When you’re out hunting for bucks this fall, it’s time to stay on top of your treestands and keep them safe from deer hunting. There are a few things that you can do to protect your investment when you’re hunting in a tree stand.
Crossbow hunting can be very safe when hunting from a tree if you follow these suggestions:
- Use a safety strap when you are up in the treestand AND when you are installing the stand. Don’t feel safe hunting from a tree stand until you are strapped in. Use a full-body harness and not just a rope looped around your waist. And don’t forget to wear a safety harness when you are installing the tree stand as well.
- Rope is not good enough. Many crossbow hunters simply tie a rope around the tree with the other end of the rope tied around their waist. This may seem safe but when a hunter falls the rope can slip up over the chest or even the neck. Not good. Spend the extra cash on a certified hunting safety harness system.
- Climb the tree with your crossbow unloaded. Never climb a tree with a cocked and loaded crossbow. Even if it is strapped to your back it could still misfire.
- Check the ladder and all treestand straps frequently. Squirrels and other critters can chew treestand straps and weaken them. U.V. rays and sun damage can also weaken treestand straps over time.
- If you are building a treestand use screws not nails. Nails can pull out and bend, causing the weight-bearing sections to fall apart and break.
Here are some treestand safety tips to keep you from being shot by a hunter who can’t find a safe place to shoot! Keep these basic trestand safety tips in mind while out hunting this fall.
Avoid permanent, wooden, concrete stands nailed onto trees. Never use an artificial or manmade stand that is nailed while hunting in a treestand, always utilize a permanent stand. Use a full-body lifeline and safety harness while climbing down or up. Never attach the safety harness only to a short, light rope.
If a hunter does not see a moving deer, he or she does not have a legal right to shoot it. Always keep your crossbow on the tree stand when out hunting.
Never use a crossbow bolt fitted with field tips when hunting in a tree stand, since it’s not very lethal on large game like deer. Instead, use a broadhead and practice with your crossbow to get a feel for how your aim works before actually shooting at a deer at any range.
Finally, don’t ever try to use anything other than a fixed blade or expanding broadhead to shoot a buck, either. Bucks can often escape from hunters who shoot them poorly so always be sure you have a clear shot at the vitals.
You should also follow all treestand safety tips, especially to avoid having a bad accident while hunting. If you are on the tree stand, make sure that you keep your hands in the form of a grip while you are holding the crossbow.
Always be aware of your surroundings at all times while on the tree stand, and follow all treestand safety tips carefully! In short, follow these simple treestand safety tips to avoid any accidents that could potentially harm you or others.
