Dan Geddings: Tree stand safety

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The deer season is here. Archery season started Aug. 15, and gun season will start Sept. 1 in Sumter County. Hunting from tree stands is a popular activity that does involve a certain degree of risk. Falls from tree stands can cause serious injury - and even death. Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injury to hunters, but hunting from elevated stands can be safe and enjoyable if hunters use some good judgment and follow a few simple precautions.

Whitetail deer don't instinctively look up to watch for danger in the woods, and hunters can take advantage of that fact by positioning hunting stands high up on trees, above a deer's normal line of sight. An elevated position also helps to keep a hunter's scent above the forest floor, and a hunter's view is usually better from an elevated stand than from the ground.

There are two main types of tree stands, fixed-position stands and climbing stands.

Fixed-position stands are designed to be placed on a tree trunk and remain secured in that place. Fixed-position platform stands can be built with lumber by a do-it-yourselfer using common tools and readily available materials. They are permanent and are exposed to weather year round. Never trust the safety of a permanent stand that was previously built by someone else.

The most common elevated stand is a commercially produced metal ladder stand. This type of stand has a ladder that supports the shooting platform. The ladder is usually divided into short sections that can be assembled on site. The "legs" of the ladder extend out at a slight angle from the stand platform. The stand is usually secured to the tree with common ratchet straps and can be relocated if needed.

Hang-on stands have two separate parts, a shooting platform with a seat and a lightweight ladder "stick" that hugs the tree. The stand and separate ladder are usually secured to the tree with straps. The platform should always be lower than the top of the ladder so that you step down into the stand. Hang-on stands are considered "fixed" but are easy to move.

Other fixed-position stands are elevated tower stands and tripod stands. They are not connected to trees and can stand alone. Tower stands are usually "fixed" to a permanent location. Tripods can be easily moved to different areas. Wind is a factor for these stands, and they must be secured firmly to the ground, and the same safety considerations that are outlined below for tree stands should also be used for these types of stands.

Climbing stands are designed to "climb" up a tree trunk to an elevated position. They have two main parts, a top-section climber and a bottom-section foot platform. They are temporarily secured to the tree with supporting arms and straps. Climbers offer a hunter the flexibility to move around easily from place to place in the woods. These stands require some practice from the ground before using.

Regularly inspect stands for defects, weakness or excessive wear. Placement is critical for safety. Select trees that are straight and alive. Keep a firm hold on the tree as you enter or leave a stand. Always use three points of contact. Both hands and a foot or both feet and a hand should be used to support your weight. Never carry equipment when climbing. Always use a haul line to bring gear into an elevated stand and to lower your gear when you're through hunting. Make sure firearms are unloaded before attaching to a haul line. Know your physical limitations, and don't take chances.

Wear a safety harness, also known as a fall arrest system, when climbing in or out of a stand or while occupying the tree stand. Safety harnesses are usually included in commercial tree stand packages. Simply owning a FBH doesn't make you safe. Take it out of the package and wear it.

Don't forget that you are in an elevated position, and every movement should be taken with deliberation and care. Don't let excitement or urgency cloud your judgment. Think before you do.

Always let someone know where you'll be hunting, when you will return and who's with you. Sign-in books and maps make it easier for others to find you in the event of an accident. Be prepared for changing conditions such as rain, lightning and high winds that might make it unsafe to hunt from an elevated stand.

Traveling to and from a tree stand is an important part of the experience. Wear hunter safety orange when moving through the woods. Keep safety in mind when accessing elevated hunting stands. Practice hunter safety rules, and always be sure of your target. Being safe is everyone's responsibility.

Reach Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.