Tree Stand Safety Tips

The proper use of tree stands and fall-restraint equipment can help prevent injury or even death from such falls.

Here are some steps that you can take to reduce your chances of having a tree stand accident:

u Choose a tree that is straight and healthy. Never select a leaning, diseased, shaggy-barked or dead tree to place a stand.

u Never use homemade stands or ones made from wood. Only use a tree stand approved by the Treestand Manufacturer's Association.

u Insert screw-in steps only into the solid, live portion of a tree.

u If using a climbing stand, tie both the climber and platform together to assure that the platform cannot slip out of your reach.

u Always use a fall-restraint system (a full-body restraint system or safety harness that wraps around your chest, waist and legs) when using an elevated platform. Choose a harness that will keep you upright and won't restrict your breathing.

u Anytime your feet leave the ground, a fall restraint system should be used. Almost 85 percent of all falls occur while climbing in or getting out of stands.

u Never leave a stand installed for more than two weeks. Trees grow in diameter and may stress buckles, chains or straps and cause the stand to fail.

u Use common sense when choosing a height for your stand. You need not go too high. A height of 12 to 15 feet will provide all of the advantage you need.

u Read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines and inspect all stands regularly.

u Hunt with a plan and a buddy. Have someone contact you if you don't return at an established time.

u Never mix guns with drugs or alcohol.

It is always wise to carry a small first-aid kit with you into the woods. A couple dressings and cravats will help control most external bleeding should you become injured.

Be sure to carry a means of communications with you, such as a cellular phone or a General Mobile Radio Service radio to talk to other members of your hunting party. If you are unable to exit the woods without assistance, you may need to call for help from members of your group or call 911.

Most newer cellular phones are GPS enabled, which allows 911 centers to pinpoint the callers location. Unfortunately, this technology isn't yet available in the Centre and Clinton counties. Therefore, a separate hand-held GPS unit is required. With a GPS unit, the caller is able to give the 911 telecommunicator his or her coordinates, enabling the 911 center to dispatch the closest appropriate Emergency Medical Services and avoid delay in locating the caller.

Source: