Tree stand safety

By CONNIE MERTZ

Hunting from tree stands has its advantage, no doubt about it. But there are also dangers that need to be addressed.

This was brought up close and personal a few weeks ago when a veteran hunter in my own county fell from his tree stand and broke his neck. It was assumed he was removing his tree stand when he fell, but no one will really know what happened.

Recently at an outdoor writers meeting, a wheelchair bound archer told his story. Last October, he was climbing up to his tree stand, as he had done hundreds of times, he admitted. Hearing a noise, he turned to look and lost his grip on the branch. He tumbled down back first. Perhaps his injuries wouldn’t have been so severe had his back not hit a log. He is now paralyzed from the waist down.

Perhaps these accidents could have been avoided, perhaps not, but tree stand safety is as important as gun safety. It permanently injures, and it kills. All it takes is one careless mistake; one slip, one oversight, and the lives of families will never be the same again.

One organization is reaching out to people physically challenged as a result of hunting accidents or other misfortunes. Physically Challenged Bowhunters of America (PCBA), now almost 10 years old, was originally the brainchild of noted bow hunter Billy Ellis, who had many disabled friends.

Since then, PCBA has helped thousands of disabled archers. Not only is the organization open to physically challenged individuals who want to bowhunt once again; it also seeks individuals who want to volunteer and come to the aid of the sportsperson who needs a helping hand to accomplish bowhunting. They also provide services to those who have recently become disabled while encouraging them to continue using the bow regardless of their limitations.

Serving as a type of clearinghouse, PCBA searches for adaptive equipment, techniques and opportunities for challenged archers. Contributions from companies, organizations and individuals provide needed funding so they can extend their efforts and services to the disabled.

They are well aware of the need for interaction among their membership, and social events and shooting/hunting tournaments are part of the organization’s outreach. For instance, a hunt was held in Loudonville, Ohio a few weeks ago in which all expenses were paid to the sportsmen who participated in the archery deer hunt.

If you know of a physically challenged sportsperson who would benefit, the organization can be contacted via email at mkvought@westol.com or by phone at 724/668-7439. Write to PCBA at RD 1, Box 470, Alexandria, PA 15670.

The National Rifle Association suggests the following precautions for tree stand hunting:

• Securely attach the tree stand no more than 10 to 12 feet high in the tree.

• Use a safety belt to secure yourself to the tree.

• Use an equipment haul line to get your unloaded gun/bow in and out of the stand.

• Use special caution while climbing into or out of the stand.

• Constantly inspect the stand. It is imperative that you replace or repair broken/damaged parts.

An independent survey identified Summit and Summit Sentry treestands as the best on the market.