Introduction:  One of the biggest advantages a deer hunter has is the ability to hunt from a tree stand. It allows the hunter to have a better view of the hunting area and clear lines of fire. When used properly, modern tree stands are quite safe. When a hunter does not take his equipment seriously however, the result can be injury or death. Keep in mind the tips below when using your tree stand.

• Read and follow all manufacturer's instructions concerning your tree stand.
  

• Practice using your stand close to the ground until you are comfortable with how it works.

• Keep all the safety equipment for the tree stand in a bag or other container, attached to the tree stand. This way when you get to your hunting spot you won't face the problem of missing parts and be tempted to risk life and limb as opposed to making the trip back to the house.

• Use your safety equipment. It seems simple enough but so many hunters just do not bother with things like the safety harness or they will replace the safety belt with a rope. Trees are not our natural habitat, and an eventual slip or fall will happen to the most agile. A full safety harness will keep that fall to 8-10 inches as opposed to feet and allow you to pull up and continue hunting rather than dig around for your cell phone to dial 911!

• Never carry equipment while climbing. Use a haul line to raise or lower your gear. Remember to unload your weapon before raising or lowering it. Use a good strong haul line that can withstand the weight of the equipment you plan to pull up to your stand.

• Check permanent tree stands every year before your first hunt. Homemade tree stands are dangerous, not to mention a bit impractical. They are difficult to move when deer change their trails, and these stands often deteriorate quickly. Even when newly installed, homemade deer stands can be unsafe. Weakened wooden steps and stands can rot and break and even pressure treated wood gets slick over time. For your own sake, use commercial tree stands and follow recommended procedures to the letter. Maintain the tree stand, replacing straps and chains according to the owners manual. When installing the stand keep at least one hand and one foot on a secure place when reaching for the next hold. Never put all your weight on one branch if you can help it. Climbing up onto a tree stand can dislodge it, so climb higher than the stand and step down onto it. Finally, do a quick visual check to make sure everything looks good and in its place before climbing up each time you hunt.

• Know the Rules of the land. In many states it is illegal to place nails or other hardware into trees, or to build permanent structures, such as tree stands, platforms and blinds on public land. If you are on private land, get the landowners permission before you do any construction or destruction. Avoid fines or lawsuits by knowing where you are and what is legal.

• Check portable tree stands before hunting. Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts before each use. If something is loose it's a lot easier to tighten it up at the house than to watch the screw falling to the ground and wonder if you are next.

• Choose a good tree. Choose healthy, live trees when using climbing stands. Rough-barked trees are best, as it gives your equipment straps and teeth something to hold on to. Do not use a tree that is rotten or has dead limbs. Finally, 15 to 20 feet is high enough to give the hunter an advantage above the whitetails line of sight, so don't go too high. The higher you go, the bigger likelihood of serious injury from a fall.

• Use updated equipment. Don't put your health at risk with old equipment. Safe equipment is not a huge financial burden. The $50 you save on a harness or stand trying to get by cheap will not help you much when it comes to calculating your hospital or burial expenses.

• Make sure someone can find you. Make sure someone with a decent memory knows where you are hunting and when you plan to return. If you are hunting from a permanent stand, it just takes a few minutes to draw a simple map to your location that you can leave at home, in your truck or at camp so that in the case of an emergency, you can be located with as little difficulty as possible. It would be wise to have a whistle, small first aid kit, flashlight and cell phone just in case.

A safe hunt is a successful hunt. Remember, safety first will allow you to continue to enjoy hunting year after year.