Archery season is close at hand, so it won’t be long until stands will be placed and made ready for use. However, of late “tree stands,” as they are referred to have come under scrutiny. And with good reason.  

Statistics compiled by the PA Game Commission in 2016 revealed there were 25 hunting related accidents involving firearms, none of which involved a fatality.

However, the medical industry, triggered by emergency room incidents, raised a red flag. Data compiled from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System reveals hunters were losing their lives to tree stand accidents.

In 2015, it was revealed that an estimated 4,000 tree-stand related accidents had occurred nationwide that year. There was cause for concern and in 2016 the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation was formed.

The organization set a goal to reduce tree stand accidents by promoting safety and awareness. Their benchmark was set to reduce the estimated tree stand accidents by 50% by 2023.

Have their efforts been effective? Let’s look at the numbers and you be the judge.

The Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation’s most recent report indicates progress is being made.

A report regarding tree stand safety published in August 2019 by the (TSSAF) is encouraging. The data, based on information compiled by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, indicated that the number of falls resulting from tree stands is decreasing.

On the national level, based on 2018 data, there were 3001 tree stand accidents requiring emergency room care. This reflects a decrease of 46.5% over the 2010 to 2018 reporting period. That’s a significant decrease in the number of tree stand related accidents.

As hunters begin turning their attention toward the fall hunting seasons, the Tree Stand Safety Foundation has designated September as Tree Stand Safety month.

Tree stand accidents can occur at any time, however there are actions that can be taken to greatly reduce their probability.

So what can be done to improve tree-stand safety? The recent studies offer some guidelines.

Check the integrity of your stand before use. Check the structure for metal fatigue on all joints, welds, and nuts and bolts. Metal stands should also be inspected for any sign of rust.

Nylon straps should be checked for deterioration and overall condition.

Wood stands should also inspected carefully. Over time these stands must withstand a variety of weather conditions that can adversely affect these types of stands. An overall integrity check is a must before use.

A fall-arrest system in the form of a full body harness provides the best method of keeping hunters safe in the event of a fall. Keep in mind that many of these systems are rated for our personal weight. Belt and chest harness systems are NOT the safest systems to use.

Keep this in mind. Statistics show that 95 percent of the most serious tree stand falls occurred when a hunter was NOT wearing a full body harness.

There are a number of safety tips hunters should be aware of and incorporate into their hunting routine.

For example, hunters should use the three point system of climbing into a tree stand. This means that of our two hands and two feet, when climbing, three of the four should be on some point of the stand.

And never climb in or out of your stand carrying equipment of any kind, especially firearms. Use a haul line.

Even with the best safety equipment available, hunters still need to have a plan in the event the worst happens.

Incorporate into your gear a folding knife that can be opened with one hand. The blade should be stored somewhere on the upper half of your body allowing for quick and easy access in the event of a fall and being suspended off the ground in your safety harness.   

Also, let someone know before you go hunting. In the event something happens and you’ve become disabled, knowing your location will help to hasten your recovery.

Keep your cell phone handy. But remember in many areas considered even by some to be less remote, cell service can be unavailable. Check and be certain you have a signal, just in case.

A few hunters are still using tree stands dating back to the 70’s and 80’s. Stands manufactured in this timeframe, along with homemade models, have proven to be prone to failure in the field.

When it comes to tree stands, don’t sell yourself short. Today’s commercially available stands are well-constructed and reliable.

When is the hunter most vulnerable to a tree-stand accident? It was found that 40 percent of falls occurred as the hunter entered or left the stand.

While in the stand and hunting accounted for 29 percent of falls. Another 23 percent of falls are attributed to equipment failure.

Know your equipment. Read the safety data that accompanies tree stands. Don’t modify the stand or its safety components. And if repairs are needed, use quality replacement parts. Annually check tree stands for structural wear and defects.

It is interesting to note that tree stand height is directly related to an individual’s ability to survive falling from a tree stand.

Those falling from a tree stand at 17 feet or lower to the ground are likely to survive. Over 24 feet or higher often result in death.

Studies indicate that those who become seriously injured in a tree stand fall will require, on average, from the time of the fall to the emergency room, 4.2 hours.

Right now tree stand falls have risen to the top of the list when it comes hunting related accidents. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Sure hunting is exciting, but take the time to be aware of reliability of any off-the-ground device you’ll be hunting from. Be equally aware of your surroundings and don’t take anything for granted, especially when it comes to tree stand safety.

Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net