Climbing the big tree was not that hard, as I was eighteen years old and at least in my mind, unstoppable. With the archery season only day’s away, time was of the essence to get my meager excuse of a treestand, secured high above the ground.

While being a few feet off the ground certainly has an advantage when deer hunting, like many hunters, for me it was the higher the better. I was now about twenty-five feet above the hard rocky ground. The view of the surrounding area was perfect and offered the opportunity for several shots.

With feet firmly placed on a couple of big limbs, I was holding on to a small head level limb with one hand while working to remove twigs with the other. The thought of a safety harness or rope was non-existent. After all, I had been climbing trees all my life and felt completely in control. Then while leaning back slightly and away from the tree, it happened. The limb I was holding on to suddenly snapped and I was now headed backwards away from the tree and towards the deadly ground below.

Nationwide, hunting is one of the safest sports around. Yet, as safe as it is, accidents still happen. In North Carolina the majority of hunting related accidents are self-inflicted. Incidents involving tree stands lead the list as causes for both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Today’s hunters have some of the best and safest above the ground hunting equipment ever. However, if he fails to use common sense and follow equipment guidelines, today’s deer hunter will continue to find that his worst threat is himself.

Like many hunters over the years, as that crucial limb broke, I found myself beginning that backward fall that would surely result in severe injuries or even death. However, it was the strength and reflexes of youth that allowed my hands and arms to work like a vise and dig into the bark of the tree, preventing my fall. Bruised and bleeding hands were a small price to pay for saving my life.

Each year there are no doubt countless close calls that end in no more than a couple of deep breaths and a quick prayer. The state’s wildlife agencies most current records indicate that during the 2007/2008 hunting season year, there were thirty-six reported accidents. Of these, all but ten were self-inflicted. Eight of the thirty-six accidents resulted in a fatality of which all eight were self inflicted. Six were from falling from tree stands; one from pulling a loaded firearm, muzzle first up a treestand and the other from removing a loaded firearm, muzzle first from the back seat of a vehicle.

While accidents of one nature or another are a part of our daily life, most hunting accidents happen because the victim truly thinks it can’t or won’t happen to them. Just like it is almost impossible to drown while wearing a lifesaving device, an unloaded gun cannot fire and you cannot fall from a treestand if you are wearing a fall restraint harness that is working properly.

Traditionally hunters have come across old tree stands that they have no idea who made or how old it is. These should be avoided at all cost. If they are on the states game lands, they may even be unlawful for you to occupy even if you did not erect it.

Today’s tree stands are made better and safer than ever before. Most even come with a safety harness. However, there are safety concern aspects that vary depending upon the type of stand. The popular ladder or platform stands are very attractive today. If attached properly they offer a high level of safety and many allow two hunters. This makes them attractive for an adult / child combination. However, setting them up should be a two-man job and the stand is normally left in the same spot for extended times.

Most of these use five-foot sections for added height. Care should be considered in how high to go. The use of a fall restraint harness along with a self-controlled climbing rope is also highly recommended. Once the stand is erected and the harness assembly working climb the stand and give it a test run. Attach extra straps to where the platform meets the tree. Attach a good haul line that reaches the ground. If it has been there for a year or more as often happens, inspect all safety aspects of the stand for damage from, tree growth, rot, rodents, rust and even vandalism.

The newer two-piece climbing stands with a properly attached fall restraint harness are probably the safest stands on the market. When properly used, this system offers three different levels of fall prevention. However, no safety equipment can save you if you do not use it properly. Remember, the higher you climb the further you fall. Don’t be your worst threat this hunting season.

Tony Robinson can be reached at decoyoc@charter.net