More mudering cowards injured or killed yearly in tree-stand accidents

October 13, 2008

This is a good start! Between guns and stands, there should be plenty of celebrating!

Taking a ‘stand’ for hunting safety More injured or killed yearly in tree-stand accidents

"In fact, studies done by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) show that accident rates caused by falls from stands are as high as one in three hunters, and the possibility of a near miss is even higher."http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/oct/10/taking-stand-hunting-safety/?sports

by Jeff Leonard Friday, October 10, 2008 With another archery deer hunt in full swing and rifle season on its way, deer hunters who choose to hunt from elevated stands are asked to use caution when heading up to their perch. Studies show more people are injured or killed each year, not in firearms incidents but in accidents involving tree stands.With the popularity of elevated stands on the rise and the amazing variety found on the market, more hunters are heading up in and effort to stack the odds in their favor.Hunting from an elevated stand offers the hunter several distinct advantages, such as a better vantage point, larger field of view and a chance

to spot game quicker while removing the hunter from the direct line of sight of their quarry. It also helps to keep unnatural scent away from a wary whitetail’s nose.Unfortunately, climbing 15 to 20 feet off the ground places hunters in jeopardy of returning to earth in an unexpected and often catastrophic manor.In fact, studies done by the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) show that accident rates caused by falls from stands are as high as one in three hunters, and the possibility of a near miss is even higher.The NBEF has made it a goal to help lower these statistics with their Project STAND (Stop Tree Stand Accidents ’n Deaths). According to the NBEF, tree stand mishaps are occurring on an all too regular basis and the image of hunting is tarnished.“Thousands of accidents occur each year, with many resulting in serious injury and even death,” said Marilyn Bentz, executive director of the NBEF. “Hunters need to

start taking treestand safety as seriously as they take firearms safety.“A tree stand hung 20 feet in the air should be treated like a loaded gun because it is every bit as dangerous, Bentz said. “When hunters start treating their tree stand set-ups with the same caution they do a loaded firearm these accidents and deaths will start to go away.”Just why are there such high accident and death rates? The NBEF believes that nearly every hunter in America knows they should wear a fall-restraint device, yet only about 50 percent do and even fewer use them while climbing, descending or getting into or out of their stands.According to the NBEF, many hunters believe it will always be the other guy who falls, and it will never happen to them. The facts show that if this is how they approach tree stand safety, it WILL happen to them. Most accidents could be prevented if hunters would just use the safety gear and follow instructions provided with

the tree stand products.Tree stand accidents occur due to a variety of reasons. While homemade stands and product failures once caused many of the accidents, those who stick with stands manufactured under TMA (Treestand Manufacturers Association) standards see dramatic improvement.The main source of the problem is hunters not wearing the correct safety harnesses and fall-restraint devices when hunting and climbing into and out of elevated stands. Nearly every major stand manufacturer is supplying the right safety equipment with their stands, yet many are still not being used.Many outdoor retailers also carry a full line of safety harnesses, vests and newer products to protect hunters as they climb up or down from their elevated perch. Retractor rigs, and other types of safety devices can be placed at the height of a tree stand and protect the hunter from falling as they climb or descend. Linemen’s belts, similar to what utility workers

use, are also a great way for hunters to protect themselves while going up or down.Outdoors correspondent Jeff Leonard can be reached at outdoors