Deer Hunting Tree Stand Safety

By Marty Prokop

I recently received photos which graphically showed injuries to a bow hunter as a result of falling from his tree stand.

Apparently the hunter was in his deer hunting tree stand reaching for something. His bow with an arrow ready slipped out of his hands and fell to the ground.

He attempted to grab the falling bow and lost his balance. He and the bow hit the ground.

Unfortunately, as the hunter fell, his head landed on the broad head, penetrating his skull.

The hunter in this story was lucky. He lived.

I never want to see this happen again. So let’s talk a few reminders about tree stand safety.

Each year there are a number of deer hunting deaths and injuries attributed to accidental falls from deer hunting tree stands.

When hunters wear tree stand safety belts or fall restraint systems, lives may be saved and serious injuries prevented.

There are many different types and styles of deer hunting tree stand safety systems on the market today.

Choosing a Tree Stand Safety Belt

One type of tree stand safety system is a very simple, yet effective tree stand safety belt. One end attaches around your waist and the other attaches to a tree.

I have used this type of safety belt for many years.

I have simulated falling from a tree stand while wearing this type of safety belt system. It stopped my fall and allowed me to get footing back onto my deer hunting tree stand. But for me, being a big guy, it was very uncomfortable hanging by just my waist.

If after a short period of time not able to relieve the pressure of the belt around your waist, your legs and lower extremities may actually lose some degree of blood flow.

Full Body Harness

Thankfully technologies have changed.

Now the most common types of tree stand safety systems are whole body harnesses.

Most manufacturers of deer hunting tree stands include whole body safety harnesses with the purchase of new tree stands.

A whole body safety harness distributes your weight between your upper and lower body. The harness fits over your legs, waist and shoulders. It is then tethered to the tree.

Should you fall wearing one of these, the pressure from the straps of the whole body safety harness straps is more evenly distributed.

I simulated a test fall with a whole body safety harness.

While in my deer hunting tree stand, I purposefully stepped off the platform and dangled in my full body harness. I was able to regain my leverage quickly and climb safely back into my deer hunting tree stand much easier than when I was wearing the single waist belt system.

Fall Restraint Systems

A fall restraint system acts similar to a car safety belt. If you were to fall, a braking mechanism almost instantly stops your fall preventing you from hitting the ground.

Fall restraint systems are retractable. You install the fall restraint above your deer hunting tree stand. You clip the carabiner, which is connected to the fall restraint system strap, to your full body safety harness. A full body harness is often purchased separately.

When you climb down from your tree stand, you leave the carabiner -- attached to the fall restraint system strap -- at the base of the tree you are hunting in.

The next time, before you climb into your tree stand, clip the carabiner to your full body safety harness. This is gives you added safety. Why?

You are connected to the fall restraint system for the entire time you are climbing and duration you are in your deer hunting tree stand.

Most fall restraint systems are compact and contain more than 20 ft. of retractable strap.

Increase Your Deer Hunting Safety

The choice is yours.

You can end up like the unfortunate hunter above.

Or you can invest a little extra time and cash to increase your deer hunting safety by purchasing and using a tree stand safety system.

Good Luck and Great Hunting.

Marty Prokop

http://www.free-deer-hunting-tips.com

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