- Updated: 15 October 2011
- Published: 25 July 2011
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From The NBEF/IBEP Director, Bob Foster
Last year the National Bowhunter Education Foundation kicked off a new Tree Stand Safety program called “Project Stand” (Stop Tree Stand Accidents ‘n Deaths). This program is a massive communications effort designed to reduce treestand accidents. According to the NBEF, treestand mishaps are occurring on an all too regular basis. Studies report the accident rate being as high as 1 in 3 with the probability of a near miss (incident) being much higher. Unfortunately, this position is backed up by statistics on hunting accidents inVirginiamaintained by theVirginiaDepartmentof Game and Inland Fisheries. Although there is a long list of causes, treestand accidents always rank high on their list.
So let’s take a moment to talk treestand safety. Here are four rules to live by:
1) If you purchase a new treestand, always take the time to read the safety warning and watch the instructional CD that is provided. Treestand manufacturers have a vested interest in keeping you safe, and they spend a considerable amount of time and research on how to hunt safely using their products. Practice following their instructions until you can easily do it on a cold morning in the dark.
2) If you own an older model treestand, take time this summer to inspect it carefully for wear and tear. Look along all welds for cracks or signs of stress fracture. Make sure the safety rope that keeps the seat attached to the climber is still in good shape and securely fastened on both ends. Check the cables, climbing stirrups, and all straps. If they look worn, replace with original equipment from the manufacturer or a reputable replacement company.
3) Check your 4-point safety harness. They keep getting safer and more comfortable every year, so if you have an older one, consider upgrading to a newer model. If you’ve taken a fall in your arrest harness and pulled out the stitching that breaks your fall, replace the entire safety harness with a new one. If your carbineer isn’t a locking model, replace it with one that is. Under no circumstances should you continue to use a chest strap or older two point harness. (If you own one, be very glad that you never had to use it.)
Finally, 4) since most accidents happen as hunters climb into or out of their treestand, consider purchasing a 30-foot safety rope that extends from above your lock-on treestand all the way to the ground. These devices allow you to connect your four point safety harness to a safety line before you leave the ground until you return safely to the ground after your hunt. They only run about $35 or so - dirt cheap when you consider the consequences of a fall.
Remember - every year bowhunters are seriously injured or killed from falls from treestands. Families are devastated and the image of hunting is tarnished. Don’t become a hunting accident statistic!
Good Hunting!