Hunting Safety - Tree Stands

Re-post courtesy Riverwalker's Stealth Survival

Mixing guns and heights can be a perfect recipe for disaster if you're not careful this hunting season. The leading cause of hunting accidents could be something you wouldn't expect. It’s not guns but tree stands that cause the majority of hunting injuries.

Some Basic Facts About Injuries Using Tree Stands

1.) One out of three hunters has fallen or will fall from an elevated tree stand.

2.) The average age of hunting accident victims are 44 years old.

Some Basic Safety Tips When Using Tree Stands

1.) To prevent falling. Wear a full body safety harness.

2.) Choosing a solid healthy tree for your stand is important. Tree stands are usually anywhere from 10 to 30 feet off the ground.

3.) Attach a safety harness to the tree before you start climbing.

4.) Use a short tether so if you do fall you won't fall below the stand.

5.) Clean off your boots before climbing. This reduces your chances of slipping or falling.

6.) Don’t choose a slick or wet tree for your stand.

7.) Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your tree stand.

8.) Make sure you tell someone where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone or take a cell phone. If you do have a problem, you will want to be able to contact someone for help or at least have someone come looking for you when you don’t come home on time.

Hunting Regulations along with Hunter Education Courses, which are now required in 49 states and many provinces of Canada, are largely responsible for making hunting one of the safest recreational activities in which you can participate.


The last thing you want to do is to try your luck when hunting. The most simple mistakes can cause serious injuries or may even be deadly. When using a tree stand, a good full body safety harness is a lot cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker