MDWFP Addresses the Importance of Treestand Safety
9/18/2018 8:21:17 AM
From MDWFP
JACKSON – Archery Season for Deer officially opens October 1 in the Delta, Northeast, East Central, and Southwest Hunting Zones, ushering in fall’s favorite pastime for many hunters. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, (MDWFP) urges all hunters to wear and know how to properly use a full body harness (fall-arrest system) while climbing a tree, installing a treestand that uses climbing aids, or while hunting from a treestand. Wearing a full body harness can be the difference between life and death. We cannot stress this enough. Treestand falls account for over 90 percent of all hunting accidents in Mississippi.
MDWFP reminds all Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunters that they are required by law to wear a full body harness while climbing a tree, installing a treestand that uses climbing aids, or while hunting from a treestand on a WMA.
Most of these treestand-related incidents can be avoided by taking a little extra time to follow these guidelines:
- Always wear a full body safety harness.
- Use a lifeline harness system when climbing to and from deer stands.
- Check the straps attaching your hunting stand to the tree for signs of wear.
- Check your hunting stand for signs of wear or broken parts.
MDWFP Officials want everyone to enjoy a safe and successful hunting season and pay attention while enjoying Mississippi’s Great Outdoors.
For more information regarding hunting and outdoors in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com or call (601) 432-2200. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline.
