The Great Outdoors 11-13-09

    I remember reading an article in Outdoor Life magazine about the most deadly animal. I expected it to be grizzly bears or some exotic African safari animal like a rhinoceros, however,  I was quite surprised when it was revealed to be the whitetail deer.
 With the masses planning on hitting the woods and fields tomorrow for the first weekend of rifle season, it is important to remember the dangers associated with hunting.
    The injuries and deaths resulting from deer hunting are not directly from deer themselves, but the large population of hunters seeking deer.
    Tree stand accidents and vehicle collisions are the main culprits, while weapon-related incidents, starvation, dehydration and stress resulting from getting lost and deer attacks add to the statistics.
    It is no surprise tree stand injuries and fatalities top the list.
    Hunters climbing trees, most often under the cover of darkness, hampered by gear and exposed to the elements are asking for trouble if caution is not used. Once in the stand, hunters perch on a small bench seat and rest their feet on a small platform.
    Here are some tips for staying safe in your tree stand:
    •Wear a safety harness. This is your only insurance to avoid a 15-20 foot fall if you make a wrong step in a tree. They are inexpensive, stay out of the way and give peace of mind when you get in position to take a shot, allowing you to focus on your aim rather than your balance.
    •Have a good way to get in and out of your stand. Most accidents occur while climbing the tree. Do not skimp on adequate footholds along the way. Always keep three limbs anchored as you climb. A stand easy to get in and out of will allow for quieter entering and exiting.
    •Do not fall asleep. This is common sense, but often hard to do when you get in a stand in the early hours before dawn. Nodding off while waiting for safe shooting light or deer to stir is common, but it is also when most falls from the tree occur.
    •Always check the stability of the stand and climbing mechanisms. A number of hunters will go to their stand Saturday for the first time since last season. Normal weather conditions can weaken trees and limbs. Last year’s ice storm could have damaged the strength of your perch, too. Frequently inspect the integrity of all components of the tree stand and the tree itself. It only takes one piece of the system to fail and cause a ripple effect which could result in a fall.
    Some other things to remember: Never climb with your weapon. After you are secured in your harness and in the stand, pull up your bow or gun with a tether. Tell people where your stand is located, so if you fail to return, they will know where to look. Carry a cell phone and make sure you can get to it if you do fall. In some cases, an injury leaving you unable to walk will result.
    Tree stands are not the only hazards hunters face. Firearm safety, forest navigation and general first aid are all factors hunters should be well aware of.
    You often forget the risks associated with deer hunting, especially if you only do it once or twice a year. Sometimes you get caught up in the tactics of taking a big deer and forget about your own safety.
    Deer also are a threat to non-hunters outside of the woods this time of year. Vehicle collisions increase as the rut gets closer.
    You can expect deer to be chasing at all hours of the day. Slow down, keep a watch on the roadway sides and if you see a deer, expect it to run out in front of you and anticipate more in the area.
    Often injuries to you and damages to your car result from rash swerving to avoid a collision.
    While the deaths and injuries inflicted from deer and deer hunting are not a product of the animal itself, there are plenty of ways to injure yourself and spoil a good hunt.       ­­     
    Contact Miller at steven.miller@murraystate.edu.