IDNR reminds tree stand hunters to be safe

The Ill. Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters to use safety harnesses when hunting from tree stands in the field. Tree stands are the number one source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Ill..

The 2023 firearm deer season dates were Nov. 17-19 and also Nov. 30- Dec. 3.

“Our utmost priority is ensuring hunters’ safety so they can return home unharmed after every hunt,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of IDNR’s Office of Law Enforcement.

So far during the fall 2023 hunting season, which includes archery deer season, Ill. Conservation Police have documented two hunting-related fatalities, both of which involved tree stands. One fatality occurred when a hunter fell out of a 15-foot-tall ladder tree stand. The second occurred when a hunter who’d been reported missing was eventually found deceased on the ground at the base of his ladder stand.

Tree stand falls, often from heights of 20 to 30 feet, can cause significant injuries, including broken bones, spinal damage, paralysis, concussions, organ injuries, internal bleeding, sprains, cuts, and bruises. Most of these injuries are preventable by using fall arrest systems, avoiding drug and alcohol use, and making sure the tree stand equipment is in good working order.

“By using a functional and trustworthy fall arrest system and thoroughly examining every tree stand component prior to use, most tree stand accidents can be avoided,” Whitchurch said.

Tree stand-related falls in previous years:

2022 - 6

2021 - 13

2020 - 14, one of which was fatal. Tree stand safety tips include:

Use a fall arrest system that includes a safety harness and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines that come with it.

Inspect the tree stand for wear and tear before each use.

Use a haul line to bring up unloaded firearms, bows, and other hunting equipment.

Take a cell phone.

Tell a friend or loved one where you intend to hunt and when you intend to return.

Avoid drug or alcohol use before and during hunting.

For more information about hunting safety, visit IDNR’s hunter safety website.

The Staunton Star-Times is looking for any hunting pictures that have been captured so far this season. If it's brown and down, let's show the community. If you got dogs running and helping you trap, bag, and tag it, the Star-Times will gladly take submitted photos.

Also, a description of the scene and moment of the photo would properly capture the moment. Describe the scene how it happened, what you saw, and think of it as if someone was telling a buddy that's hunting in the other tree stand on the property and said buddy didn't see a single animal all day while hunting. Much appreciation to our readers.

Happy Holidays