It happens every year. It happens all too often. And, yet, we never think it will happen to us. Hunting related accidents are simply something that can easily be avoided if we just take a few minutes to use common sense, think things through and not be in an unnecessary rush. Whether it is firearms or equipment related or something having to do with tree stand safety – accidents are preventable.

While most conscientious hunters take time to practice and prepare before the seasons, an alarming number of outdoorsmen give little thought to safety! Every year there are reports of hunters being seriously injured or being involved in an accident that results in death. Yet, a few simple steps can usually prevent any such occurrence.

We are fortunate here in Pennsylvania to have a Mentored Youth Hunting Program. We are, in fact, the very first state to have adopted such a program. It provides an adult the opportunity to share the outdoor experience with a youth in a one-on-one scenario that provides the ideal teaching environment. Since its inception, there has always been an emphasis on safety and has stressed the importance of taking time to teach safe hunting practices to the new hunter. If you know of any young person who is mature enough and shows interest in hunting, why not take the opportunity to pass on to them your passions by working with them through this program? Remember to stress safety, for what they learn now will carry them through a lifetime of safe and enjoyable experiences.

Tree stands get hunters out of sight and smell of wary deer. While they are a very effective tool, they can sometimes get hunters into trouble. In fact, tree stands accidents are the leading cause of injury to hunters every year. So what can we do to ensure that we come home safely from an enjoyable day in the woods and not become one of the accident statistics?

Use common sense and “Think Safety!”

Only purchase a tree stand that is certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA). No, I am not endorsing a particular manufacturer, I am merely saying that you should focus on quality – this is not an item to try to save a few bucks on, but instead look closely at the materials and workmanship of the item. Some makers use D tubing or oval tubing for making the ladder sections and this provides a greater degree of stiffness in the legs, which helps reduce the flexing that can occur in a lesser-quality make.

Erecting a ladder stand or placing a tree stand is a two-man job, and three people makes even more sense. Don’t go too high – the higher you go, the smaller the vital area of a deer becomes and the greater the risk of a serious accident becomes. If you are returning to a stand that was set up the previous year, double check all ropes, straps and attachment cords as well as the security of the connections.

Above all else, always, always wear a full-body safety harness, even when climbing. Most falls occur while going up and down the tree and when getting into or out of the stand.

Think about “What if?” Before you head to the woods, prepare a few items to be carried in your fanny pack or back pack. Today, cell phone towers have cropped up everywhere and there are fewer and fewer areas that don’t have coverage. Your cell phone can be a real life saver if you need to call 9-1-1 for assistance for yourself or your hunting buddy. Include a whistle in your pack for signaling and make sure you have one or two small flashlights with you in case you get stuck out after dark. Windproof and waterproof matches will be a blessing if the overnight temperatures plummet and a fire could prevent freezing or frostbite.

Finally, always make sure someone knows where you will be hunting and when you expect to return home. If some kind of accident does occur, time may not be on your side, thus the sooner help is on the way, the better the chance an accident will turn deadly.