Tree Stand Rule Expanded, Safety Rules Noted

PIERRE, S.D.--Archers aren’t the only hunters who like to use tree stands, and action taken by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission recognizes that fact.

At its July meeting in Pierre, the commission approved changing the rules regarding tree stands to include use by all hunters with big game licenses. In the past the rule said all portable tree stands required the name and address or the year and current archery tag number of the owner or user.

The change in the rule calls for the name and address of the individual or the inclusion of the “applicable big game license” number rather than just the archery tag number.

The rule change recognizes the fact that tree stands are popular with many big game hunters. No matter who is using the tree stand, basic safety rules should be followed.

According to Game, Fish and Parks HuntSAFE Coordinator Curt Robertson, those safety rules include:

•Hunt only from live trees that are at least 8 inches in diameter at the height of the stand. Avoid dead trees or trees with dead branches.

•Hunters should always use a fall restraint system that straps them to the tree every minute that they are off the ground.

•When climbing, always step down into the tree stand. Climbing up onto the tree stand may dislodge it.

•Never climb into any tree stand carrying a gun or bow. Use a line to pull up the weapons after safely getting secured in a harness in the tree stand.

GFP Regional Program Manager Dan McCormick, who helps organize archery classes, says that a hunter using a tree stand would do well to also carry a whistle in case he gets hung up in the tree and needs to signal for help.

“A whistle can be heard for long distances,” McCormick said, “can be used even if you lose your voice and takes much less breath and effort than yelling.”

While a hunter may have a favorite hunting spot in the woods, keeping the same old tree stand at that spot invites disaster.

“Hunters should avoid old tree stands that are subject to the constant forces of wind and weather,” Robertson said. “New, modern tree stands offer better stability and more safety features.”

--GFP--