Without a doubt using a safety harness is the single most
important step you can take to ensure your safety. Even with a
safety harness it is possible that you could be injured in a
fall. But the damage will usually not be life threatening and
will usually not even put an end to the hunt. Bruises can be
avoided when using a safety harness bruises by attaching the
tether up the tree so that it is almost tight when you sit down.
This shortens your fall should you or the stand slip.
We would like to avoid any injury so here are a few steps to
think about in relation to your stands that could minimize the
chance of injury. Tree steps or tie on ladders are one of my
favorite methods of gaining elevation in a tree. I also use large
nails as steps. I am partial to nails because they are the
cheaper then the tie on ladders. Others prefer climbing stands but
they limit you to certain trees. When using nails it is important
to test the nail to be sure that it is still securely in place. I
have not seen this but my cousin said they have some trees where
the nails can be easily pulled out by hand due to the tree
growing.
My experience is that once in place the tree grows
tightly around the nail. But nails can provide entry for bacteria
and fungus into the tree. So I always check to make sure the nail
is secure. When using nails it is important to use nails that are
long enough and sturdy enough to support your weight. Most
injuries occur when the nail bends, causing a slip! Here is a tip
for installing these big nails. Bring a portable drill so you can
make pilot holes for the nail. These big nails are hard to drive
due to their size, so having a pilot hole really helps to get the
nail started.
Tie on ladder sticks should always be checked to make sure that
they are still secured to the tree. Examine straps etc. to make
sure that they have not become damaged or weakened.
Examine closely all parts of your stand for possible problems.
Look for rust. Any parts that are rusted are now weaker than
original unrusted strength. Check all stand parts of for cuts,
nicks, or cracks. Make sure all nuts are not loose. Make sure all
crimps on all wires are not damaged or rusted.
Find More Related Information
See Also:
Index of All Hunting & Fishing Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
