Safe Hunting Above Ground
By Glen Wunderlich
Over the past week or so, I’ve been checking treestands for safety reasons and found several of them in need of work. One ladder stand that has been attached to a live cherry tree for years had become unsafe for several reasons: Straps holding the stand to the tree had broken and the ladder was suspended a few inches off the ground.
While choosing a live tree is paramount to safety, doing so presents safety concerns that should be addressed before the season. And, since archery deer season begins October 1st, here are a few other reminders to keep you safe.
* Choose a live, straight tree. Before the leaves begin falling in earnest, look for trees with leaves. Many standing dead ash trees are still in the woods – victims of emerald ash borers – so it behooves anyone to become acquainted with these potential dangers. In addition, make sure to look above before placing treestands or even ground blinds in the vicinity of standing dead trees or limbs prone to fall.
* Assemble your stand according to the manufacturer’s instructions and bring the instructions when you set up your stand to double-check as you go. Use a lineman’s-style belt or climbing belt—attached to the tree—during setup.
* Set up the stand with another person.
* Always inspect your stand to ensure everything is in working order. If a strap or rope is frayed, do not use the stand.
* Stay connected—always. Wear a full-body safety harness; whenever you are not touching the ground, use a lifeline. The vast majority of treestand accidents occur while climbing up or down or while installing stands. Always maintain three points of contact.
* Take advantage of YouTube videos from accredited sources such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), or Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation (TSSA). Learn the proper knots and practices thoroughly before heading afield.
* Carry a cell phone or two-way radio, and make sure someone always knows where you are.
* Never carry firearms or bows up and down trees. Always use a haul line to raise and lower all gear. Make sure your firearm is unloaded.
* Become intimately familiar with your bow or gun – especially the trigger’s safety. Keep the safety engaged until ready to shoot.
There are positive changes in the estimated number of falls that are occurring on a national level. Based on data available (2017), there has been a 28 percent decrease in the number of estimated falls requiring emergency department visits, while over the same period of time, there has been 7.1 percent increase in the number of licensed hunters nationwide.
Let’s keep the trend moving in this direction.
EKO CAM SYSTEM ALLOWS UP TO 90% LET OFF WHILE MAINTAINING BOW PERFORMANCEEvansville, IN – Bear Archery announced today the launch of its most revolutionary and highest let off cam system yet, the EKO Cam System. With up to 90% let off, the EKO Cam System allows the user to pick their preferred let off with four different positions at 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% at each draw length without sacrificing performance. The EKO Cam System uses a rotating module for draw length adjustment and can be made without the use of a bow press.
Odessa, Florida – Adams Arms has partnered with Tactical Shit and Vet TV to give away a huge prize package valued over $4,000!The prize package includes an Adams Arms 12.5” Small Frame .308 Pistol with a red dot, 5 cases of Hornady Critical Defense ammunition, a Witt Machine Dirty 30 Suppressor plus the $200 tax stamp, an Inforce flashlight package, a Tru-Spec backpack and clothing package, and a 1 year subscription to Vet TV with an iPad! No purchase necessary, free to enter.
Chicago, IL- Fix It Sticks, the industry innovator of modular firearms maintenance tools and torque limiters has introduced the All-In-One torque driver. Available in a complete kit or individually, the All-In-One provides six torque values most commonly used by expert and professional shooters into one compact driver.Using the All-In-One is quick and easy because there are no settings to adjust or hassle with before use. Simply install any ¼” bit or socket as needed and tighten the fastener until the proper torque is achieved. A precise, graduated torque scale is laser etched on the side to indicate the torque value as it is applied. The settings marked on the side are 15in/lb, 25in/lb, 35in/lb, 45in/lb, 55in/lb and 65in/lb. The All-In-One can also be used to apply torque in between the specified settings by watching the in/lb indicator as torque is being applied.
The fastest straight wall cartridge ever made now has the perfect optical partner. Straight out of the box accuracy with a reticle designed for the Winchester .350 Legend.Hawke® Optics, one of the worldwide leaders in high-quality, exceptional-performing, and high-value sporting optics, brings a new model to the popular Endurance 30 WA line. The 350 Legend reticle has been calibrated to allow for precision shots out to 300 yards, all while maintaining an exceptional field of view and 4-inchs of eye relief. The 350 Legend delivers impressive ballistic returns with soft recoil, lots of energy, and wide array of ammo offerings. Prepare for the 350 Legend to become a common name in the deer woods.
COLUMBUS, Georgia — Wear the 
GENESEO, ILL. – After years of development, we are proud to introduce the Hellcat™, the highest capacity micro compact 9mm in the world and the next generation of defensive pistol from Springfield Armory.“This is the first step in a new direction for Springfield Armory polymer handguns and embodies our disciplined approach to modern firearms design. Every detail of the Hellcat has been shaped by a singular mission — to deliver the definitive concealed carry handgun,” says Dennis Reese, CEO of Springfield Armory.