December 9, 2002

Be Careful In Tree Stands
by James L. Cummins

In recent years, hunters have been either seriously injured or killed due to falls while deer hunting from tree stands. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Center for Disease Control found that 52% of hunting injuries occurred when hunters fell from stands; 42% of those injuries occurred while hunters were climbing.

These injuries would be prevented if hunters used safety belts and climbing harnesses, and followed manufacturers' instructions. Many hunters are beginning to recognize the importance of wearing a safety harness while on the stand, but few realize the importance of using a safety device when they are most likely to fall: while climbing.

Each style of stand has its own unique features that gives each advantages, while at the same time making them potentially dangerous. Ladder stands are often considered the safest, but can cause falls if placed on soft ground causing a sudden shift. Climbing stands can sometimes slip, something that doesn't normally happen with hang-on stands. However, with hang-on stands, hunters run the risk of falling due to slipping while climbing or installing it. With permanent stands, any number of slips, missteps, or structural failures due to exposure to the elements can cause a fall.

Stands manufactured during the 1970s and early 1980s do not measure up to today's standards. Today's stand features practical designs and new technology that make them much safer.

Certain combinations of stands, trees, and weather conditions can increase the hunter's risk of fall. Combine slick bark with rain, sleet, high winds, slippery mud-packed boots and a poorly designed stand or rely on a permanent stand that you have never hunted from or one that has been out in the elements for a year or two and you are asking for trouble. The conditions of the tree from which the stand is hung also makes a difference (age of tree, slickness of bark, etc.). Human factors such as the hunter's height, weight, reach, agility, coordination and balance, strength and mental alertness must be considered. Hunters must evaluate these factors and hunt stands and situations that are best suited to them.

If you haven't already done so, now is the time to begin shopping for your new stand. You have the leisure to read all the specifications and compare weights and designs. You'll be a lot happier with whatever stand you choose if you take some time to consider how you like to hunt, how far you walk, how much you're willing to carry, whether you can leave the stand in place for days at a time, how easy a particular model is to mount and how high you like to be above the ground.

Here are several do's and don'ts of tree stands. Use a safety harness and a climbing strap. Never climb a tree with your bow or gun. Do not use a stand on a leaning or dead tree. Avoid maples, hickories and beech trees. Inspect equipment and check for damage. And finally, let other people know where you are hunting.


James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi