Accidents involving tree stands (or treestands, if that’s what you prefer) happen frequently throughout the hunting season. In point of fact, a study that was conducted by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) discovered that one out of every three hunters that hunt from a tree stand will fall at some point during their time spent hunting. In light of the fact that gun season is getting closer while archery and crossbow deer hunting is already in full flow, it is essential to reestablish safety standards to ensure that no mishaps take place.
When hunters exercise caution and common sense, it is simple to avoid sustaining injuries like these. It is possible to get multiple injuries and even lose your life as a consequence of falling asleep, slipping while climbing into or out of the stand, or having faulty equipment.
7 Treestand Safety Tips for Hunters in Michigan
1. Always Wear a Harness
One of the most important safety tips for hunters is to always wear a harness when hunting from a tree stand. A fall from even a short height can be fatal, so it’s important to be properly secured in your stand. There are a variety of different types of tree stand harnesses available on the market, so make sure to choose one that is comfortable and easy to use.
If you fall while wearing a safety harness that only goes around your waist, you probably have a short window of time before you risk losing consciousness and even passing out from lack of circulation to your vital organs.
Maintaining proper body positioning by using a full-body harness is crucial. With a full body harness, circulation issues are still possible, but they won’t develop as rapidly. The best advice from experts is to bring a screw-in step while hunting.
Today’s full-body safety harnesses allow for unrestricted movement, making it simple to draw a bow or fire a rifle. When seated in your stand with a full-body safety harness on, hang the strap that the harness hooks onto a few feet over your head.
Many hunters fail to secure the strap on the tree high enough. If they fall out of the stand, they are too far below the platform to climb back up, and they remain suspended. By placing the strap a few feet above their head when seated, they will only fall a foot or two below the platform if they fall. Hunters will be able to return with little difficulty.
2. Inspect Your Stand Before Climbing
Before climbing into your tree stand, it’s important to inspect it for any damage or potential hazards. Make sure that the stand is securely attached to the tree and that all of the bolts and screws are tight. Also, take a look at the platform to make sure that it is in good condition and free of any holes or sharp edges.
3. Use a Safe Method to Climb Into Your Stand
When climbing into your stand, it’s important to use a safe method that will minimize the risk of falling. One popular method is to use a haul line to pull yourself up into the stand. Another option is to use a set of climbing sticks or steps to slowly make your way up the tree. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you are always using both hands and feet and taking your time.
