Word came yesterday of a friend who learned he doesn’t bounce very well from about 18 feet in the air.
That’s how far he fell when the treestand he was setting-up gave-way.
He’s banged and bruised and had a very deep gash put into his leg. Luckily it wasn’t his head. Last year a Newton bowhunter wasn’t as lucky and his fall killed him.
Falls from treesstands are one of the most common accidents in deer hunting. Far more hunters are injured or killed from a fall than accidentally shot by another hunter…far more.
I know of at least three accidents last year in Kansas and there were surely many more. No exact records are officially kept because medical officials aren’t required to notifiy authorities, unlike when someone suffers a gun or arrow wound.
They don’t need to happen.
Double and triple-checking stands to make sure they’re solid should be done every hunt. Wooden stands should be avoided because of the possibility of wood-rot or rust-stressed nails or screws.
Stands should be set so they’re east to step in and out of. At least three points of contact with something solid need to be kept at all time.
Most importantly always wear a good safety harness system that supports the entire upper part of your body. Have it on and connected to the tree anytime you’re off of solid ground.
That means before you step into your stand and while transferring from the stand to a ladder or climbing sticks.
Yes, that includes when you’re putting a stand up or taking one down.
It can take a few extra seconds and maybe limit your mobility.
But I’d rather have my mobility limited by a safety vest during the length of hunt than limited by a wheelchair for the rest of my life.