Firearms safety & hunter education news: Summer 2006 - Minnesota ...

ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION
Volume 27
Summer - 2006
CONSERVATION OFFICER
MINNESOTA
LAW
ENFORCEMENT
Natural Resources
Since 1887
★
FIREARMS SAFETY &
HUNTER EDUCATION NEWS
COORDINATOR’S
CORNER by Capt. Mike Hammer
Spring classes are behind us, summer
classes are finishing up, and our busiest
time is now being planned. It’s time for
all of us to reflect on several things relating
to Firearms Safety/Hunter Education.
First Question: Why we do what we do?
Do we do it for the money? I don’t think
so. Do we do it for our egos? I don’t
think so. Not many people care to hear
about the history of firearms or the muzzle
velocity of a typical 80 grain .243 cartridge
is around 3350 fps? Do we do it to
get out of the house? Sometimes. I hope
that each and everyone of you first and
foremost do this because you want to
teach anyone who chooses hunting and
shooting sports to be safe, responsible,
and ethical.
Second Question: Am I meeting the education
needs of those who choose to be
a hunter? Does everyone in your community
who wants to learn about hunting
safety get a chance to be part of
your local program? If the answer is
yes, that’s great, but what if the answer
is no.?
We need to ask ourselves another question.
Just how do we give everyone who
wants to know about firearms and hunting
a chance to learn about the importance
of safety, responsibility, and ethics?
The best answer is opportunity. Is there
sufficient opportunity for all who want to
learn about firearms, safety, responsibility,
and wildlife in your community?
I know this is not the first time we have
had to ask these question of ourselves,
but we need to from time to time. We
must evaluate why we do what we do
and if we are living up to why we do what
we do which is to give everyone who
wants to learn a chance to learn.
The numbers of those who want to learn
are still great in Minnesota. Many other
states can’t say that anymore.
Try using the wait list form provided to
you to let those who want to be part of
hunter education know that you haven't
forgotten about them and will give them
an opportunity to take the course the
next time it’s offered.
What we do has a much bigger impact
than just safety. The lesson that we
teach gives those who want to be part of
hunting and shooting sports a far
greater appreciation of all of our natural
resources and their importance to our
day to day lives. Yes, we are teaching
safety, but we are also building the foundation
for those who will be the leaders
in conserving our natural resources
long after we are gone.
We might only have one opportunity for
them to learn from us. We must make
every effort to give them that chance.
Camp Ripley’s Believe It or Not? The following is a summary of a firearms
incident: An experienced hunter 40+ years was returning from a multi-state
multi-firearm hunting trip and was cleaning several shotguns in the basement.
He removed a 12 gauge from its case which had not been cleaned yet, shouldered
the gun to check the fit and putted the trigger. The shotgun fired striking
the furnace causing a 3” diameter hole in one side with pellets exiting at
several locations on the back side spraying pellets into an adjacent door. No
one was injured in this incident but lessons re-learned and the heating and airconditioning
guy had a laugh all the way to the bank. Believe it or not ?
Inside this issue:
LG 555 Questions Page 2
MN Student Wins Hunting Trip Page 3
Importance of Tree Stand Safety Page 4
Computer Projector s for everyone Page 5
Instructor of The Year (Lavern Ewert) Page 6
Instructor/Student Special Offers Pages 9-10
Treestand Safety Guide (TMA) Page 11
*Student Wins Trip of a Lifetime.
Page 3
*Lavern Ewert, Instructor of
The Year. Page 6.
*Tree Stand Safety. Pages 4
and 11

New Funding Source LG 555 Questions Answered
Most of you should have now received a copy of the LG 555
form with your supplies. Many have already taken advantage
of this new funding source which was granted by the
2005 legislature. Some question keep coming in to the office
as to how to use this form. The basic procedures are explained
on the back of the form.
The short explanation is: This form is filled out as a request
by you to be presented to your local charitable gambling
function. This request is then presented to the board who
govern funds from your local source. The board then approves
or denies your request. If approved they write you a
check from their fund. You make the approved purchase. A
copy of the approval (yellow copy) is then sent along with
your next roster to Camp Ripley. Many instructors have
jumped in on this opportunity and received lots of support
from their local gambling boards. Some examples of what
have been approved/purchased so far are: Student Fees
paid, DVD/VCR, Tables, Chairs, Computer Projector, 27 inch
TV, Henry Mini-bolt 22s.
Notes from the Ripley Staff
Please remember that you MUST
submit your order for supplies at
least 30 days prior to the start date of
your class. This insures that you
will receive your supplies well before
the starting date. Please check your
supplies immediately upon receipt
and notify us if there is something
missing.
******************************
Please remember to check the age of
your students prior to the start of
your class. Several rosters were
again received with student s who
could not lawfully be in the class because
they were too young.
*******************************
Please call or e-mail us with any
questions or comments that you
have. Your comments and suggestions
help us to provide better service
to you and our students.
*******************************
Please notify us of any change in address
you might have.
***You can help in minimizing data
entry errors in several ways.***
First, remind parents of importance
of printing their son or daughter’s
full legal name and DOB legibly on
the parental release form.
Second, double-check these forms
when they give them back to you. If
Community Ed is doing the registration,
educate their staff on the importance
of a legible, full legal name and
DOB.
Third, please print legibly when filling
out the Student Roster and double-check
the students full legal
name/DOB again.
Fourth, remind students to check
their card for accuracy once they receive
it. If there is an error, have
them contact us at 1-800-366-8917
ASAP. Remind them that inaccurate
information on their card may prevent
them from being able to obtain
a hunting license.
Thanks to those of you who sent letters
of thanks this past year. They
are greatly appreciated.
INSTRUCTOR DISCOUNTS
Hunter Safety Systems -Full body
Harness 1-877-296-3528
Alan Madison Productions DVD/
Videos 1-887-404-3311
Renzo’s Decoys Order forms will
be included in MBEP and FAS instructor
supplies that are shipped
this summer and fall or call Renzo’s
directly 1-800-583-5416 to obtain an
order form.
SOFTLINES Inc: has developed a
“sportsmen’s kit” that includes a
first aid kit along with a number of
other useful items for the sportsmen’s
pack. You can check them
out at: www.SoftLinesInc.com or
contact them by calling 715-682-3774
or writing 422 Third Street, Ashland
WI 54806
*RECALL* Connecticut Valley
Arms, (CVA) Recall of inline muzzleloading
rifles manufactured in
1995-96. If you have one of these rifles
contact customer service @ 770-
449-4687.
Volume 27 Page 2

Be part of the LaserShot Success Stories
Last summer we received approval
to purchase 4 Lasershot interactive
shooting simulator systems
to promote interest in hunting and
shooting sports. The systems
made their debut at the 2005 Minnesota
State Fair. We had 4 systems
set up in the DNR building at
the fair. It was one of the more
popular events there and was highlighted
by many local TV stations.
We had a line of folks waiting for
the chance to test their skills from
the time we opened until the time
we closed each of the 12 days. A
special thanks to the instructors
and C.O.s who helped staff the
event.
In November, the Lasershot was part
of the Governor’s Deer Opener
events in the Fergus Falls area.
In early March, the St. Paul Sportsmen’s
Show requested that we make
the Lasershot available to the folks at
their 4 day event. We set up two
systems there that were staffed each
day by instructors and RTOs. Again
folks of all ages and abilities tested
their skills and all left with a positive
attitude towards firearms and safety
training.
At the end of March, we again had a
request to make Lasershot available
to visitors at the Minneapolis Sports
MN FAS Student Wins Hunting Trip of A Lifetime
Aaron Vanheel of Avon got more than he bargained for
when he took his MN Firearm Safety Hunter Education
Course this past year. Instructor Tom Markman gave Aaron
a copy of Hunter’s Handbook which is the official student
publication of the International Hunter Education Association.
The publication is designed to be used as an adjunct
training piece that covers additional information outside of
the basic course requirements and is supplies to instructors
and student free of charge through the Camp Ripley DNR
office. Hunter's Handbook also carries a entry form for the
IHEA Heritage Hunt. Aaron dutifully filled out the card and
sent it back to Hunter's Handbook publishers.
Aaron was one of three student winners drawn from more
than 10,000 entries. He and his Grandfather will be flown to
Del Rio Texas Oct 26 to join the other hunt winners at Indianhead
Ranch. The ranch is a vast 10,000 acre fence free
hunting preserve that features whitetail deer and exotic
game species.
Three students and a parent of each plus two instructors
were drawn for this year's hunt. Other winners were from
Texas, Connecticut, Missouri, and Arkansas. The entire event
will be filmed for airing on Outdoor Life Network six times in
2007.
General Joe Engle, retired astronaut, who works as a consultant
for Bushnell will be the co-host of the show and will
also be spending individual time with the winners talking
about what it is like to travel in space.
Show. This time we had 4 systems
set up in our own room that we
shared with Turn in Poachers (TIP).
We were part of the Adventure Trail
program for kids who attended the 6
days of the show.
The Lasershot will be at several
county fairs this summer and back at
the State Fair this August. In less
than a year an estimated 14,000
have tested their skills with the Lasershot.
Be a part of the team of volunteer
instructors to assist in staffing at
the 2006 State Fair. The dates are
August 24th thru Sept. 4th. We
need your help from 11 am to 5 pm
each day. For more information on
being part of this fun event, contact
Capt. Hammer at 1-800-366-
8917 ext. 2504 or michael.
hammer@dnr.state.mn.us
The entire hunt and all associated costs are covered by
hunt sponsors Indianhead Ranch, Bushnell, Tasco, Cabela’s,
Safari Club International, and Hunter's Handbook.
The 2006 editions of Hunter's Handbook are now in print.
Over 700,000 copies are distributed annually through
hunter education programs across North America and to
all classes in Minnesota. Be sure all your students receive
the publication and have the opportunity to
fill out an entry form for the 2007 hunt.
Aaron is the second Minnesota student to win the Heritage
Hunt contest. In 2004 Justin Parks of Oak Grove was selected.
Could Minnesota have a repeat in 2007?
Volume 27 Page 3

News from the NBEF
The NBEF has launched a new web
site at which now has
an instructor only site. Go to the www.
nbef.org and click on instructors only
and enter the password wadsworth.
This will give you access to a printable
version of the NBEF outline for teaching
treestand safety. The NBEF has
other downloads that they will be adding
over the next few months just for
instructors. The site also contains links
to other archery organizations and numerous
state agencies thru their link to
www.bowsite.com.
They are always looking for current
information and ideas, contact them at:
National Bowhunter
Education Foundation
P.O. Box 180757
Ft. Smith, AR 72918
or call 479-649-9036
www.nbef.org
While sharing information at
the IHEA conference with other
coordinators, organizations, and
vendors we all agreed that we
could be doing much more to
educate our hunters about the
importance of treestand safety.
With treestand accidents now
being the leading cause of injury
to hunters, we as agency coordinators
are looking at ways to reduce
treestand accidents. One in
three people who hunt from an
elevated stand will have a fall
resulting in serious injury.
Many of these falls result in permanent
injuries, paralysis, or
death. We have successfully reduced
firearms accidents
through education, so we should
be able to significantly reduce
the number of injuries from
MBEP NEWS
Welcome to all the new instructors.
who attended Minnesota Bow-
Hunter Education instructor clinics
this year. You will be helping your
fellow archery hunters and the image
of bow hunting. This is the time
of the year that most potential students
are looking for your classes.
Take the next step and get a class
started in your community. Remember
if you need additional assistance
or have questions contact your RTO
or give a call to Camp Ripley.
Those of you who received the new
MBEP Instructor Guide and CD
falls. The Treestand Manufactures
Association (TMA) has
produced a new handout (see
page 11) that will soon be an
addition to all hunter education
student supplies. It contains
excellent guidelines that
must be followed to keep everyone
safe who chooses to hunt
from an elevated stand. If you
climb more than 3 ft. high off
the ground, I strongly suggest
that you use a full body harness.
Long gone are waist
belts and chest harnesses
which kept you from falling,
but could cause death by suffocation.
Almost all portable
stands that are commercially
produced now come equipped
with a full-body harness which
is what we should all be wear-
Classroom Presentation CD now
have computer projection units
DVD/VCR players and speakers
available for loan to you from your
local Conservation Officer. All you
need to make your presentation
hardware complete is a laptop computer.
I hope you all make use of
this equipment loan option.
Goals for 2006/2007
You the instructor, are key to all
of us reaching our goal to improve
the image of the bowhunter
and safety. Lets work together to
double the number of students
certified over the next 12 months.
Are We Missing an Important Message?
Read This!
ing and promoting in our
classes. Some of earlier versions
were somewhat tricky to
properly put on. These have
evolved into a vest style which is
easy to put on even in the dark.
I had a chance to try out one of
the new vest style fall restraint
systems at the IHEA Conference.
It’s made by the
HUNTER SAFETY SYSTEM .
This is a quality product available
in several models to suite
the needs of any style or season
of hunting. They are currently
offering students and instructors
a substantial discount on
their products. See their Flyer
on page 9.
We must tell students what can
go wrong when climbing. Please
show them how easy it is to be
safe.
Volume 27 Page 4

New Computer Projector and DVD/VCR
Players Kits For Everyone… NEW!
Remember the days when you borrowed
slides and a slide projector
from your local Conservation Officer?
Those days are back again but
with the latest in technology.
The Safety Training Section has
purchased new Epson Computer
Projection Units, Panasonic DVD/
VCR Player, speakers, and Alan
Madison firearms Safety CD sets for
every field officer in the state that
are available for you, the instructor,
to check out from your local C.O.
These are for you to you use with
your safety training class.
Effective immediately you will
be receiving the newest version of
the Parental Release Form. This
new form has several features that
should improve the parents and instructors
understanding of the age
requirement and fees charged for
each program. Please take time to
look over the new form.
One of the Key features are the
instructions to ELS agents on the
back side of the students copy of
their Temporary Safety Permit. The
back of the new form should greatly
help the student and ELS agent
when the student is purchasing
their first license. This should
eliminate any confusion by the ELS
agent who is not familiar with selling
a license to a person who does
not have a drivers license. There are
also two reminders that first time
license buyers will also need to provide
their social security number to
the ELS agent. Please make parents
and students aware of the new ELS
instructions. If you have questions
or comments please give us a call at
1-800-366-8917 or e-mail at enforcement.education@dnr.state.mn.
us
Volume 27
We have been promoting this new
technology for delivering our safety
messages in your classroom for several
years now and finally we are
able to help provide some of the
equipment necessary.
This equipment comes in a large
duffle bag that contains the afore
mentioned equipment and instructions
for set-up. Those of you who
have a lap-top computer available
can also use the instructor classroom
CDs that are available from
Camp Ripley for Firearms Safety/
Hunter Education, MBEP, or
Registration and Parental Release Form
Youth
Snowmo-
bile Safety Courses. Just
remember that with any borrowed
equipment, there is always someone
waiting in the wings who also want
to use it. So please use it when it’s
needed, and promptly return it
when you are done.
With anything new there is a learning
curve that goes with it. So practice
with the set-up and operation
prior to your first class. Welcome
to the 21st Century….
NEW
Page 5

Lavern Ewert from Waldorf selected as the
2005 Firearms Safety Instructor of the Year.
Lavern Ewert, (DOB), of Waldorf was named the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources’ Firearm Safety
Education 2005 Volunteer Instructor of the Year during
the recent Northwest Sportshow in Minneapolis.
"The future of hunting depends on our ability to encourage
and educate today's young people to get involved
and stay involved," said DNR Commissioner Gene Merriam.
"The one way in which the DNR can be a part of
that equation is through our Hunter Education program.
It takes a strong team of nearly 6,000 dedicated
volunteers to make our program a success, and Lavern
Ewert is one example of the kind of person we need on
that team.
"On behalf of the entire Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, I congratulate Lavern on being named
Firearm Safety Instructor of the Year, and look forward
to his continued leadership and participation in the program."
DNR Enforcement’s Captain Roger Tietz and State
Conservation Officer Joe Frear of Waseca nominated
Ewert.
"Lavern Ewert is a true professional, a true sportsman
and an outstanding Firearm Safety instructor," said
Frear. "Waldorf is a small town of 242 people south of
the Twin Cities. In an era of downsizing and consolidations,
Waldorf’s Firearm Safety Program thrived because
of this quality man. He’s been a role model and a
local leader always recruiting instructors to work with
him. He is truly deserving of this honor."
Ewert has been an active instructor for the DNR since
1955 - a span of 50 years of unselfish dedication to the
sportsmen and women of the state. He originally started
teaching firearm safety classes for the NRA in 1948
"Lavern’s focus has always been on ensuring the students
have learned key safety concepts and practices,
best taught by repetition,” Frear said. “Even though he’s
Need a new instructor
patch or
two, an instructor
hat ???
Send us a note or
give us a call. We
will send them to
you...
had health issues he continues to go to class and
teach.”
"As for teaching ability, Lavern conveys the information
in an easy to understand, friendly manner. He makes
learning fun and utilizes some of his old NRA manuals,
some of which were printed in the 1950’s. Not only did
it demonstrate his years of experience to his students,
but also the kids liked looking through the old books.
This was a unique way to get the kids interested and
make great conversation pieces for the students. His
sincerity created a positive educational experience for
everyone involved."
Tietz was stationed in Waseca from 1983-1987. One of
the first people he was introduced to was Lavern Ewert.
“Lavern was the Waldorf Post Master, a one-person
post office. I was immediately impressed watching his
interaction with local citizens, which was done with care
and ease,” Tietz said. “He also wore the hat of unofficial
DNR ambassador. It came naturally given his position.
Citizens would come in, asking questions or looking
for information regarding the DNR. Lavern was always
willing to help. He’s most deserving of this
award.”
CO Joe Frear, Lavern Ewert, Commissioner Merriam
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
State Law Prohibits Students Under
Age 11 on the Start Date of
your Class from participating in your
FAS class. Also our Insurance
does not cover You or Them should there be
an accident!
Always double-check their birth date!
Volume 27 Page 6

Minnesota Volunteer Safety Instructors Association
MVSIA News
As mentioned in the Winter/Spring 2006 newsletter,
there is a new umbrella organization to help instructor
teams throughout the state. The name chosen for
the organization (by majority vote) is Minnesota
Volunteer Safety Instructors Association
(MVSIA). We are currently holding monthly meetings,
and would like to invite everyone to attend
and/or send in your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions.
Please call to find out the next meeting date
and location, as we have been moving around based
on scheduling and location conflicts. Meetings are
scheduled two months in advance, but may be
changed on short notice due to emergencies.
At the February meeting, there were 11 interim
board members elected to help direct the setup of
the organization. At the March meeting, we elected
interim officers, and started on the process of building
the mission statement, articles of incorporation,
and bylaws. MVSIA’s tentative mission statement
and purpose are listed below (we are still working
on the purpose/objectives).
If you have a group, club, or teaching team that
would like to become a part of MVSIA, please let
me know. We will add your name to our list and
keep you informed on our progress. When the organization
is ready (once we have our bylaws established
and the 501(c)3 status in place), we will hold
informational meetings to let everyone know how
MVSIA can help, and how to join.
Thanks,
Frank
Franklin Flack
14770 Argon St NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
Home: 763-323-8601 Cell: 612-309-9370
fflack@comcast.net
MISSION
MVSIA is a non-profit statewide organization whose
mission is to support Minnesota Volunteer DNR certified
safety education program instructors through a network
of local chapters.
PURPOSE and OBJECTIVES
The primary purpose of the Association is the establishment
of and continued support of local chapters. More specifically,
the objectives of the Association are:
1) To promote recruitment, certification and retention
of instructors.
2) To promote mentorship within and between local
chapters.
3) To facilitate communication between and for local
chapters, the DNR and the Association.
4) To promote adherence to the DNR rules and guidelines
and the standards for associated chapters as
spelled out in the Associations By-Laws.
5) To solicit and accept donations and funding for local
chapters within the 501©3 and LG555 structures.
6) To foster the availability of the association resources
and the benefits for local chapters and members.
7) To act as a voice for legislative issues that pertain to
the mission and the purpose of the Association
Interim officers and directors are:
Franklin Flack, President fflack@comcast.net
Terry Bernier, Vice President tmbernier@mn.rr.com
Dave Arnold, Secretary bdarnold@usfamily.net
Tom Steele, Treasurer steele4snow@yahoo.com
Gregg Felber rhedraw@aol.com
John Miller JohnBMiller
@apengineering.com
Kirk Whiting sglshotkw@yahoo.com
Roger Todalen rtodalen@smig.net
Sean Bernier warriormoonrising
@yahoo.com
Steven Morin morin@mcg.net
Tony Costanzo acostanzo@usgo.net
Ross Opsahl, DNR Liaison ross.opsahl@dnr.state.
mn.us
In future additions of the Firearms Safety & Hunter Education News this page will be reserved for information
and news from the MVSIA and its chapters. Please contact Franklin Flack or on of the other board
members to have news from your chapter published in this newsletter. Thanks
Volume 27 Page 7

2005 Deer Hunting Facts
Minnesota’s deer hunters recorded the third
highest harvest on record during the 2005 seasons.
The firearms harvest was down by 6%.
The archery harvest increased by 11%. The
muzzleloader success increased by 50%. The
number of people choosing to hunt with muzzleloading
types of firearms also continues to
rise. Please keep this fact in mind when conducting
your courses. Poll your students to see
if they are going to hunt with a muzzleloader or
archery and be sure to cover Goal 7 in the student
manual.
Here's the final numbers harvested by method.
Traditional Firearms Rifle/slug 216,700
Archery 23,200
Muzzleloader 14,000
Total Harvest 253,900
Reminder on $7.50
FAS Student Fee Changes
By this fall we should have converted
over to the new minimum
fee for Firearms Safety Hunter
Education Course of $7.50. In
addition, instructors are allowed
charge up to an additional $7.50
to cover additional costs of supplies
and materials for a maximum
cost of $15.00 to the student.
The last time we had a
change in fees was 1986. The
cost of doing business has gone
up in the past 20 years. We hope
to maintain the current level for
5 to 10 years.
***Check with your Local Conservation
Officer on availability of the new
computer projection units , DVD/VCR
player and Alan Madison CD set.
Bring the 21st Century into your classroom
!!!
2006 Legislative Changes
Spring turkey hunting shooting hours have change
to 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset (It was 5 PM).
See 06 Regulations
Site tagging has change for deer.
See 06 Regulations
Big Game Shotgun /Rifle Zone Boundary has
changed.
See 06 Regulations
ATV and Snowmobiles are allowed to be operated
on private land with permission of the landowner
during the firearms deer season .
See 06 Regulations
There are now two types of ATVs Class 1 (up to 900
lbs) and Class 2 (up to 1,500 lbs). Look for new registration
system in December of 06.
There may be some minor antlerless permit area
and season zone changes.
Check the 06 Regulation book
Further restrictions relating to toxic shot (lead) on public lands are
also likely.
Do you need additional Instructors Certified
or have program questions contact the
Regional Training Officer (RTO) in your area.
RTO Names, Phone Numbers and E-mail:
NW Doug Sandstrom 218-363-2376
doug.sandstrom@dnr.state.mn.us
NE Shelly Patten 218-897-5132
shelly.patten@dnr.state.mn.us
Central Frank Rezac 320-230-8549
frank.rezac@dnr.state.mn.us
SW Metro Ross Opsahl 651-686-7998
ross.opsahl@dnr.satae.mn.us
NE Metro Lisa Kruse 651-430-1189
lisa.kruse@dnr.state.mn.us
Southern Shane Kirlin 320-769-4807
shane.kirlin@dnr.state.mn.us
Volume 27 Page 8

Henry Mini–Bolt Youth .22LR Discount !
Henry is again offering its extremely popular mini-bolt youth .22 (H005) at a discount to Firearms
Safety Hunter Education Instructors. This model has proven itself in countless classroom
and range settings. Instructors around the country have adopted this as their firearm of choice
at range days. Henry has also been a sponsor of the IHEA and its programs. This is a quality
firearm at a reasonable price. See the price sheet for ordering information. What better use
for an LG555.
Volume 27 Page 9

Volume 27 Page 10

ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System (FAS)/Full Body
Harness meeting TMA Standards even during ascent and
descent. Be aware that single strap belts and chest
harnesses are no longer the preferred Fall-Arrest devices
and should not be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in
serious injury or death.
ALWAYS read and understand the manufacturer’s
WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS before using the
treestand each season. Practice with the treestand at ground
level prior to using at elevated positions. Maintain the
WARNINGS & INSTRUCTIONS for later review as
needed,
for instructions on usage to anyone borrowing your stand,
or to pass on when selling the treestand. Use all safety
devices provided with your treestand. Never exceed the
weight limit specified by the manufacturer. If you have any
questions after reviewing the WARNINGS &
INSTRUCTIONS, please contact the manufacturer.
ALWAYS inspect the treestand and the Fall-Arrest
System for signs of wear or damage before each use.
Contact the manufacturer for replacement parts. Destroy all
products that cannot be repaired by the manufacturer
and/or exceed recommended expiration date, or if the
manufacturer no longer exists. The FAS should be
discarded and replaced after a fall has occurred.
ALWAYS practice in your Full Body Harness in the
presence of a responsible adult, learning what it feels like to
hang suspended in it at ground level.
ALWAYS attach your Full Body Harness in the manner
and method described by the manufacturer. Failure to do
so may result in suspension without the ability to recover
into your treestand. Be aware of the hazards associated
with Full Body Harnesses and the fact that prolonged
suspension in a harness may be fatal. Have in place a plan
for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices
that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If
rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have a plan
for recover/escape. If you have to hang suspended for a
period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by
pushing against the tree or doing any other form of
continuous motion. Failure to recover in a timely manner
could result in serious injury or death. If you do not have
the ability to recover/escape, hunt from the ground.
Treestand Safety Guidelines
Promoting Treestand Safety Sponsored By TMA
P.O. Box 15214 Hattiesburg, MS 39404-5214 Phone 601-584-7983
Fax 601-584-9220 e-mail http://www.tmastands.com
Save and insert in
your Instructor
Manual
ALWAYS hunt with a plan and if possible a buddy.
Before you leave home, let others know your exact hunting
location, when you plan to return and who is with you.
ALWAYS carry emergency signal devices such as a cell
phone, walkie-talkie, whistle, signal flare, PLD (personal
locator device) and flashlight on your person at all times
and within reach even while you are suspended in your
FAS. Watch for changing weather conditions. In the event
of an accident, remain calm and seek help immediately.
ALWAYS select the proper tree for use with your
treestand. Select a live straight tree that fits within the size
limits recommended in your treestand’s instructions. Do
not climb or place a treestand against a leaning tree. Never
leave a treestand installed for more than two weeks since
damage could result from changing weather conditions
and/or from other factors not obvious with a visual
inspection.
ALWAYS use a haul line to pull up your gear and
unloaded firearm or bow to your treestand once you have
reached your desired hunting height. Never climb with
anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to
descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of
the tree.
ALWAYS know your physical limitations. Don’t take
chances. If you start thinking about how high you are, don’t
go any higher.
NEVER use homemade or permanently elevated stands
or make modifications to a purchased treestand without the
manufacturer’s written permission. Only purchase and use
treestands and Fall-Arrest Systems meeting or exceeding
TMA standards. For a detailed list of certified products,
contact the TMA office or refer to the TMA web site at
http://www.tmastands.comwww.tmastands.com.
NEVER hurry!! While climbing with a treestand, make
slow, even movements of no more than ten to twelve inches
at a time. Make sure you have proper contact with the tree
and/or treestand every time you move. On ladder-type
treestands, maintain three points of contact with each step.
Anytime You’re More than 3 Feet off the ground,
PLEASE follow these Guidelines…
It could save You from injury or death !!!
Volume 27 Page 11

ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION
Department of Natural Resources
Division of Enforcement, Education Section
15011 Hwy 115
Little Falls, MN 56345-4173
Phone: 1-800-366-8917
Fax: 320-616-2517
Email: enforcement.education@dnr.state.mn.us
Modeling safe, responsible, &
ethical behaviors for hunters
www.dnr.
state.mn.us
Websites and Information
INSTRUCTOR WEB PAGE:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/
safety/instructors/index.
html
Register your class online
& sign up for the “Listserv
Mail Service”!
VISIT ORGANIZATIONS
ON THE INTERNET
Ranges MN www.dnr.state.
mn.us/shooting_ranges/
Ducks Unlimited: ducks.org
IHEA: www.ihea.com
NBEF: www.nbef.org
NSSF: www.nssf.org
MDHA:mndeerhunters.com
www.pheasantsforever.org
www.ruffedgrousesociety.org
Saf. Club: www.sci-dc.org
N.W.T.F. www.nwtf.org
Adaptive Equipment for Disabled
Hunters, www.badf.org/
disabledhunters.html
Izaak Walton League: www.
iwla.org
Ducks at a Distance Waterfowl
ID Guide: http://www.npwrc.
usgs.gov/resource/tools/
duckdist/duckdist.htm
Bird Wing ID: www.ups.edu/
biology/museum/wingphotos.
html
Turn In Poachers: www.
turninpoachers.org
To access the volunteer discussion
section of the IHEA website,
go to www.ihea.com
1. Username = “volunteer”
2. Password = “huntsafe”
To access the instructors resource
section of the IHEA
web site, go to www.ihea.com
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MOOSE LAKE MN
Permit NO. 100
1. Click on Instructor Resource,
2. User Name is “instructor”
3. Password is: “gohunt”
For Video’s, DVD’s Allen
Madison Productions, Inc.
Toll Free 1-877-404-3311 or
www.alanmadison.com
Daisy Lazer-Ed, Julia Michener
at 1-800-643-3458, ext. 4266
Daisy.com
*Please notify us of any change
in address that you might
have.*