Hunting seasons are in full swing across the country and many hunters targeting deer, bear and other large game usually do so from the confines of a tree stand. Tree stands are great, you can get a nice high vantage point on an area. Your scent is up off the ground and you usually have a little more freedom to move around and not be seen than if you were sitting right on the ground.
Unfortunately every year we hear about hunting accidents involving people falling from their tree stands. Below are a list of very important safety tips that everyone should take into account when hunting from a tree stand.
- Always wear a safety harness - This should go without saying. There is no reason anyone hunting from any tree stand whether it be a 15' ladder stand or a 30' climber should not be wearing a safety harness. The biggest danger when hunting from a tree stand is falling, and being securely strapped to the tree should be every hunters top priority. Also make sure you practice putting your harness on ahead of time and know how all the straps work and how it attaches to the tree. You don't want to be messing around for 20 minutes at your tree or before you walk in the woods trying to figure out how to put your harness on. Most come with very detailed instructions and even DVD instructions showing proper use.
- Use a rope to pull up and lower down all your gear - Another big no-no I see a lot from hunters is climbing up their tree stand while trying to hold their bow, bags and anything else they have with them. Every permanent tree stand should have a pull up rope tied to it already, if not bring a rope with you and clip or tie one end to yourself, then tie the other to your gear and climb that way. There is no need to do the balancing act and try to carry everything up with you while you are climbing. This goes the same way for leaving the tree stand. Don't try to carry everything down, lower it all down and make it easier on yourself.
- Always check tree stand straps and chains - I have personally been half way up a ladder stand and had the ratchet strap holding the stand to the tree give way. This is not a fun feeling. In this instance, it was the first time anyone had hunted this stand in the new hunting season and the stand had been left up since last season. Whether it was the strap deteriorating in the weather or the tree growing and stretching the strap, as soon as I put weight on the strap it broke and I was left in an uncomfortable spot. Luckily I could get down without falling, but it wasn't too fun! My recommendation is always check the straps and chains each season and each hunt. Make sure the stands feel sturdy and the straps are tight and have not given way. And some of my hunting friends think I am crazy, but I like using 3-4 straps per stand whether it be a hang on or ladder, nothing like being extra sure!
Make sure you follow these safety tips to insure a safe, successful hunt. If anyone has any other safety tips they want to share please post in the comments below! Thank you and happy hunting!
Dave
Hunting and Fishing in the Mid-Atlantic Region Reports, Reviews, Tips & Techniques about everything and anything hunting and fishing
No comments:
Post a Comment