How to protect yourself in a tree stand this hunting season

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — With firearm deer season starting in three days, tree stand safety is an important part of hunting.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to practice all safety measures, as tree stands are the No. 1 source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Illinois.

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"Our top priority is ensuring hunters return home safe and unharmed after every hunt," said Jed Whitchurch, director of IDNR's Office of Law Enforcement. "We want hunters to enjoy themselves and be successful in the field, but safety must be top of mind at all times."

A man fell out of a tree stand during archery season on Nov. 10 when a man in Wayne County had apparently fallen asleep and had fallen out of the tree stand, and he was not wearing a proper harness, said an IDNR spokesperson.

Tree stands which are often 20–30 feet off the ground can cause significant injuries, including broken bones, spinal damage, paralysis, concussions, organ injuries, internal bleeding among many other injuries, they said.

Most tree stand injuries can be stopped by the use of fall arrest systems and by not using drug and alcohol while hunting, they said.

A IDNR news release listed the following safety tips:

• Use a fall arrest system that includes a safety harness and follow the manufacturer's guidelines that come with it.

• Inspect the tree stand for wear and tear before each use.

• Use a haul line to bring up unloaded firearms, bows, and other hunting equipment.

• Take a cell phone.

• Tell a friend or loved one where you intend to hunt and when you intend to return.

• Avoid drug or alcohol use before and during hunting.