Michigan conservation officers stress safety when using a tree stand

The important things to remember when using a tree stand for hunting are:

• Buy a safe and comfortable stand and harness that’s right for you. Safe and reliable equipment reduces your chance of injury.
• Carefully read all instructions and warnings provided with your stand.
• Practice setting up your stand and safety equipment at ground level first. Use all recommended safety straps and pins to secure the stand.
• Wear the safety harness at all times when climbing, hunting and descending.
• Choose a harness with a quick-release system that will hold you right-side-up and not restrict your breathing should you fall.
• Maintain your equipment – look for wear, stress points and loose fasteners. Fix or replace worn equipment immediately.
• Choose as straight a tree as possible, and watch for dead, overhanging limbs and rotten wood.
• Use extra care when hunting from a smooth-barked tree (such as aspen, maple, hickory and beech) because if it rains, they get slippery.
• Use extra care when hunting from a frozen tree. Avoid using elevated stands when it’s icy.
• Always use a haul rope to bring gear, firearm or bow to and from the ground.
• Always unload your gun before hauling.
• If hauling a bow, tie your line to the top limb of the bow when climbing and the bottom when descending to avoid snagging arrows in tree branches.
• Be extra alert when climbing or descending from the stand. These are when most tree-stand accidents occur.