Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, Mi — September 29, 2020
Michigan’s deer hunting season opens this weekend, October 1st, for bow hunters. It is a good idea to review safety tips as many of you will choose to hunt from an elevated tree stand.
September is National Tree Stand Safety Awareness Month, and with archery season starting in a few days, it’s a great time to brush up on how to stay safe when hunting from a tree. Remember these safety tips the next time you’re in an elevated stand.
- Wear a full-body harness that is properly attached above your head.
- Always maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down from the stand.
- Ensure your tree stand is securely attached and stable before using it.
- Use a haul line to get your hunting gear to and from the stand.
Watch this short video about tree stand safety for more good ideas.
Tree stands on public land must have the hunter’s name and address and complete Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number in legible English that can be easily read from the ground.
During every hunt, make safety your top priority. Need a refresher? The DNR’s hunter education program teaches tree stand safety, firearm handling, first aid, and other important skills. Visit Michigan.gov/HunterEducation to locate a hunter safety course in your area or read more safety tips.
Good Hunting!
