http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=110414&catid=57

Posted by: Devetta  Blount 

Raleigh, NC

Following four serious accidents since September 13th which includes two fatalities, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is issuing an urgent warning for hunters to exercise caution when using a tree stand.

All the recent accidents involved falls from tree stands, with the deaths occurring in Richmond and Harnett counties. Investigations show that none of the hunters killed or injured were wearing a fall-restraint system at the time of the accidents.

The best advice I can give is to always wear a fall arrest system, said Capt. Chris Huebner, the states Hunting Safety Coordinator. A full body harness is the best precaution anyone can use.

The popularity of deer hunting from an elevated position has increased in recent years. It provides some distinct advantages, such as putting a hunter out of a deer’s normal field of view, increasing a hunters range of vision, reducing scent detection and allowing closer shots.

Research by the Treestand Manufacturers Association, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, found that 82 percent of all hunters injured in tree-stand falls were not wearing a safety harness.

 Five basic guidelines for tree stand safety include:

• Always wear a full body harness, also known as a fall arrest system. This is the best precaution anyone can use.
• Maintain three points of contact (hands and feet) when climbing up or down.
• Never carry anything when climbing use a haul line to raise and lower an unloaded gun, bow or other equipment once safely seated.
• Check all belts, chains and attachment cords before use.
• Don’t select a decaying or leaning tree, or slippery-surfaced or smooth-bark tree.

There were 33 Hunting related shootings in North Carolina last year, five of them were fatal.

Successful completion of a Hunter Education course, offered free by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission throughout the state, is required for all first-time hunting license buyers.

For course schedules, game regulations and additional hunting safety information, visit www.ncwildlife.org or call (919) 707-0031.

WFMY News 2/Wildlife Resources