RALEIGH, N.C. (September 6, 2022) — Archery season for white-tailed deer opens statewide on Sept. 10. Hunting from an elevated stand is a popular tactic used by deer hunters, especially archers, however tree stands can easily turn dangerous if not used correctly. Law enforcement records from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission indicate that tree stand incidents accounted for 20% of hunting-related incidents in 2021. Unfortunately, that doesn’t account for incidents that were never reported.
“If using a tree stand, hunters should always use a fall-arrest system and follow the manufacturer’s recommended safety procedures,” said Carissa Daniels, the statewide education and engagement manager for the Wildlife Commission. “Those simple measures go a long way in helping hunters stay safe while hunting with a tree stand.”
The Wildlife Commission’s hunter safety education campaign, Home From the Hunt, and the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation, offer these tree stand safety recommendations. Preparing to use your tree stand:
Setting up your tree stand:
Using your tree stand:
For information on the Wildlife Commission’s hunter education courses, the 2022-23 white-tailed deer season and limits and to purchase a hunting license, visit ncwildlife.org.
Mindy Wharton 919-410-2111
NCWRC