A hunter using a tree stand has about a 1 in 20 chance of suffering an injury in a fall from a tree stand during a lifetime. That number is part of research done by the DNR about safety awareness using the popular method of hunting. The research found a significant amount of injuries resulting from using tree stands to hunt.
DNR hunter education administrator Jon King urges hunter to use a body harness when using tree stands. King also says don't haul your weapon by hand....
".....instead of carrying your firearm and large gear in a backpack use a haul line. Attach the unloaded firearm and heavy backpack and raise it up once you get up into the tree stand. That will prevent you from getting tangled up and falling when you're getting into the tree stand...."
Another possible problem is suspension trauma where the blood flow in your legs could be cut off if you are suspended from the harness. King says attaching an additional foot strap to the harness will take some of the pressure off your upper legs. You can also push away from the tree with your legs until help arrives.
King says the tree stand injuries are preventable if hunters take the time to review tree stand safety rules. King says there are dozens of other tips on the DNR website. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search for the words 'tree stand'.
