2012-2013 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide - New York State ...

Hunting from a tree…
Let’s minimize the risk!
They say that the kind of gun or bow you use
does not really matter, nor does the place where
you hunt, nor what pattern clothes you wear.
But if you are hunting from an elevated stand,
wearing a full-body safety harness, also known
as a fall arrest system, DOES matter and it
could save your life!
Last year in New York there were a considerable
number of hunter falls from elevated stands
with several that resulted in the death of the
hunter. For every one story that makes the press,
there are quite a few others that you never hear
about. Many of these falls and injuries could
have been prevented by the common sense use
of a properly fitted full-body safety harness
and a properly attached certified tree stand.
Hunters know the advantages and the
disadvantages of hunting from a tree. They
understand the importance of safely raising
and lowering their unloaded gun or bow with
a haul line. But, falls from tree stands are one
of the most common causes of hunting-related
injuries. Here are some of the best tips for
avoiding a fall and having a successful hunting
experience that ends with your safe return
home to your family:
• Just do it! Most tree stands today come with
a fall arrest system, but if you need one, buy
one and use it. They cost less than a trip to
the emergency room. They cannot only save
your life, but will provide you and your loved
ones with a peace of mind that will make your
hunting experience much more enjoyable.
• Each season before you go afield, read and
understand the instructions that come
with the stand and the harness. Adjust your
harness to fit and check your stand to make
sure all hardware is in place and securely
fastened. Follow the recommendations for
the tree strap height and the tether length.
• Practice and feel ‘the hang’ to figure out
what you will do if you find yourself dangling
from your full-body harness after a fall (aka
a ‘suspension relief plan’). Every year hunters
will sight in their gun and bow, yet fail to
practice with their harness and stand. Well
in advance of the season, practice setting
up and shooting from your stand at a height
comfortable for you. Eventually work your
practice into the time of day (usually dark!)
that simulates when you plan to get in and out
of your stand. Be sure to climb higher than
the stand and step down onto it. Practice a
suspension relief plan for what to do if you
do fall out including how to climb back into
the stand , how to get circulation into your
legs should you find yourself immobile for
an extended period of time (e.g., some vests
have leg stirrups), and /or how to free yourself
and safely descend, if possible.
• Have a plan. Let someone know where you
are going to hunt, and if you change your
plan, tell them. Carry ON YOUR PERSON
a cell phone, flashlight, whistle or personal
locator device (PLD). Don’t put it in the day
bag hung in the tree. Check out the CRADAR
(CRAsh Detection And Response) phone app.
It is free, though limited to certain types of
phones. Remember, cell phones and other
high tech gadgets may fail, so always let
someone know where you will be, including
a map and the estimated time of your return.
• Use a sturdy, portable stand. Permanent
stands and climbing blocks nailed into trees
are deadly. Wood rots and treated wood
gets a dangerous slippery growth. Avoid
using them if you want to safely return
home. Certified Treestand Manufacturers
Association (TMA) treestands are a sure
bet. Use climbing steps, sticks, or ladders
certified by the TMA. Do not use steps that
screw into the tree.
• Ascend/Descend safety lines and lineman's
ropes are available on the market today. Most
falls happen when going up and down the tree
and in and out of the stand. DO NOT use tree
limbs to climb. You should be connected to
the tree from the time you leave the ground
until you tether yourself firmly in.
• 3 points. Always have 3 points of contact
to the steps or ladder before moving. This
could be two arms and one leg holding and
stepping on the ladder or one arm and two
legs in contact with the ladder before moving.
• Self check. If you feel sleepy, ill or unsure
about the climb that day, consider a ground
blind. No one will see you (…’zzz’) in there.
Bottom line…everyone should ALWAYS
wear a full-body safety harness whenever in
a treestand. It will prevent devastating spine
and brain injuries, and it can save your life!
dO nOt saY…it will
never Happen tO me!
Meet John starkweather, a typical
experienced hunter but a treestand
mishap survivor.
John is lucky to be alive. He knows it and
he wants other hunters to know it, too.
His injuries were extensive and serious—
eight broken ribs, a broken shoulder
blade, collapsed lung, lacerated liver, two
cracked vertebrae, and two helicopter
flights to the ER—not your average
day afield.
To read about his
experience see:
thebatavian.com/
howard-owens/
bow-hunter-whofell-tree-standwants-otherhunters-learn-hisexperience/30425
fOr mOre infOrmatiOn
For more information on treestand safety
and a list of products that have been
independently tested and certified go to:
national Bowhunter
education foundation
www.nbef.org or www.projectstand.net
international Hunter
education association
www.ihea.com
treestand manufacturers association
www.tmastands.com
9