Photo by Ron Sinfelt

For many years, hunting from elevated tree stands was a technique dominated by bowhunters. Not any more! Today, tree stands are used by rifle and blackpowder hunters (where legal) and as the popularity of crossbows has increased, so has the use of tree stands.

In fact, the use of tree stands is on the increase across the country in all segments of the sport. The reasons for this are many. Among other things, the height advantage helps keep human scent above approaching game, and puts hunters above the quarry's normal field of view. It also makes it easier to spot game from a distance, allowing more time to prepare for the shot, a distinct advantage for bowhunters.

Most of the original "tree stands" were permanent structures made of wood. Portables or commercial ladder stands are the standard these days and are the only types allowed by law on public land in most areas. Things have evolved to the point that it is difficult to imagine not hunting above the ground these days.

UNSAFE AT ANY HEIGHT?
Unfortunately, as more hunters make the climb into tree stands each season, accidents from falls resulting in severe bodily injury and even death increase. A recent study conducted in just two states by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) reported 269 tree stand injuries, 29 of which resulted in death!

Some reports indicate as many as 500 hunters are killed annually across North America due to accidents involving tree stands. Another 5,000 to 7,000 are disabled permanently. Some 10,000 to 15,000 hunters suffer painful lesser injuries.

It is estimated that one in every three hunters (37 percent) who hunt from tree stands will experience some kind of fall during their hunting career, and some 3 percent of those will sustain long-term crippling injuries.

Several states report the number of tree stand falls now rivals firearms incidents as the leading cause of severe bodily injury while hunting.

None of this is meant to alarm hunters or put an end to the use of tree stands. But the sad truth is that a majority of these incidents could have been avoided if the victims had read their manufacturer's product manual and obeyed a few basic safety rules.

Always wearing a safely belt or harness when hunting from a stand, for example, including while ascending and descending the tree, could easily cut the number of injuries in half, yet few hunters do so.

The results from one recent survey showed that 51 percent of all tree stand injuries occur as a hunter ascends into his stand, is in the process of leaving the seat and stepping onto the ladder or steps to descend, or is actually descending to the ground. One survey indicated that only 7 percent of respondents use a belt or harness at those times.

The statistics suggest that relatively new stands, particularly portable models, are the newest designs. Stands built in the 1970s have been routinely cited for slippage and structural flaws. The newer models, however, particularly those manufactured by members of the Tree Stand Manufacturer's Association (TMA), are designed to be stronger and more reliable, and are tested to prevent such mishaps.

The rules for safe tree-stand hunting are many, but, based on the above, worth discussing. Always use a haul line to elevate or descend bows and unloaded firearms. Let someone know where your stand is located and what time you expect to return home. Carry a cell phone or radio in case of an incident. Hunt from the ground in bad weather, especially in windy conditions. Make sure there are no dead limbs overhead. Stay alert and awake while in a stand. Never use tree limbs as steps or grips while ascending or descending a stand. Never climb into a permanent stand you have not built yourself before giving it a careful inspection; never use a tree too big or too small for your stand. Always stand up slowly and check your balance.