ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving. Be
cautious that rain, frost, ice or snow
can cause steps to become extremely
slippery. Check the security of the step
before placing your weight on it.
• always hunt with a plan and, if possible, a buddy. Before you leave home,
let others know your exact hunting
location, when you plan to return and
who is with you.
Alabama Wildlife
and Freshwater
Fisheries Stresses
Treestand Safety
Contributed by Outdoor Alabama
a
s alabama hunters head to
the woods for the opening
days of archery deer season,
the alabama Wildlife and
Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division
urges all hunters to observe treestand
safety rules for a safe and enjoyable trip
outdoors.
• always select the proper tree for use
with your treestand. Select a live,
straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your treestand’s
instructions. Do not climb or place a
treestand against a leaning tree.
• never leave a treestand installed for
more than two weeks since damage
could result from changing weather
conditions and/or from other factors
not obvious with a visual inspection.
• always use a haul line to pull up your
gear and unloaded firearm or bow to
your treestand once you have reached
your desired hunting height. never
climb with anything in your hands or
on your back. Prior to descending,
you are in a tree stand, as well as when
lower your equipment on the opposite
climbing into or out of a treestand.
side of the tree.
Statistics show that the majority of treestand incidents occur while climbing
• always know your physical limitations.
in and out of a stand.
Don’t take chances. Do not climb
when using drugs, alcohol or if you’re
• a safety strap should be attached to the
sick or unrested. if you start thinking
tree to prevent you from falling more
about how high you are, stop climbthan 12 inches.
ing.
last year there were 14 treestand falls in
alabama, including one that resulted in • always inspect the safety harness for
signs of wear or damage before each
a fatality. treestand incidents are one of
use.
the leading causes of injury to hunters.
Hunter education Coordinator Marisa
Futral said that treestand accidents are • Follow all manufacturers’ instructions
for use of a safety harness and stand.
the most common type of hunting incidents in alabama.
• Follow the three-point rule of treestand
safety. always have three points of
Futral urges hunters to utilize the followcontact to the steps or ladder before
ing safety tips:
moving. this could be two arms and
• always wear a safety ha