BLAZE Magazine Fall/Winter 2015 | Page 46

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