Treestand Dangers

Gravity is all around us. It keeps everything in its place. Like any object that is suspended above the ground, hunters climbing trees are also subject to the effects of gravity. If you make a mistake or your equipment fails, YOU WILL FALL! Serious injury or even death can be the result!

A recent survey of hunters using treestands indicates that as many as one in three hunters will fall sometime during their hunting career. Injuries can range from bumps and bruises to broken bones or permanent, crippling paralysis. Some result in death!

Some hunters died while being suspended by safety belts due to their lack of knowledge or understanding of the proper use of fall-restraint devices. These well-intentioned hunters had their air supply cut off by a poorly designed or improperly used safety belt.

• Most falls occur while a hunter is either climbing or descending a tree, particularly when they are stepping onto or off the platform!
• Some mishaps also occur when hunters fall out of the treestand itself.
• Finally, equipment that is not properly cared for can fail with use, causing the hunter to fall without warning.