The largest social event in Arkansas starts today, with more than 300,000 hunters expected to enter the deer woods in search of a buck, or just some meat for the table. With the start of modern gun deer season, Premier Urgent Care would like to remind our hunters to stay safe in the woods. Here are some tree stand safety tips to keep in mind this weekend and beyond.
Hunting Safety 101
The largest social event in Arkansas starts today, with more than 300,000 hunters expected to enter the deer woods in search of a buck, or just some meat for the table.
With the start of modern gun deer season, Premier Urgent Care would like to remind our hunters to stay safe in the woods. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reports that there were no hunting related fatalities in Arkansas last year, but there were several reported hunting related accidents. Of these, over 60% were related to falls from tree stands. Here are some tree stand safety tips to keep in mind this weekend and beyond:
Tip 1: Be sure to select the proper tree before hanging a fixed-position stand or using a climbing stand. The tree should be alive and healthy without any noticeable rot or damage. Your tree should also meet the size specifications and restrictions set by the tree stand company.
Tip 2: Always use a haul line to pull-up your gear, bow or unloaded firearm. Never climb with anything in your hands or attached to your back. Before climbing down, utilize the haul line to safely lower all of your equipment on the opposite side of the tree.
Tip 3: Be aware of slippery and hazardous climbing conditions that may result from rain, sleet, snow or ice and take the appropriate precautions.
Tip 4: NEVER hunt from a tree stand without a secure and high-quality safety harness. It only takes one fall to suffer a serious injury or permanently end your hunting career.
Tip 5: A strong and sturdy safety rope (or strap) should be attached to both your harness and the tree to prevent you from falling more than 12-inches.
Tip 6: Continuously monitor and inspect your safety harness and tree stands before and during the season to check for wear and tear or possible damage.
Tip 7: When hunting from a fixed position or hang-on stand, always inspect the ladder steps and tree stand attachments to make sure everything is tightly secured to the tree.
Tip 8: Be sure to let family and friends know the exact tree stand location that you’re currently hunting. When at all possible, hunt with a buddy and always carry a communication device like a cell phone or walkie-talkie that can easily be reached on your body at anytime.
Tip 9: Follow the 3-point rule, which says always have 3-points of contact to your steps or ladder when climbing or descending from your stand.
Tip 10: When using a climbing stand, make slow, steady and even movements of no more than 12 inches at a time. You should also make sure the climbing section and platform of your stand are attached together by some type of safety cord or rope.
Share these tips with a hunter you love and let’s all stay safe this hunting season!
