Tree Stand Safety

Tree stands are incredibly valuable tools in a hunter's arsenal. Whether you are hunting deer, elk or bear, an elevated position often provides a good opportunity to take a high-percentage shot. By being above an animal's natural sightline, your quarry is less likely to spot you as it moves into range. However, each year, many hunters attain serious, life-threatening injuries when using tree stands. A 1993 survey by "Deer and Deer Hunter Magazine," suggests that as many as one out of three hunters will fall from a stand at some point in their hunting lives. (Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine, 1993) These injuries are unfortunate for the suffering they cause, but also because they are very easy to prevent. By adopting a handful of common sense safety practices, you will increase your chances of staying safe while using a tree stand.

Use a Safety Harness
While a safety harness provides no guarantee of safety, research shows that it drastically reduces your risk of serious injury. A 2004 review of tree stand related injuries by Metz et al, published in the