Keep it Safe

[Trailboss]

With hunting season rapidly approaching, it’s always a good time to review safety issues to insure we all have an enjoyable hunt and return home safely for the next one. Here are a few.

Broadheads:

Handle broadheads with care. By design they are razor sharp and can be as lethal to a human as the animal you hunt. Be careful when assembling them or installing on your arrows to avoid nasty cuts on your hands.

Use a well made quiver with a protective shield to protect both your body and the blades. And be careful taking arrows out or putting them back into the quiver if using a bow quiver to avoid nicking or cutting your string or cables.

Bows:

Take a moment to inspect your bow before every hunt. It might be in perfect condition one moment and need attention the next. Check the string and cables for nicks and frays and replace them if needed. A broken string or cable can be more than an inconvenience - it can be dangerous.

Check to see that peep sights are tied in properly and if using the type with the rubber tubing used to align it - check for nicks or rot and replace if necessary.

Inspect limbs and cams often. If chips or splits are noticed in the limbs - take it to your pro shop immediately for repair or replacement. Never store your bow where it is subjected to high temperatures such as inside a vehicle on a hot day.

If you use a string loop to attach your release, check for wear on the loop and see that knots are still secure.

Release aids:

Check buckles and straps on wrist releases often. On any release, check for wear on the jaws to avoid damage to bow strings or loops. Check the trigger to see that it is working properly and locking onto the string securely.

Guns and Ammo:

Volumes could be written on this subject alone. I will refer this issue to the safety rules offered by NRA and other shooting organizations. These rules can be found online and in most any state issued hunting regulations booklet.

Tree stands:

This can be one of the most hazardous areas of your hunt. Special care must be taken when using tree stands to avoid serious injury or death.

Start by inspecting the stand itself. Check for cracks in metal and especially check around welds. Check bolts and pins for wear and replace if necessary. Carefully check chains and straps used for attaching the stands and replace if necessary. Never modify a stand without careful consideration for the integrity of the stand.

Select a stand that is adequate to support your weight and the weight of your hunting gear.

Select the tree you plan to use carefully also. Never attach a stand to a dead tree or a dead or damaged limb. Be certain the tree is of substantial size to support the stand.

Never attach your stand to a telephone or electric pole. Not only could it be considered trespassing, it is also dangerous. In the open area where these things generally stand - you could be a prime target for lightning strikes.

Always read manufacturers instructions and suggestions for use.

Climbing Systems:

Make sure that any climbing system used for tree stands or tower blinds are in good condition. Check ladders for rust and cracks. Be sure that ladders are properly braced midway to the stand to avoid "fold up" when climbing. Check ropes and straps used for climbing sticks for nicks and frays. If using screw-in tree steps be certain they are in good condition and screwed well into the tree and are of adequate strength to support your weight. Don't forget to take into consideration the weight of the equipment you carry into the stand.

Be very diligent when stepping into or off of your stand. This is where most falls occur.

Never use nails, spikes, or boards nailed to a tree for steps.

Safety Harnesses:

ALWAYS use a full body safety harness or safety vest when hunting from an elevated stand. Check them often and carefully for damage and replace if necessary. Attach your harness to the tree immediately when you climb into your stand before doing anything else. Attach the harness as high above your head as possible and still be able to sit down in the stand. You want as short a fall as possible if you should slip. Carry a sharp knife in a pocket where it can be reached easily if you should fall. You may need to cut yourself out of the harness. Some harnesses come with “letter opener” type knives attached.

Use a harness or vest that allows you to attach a lineman’s belt for security while climbing or attaching your stand. Fall arrest systems are also a good idea. These attach to the stand or tree at hunting height and spool in and out as you climb keeping you attached to the tree at all times. In the event of a fall, they lock up immediately much like the seat belt in your automobile.


Hoisting Systems:

Never climb into or out of your stand while carrying anything in your hands. You should be able to keep a safe grip on the ladder or tree steps at all times. The use of a pull rope or hoisting system such as the Hunting Hoist is imperative for your safety. Tie your gun, bow, or other gear on and hoist it up after reaching your stand and securely attaching your safety harness.

Blinds and Towers:

Check that tower blinds are securely anchored and for rot or damage to floors and walls. Tower blinds and ground blinds should be checked for wasps, bees, or other dangerous insects before entering. Be especially careful to inspect ground blinds for snakes also.

Check that shooting windows are free of obstructions and that your sight picture is clear of window edges to avoid injury from bounce back if the arrow strikes a window edge or other obstruction.

Travel:

This is another aspect of the hunting process that demands special attention. Many of our hunts are done in the early hours of the morning when hunters are still tired or sleepy. Get up plenty early enough to allow yourself to be fully awake before driving to your hunting area or climbing into your stand. Keep in mind that other hunters may be in the same condition, so be mindful of the driving of others on the road at that time of day.

Be careful of ranch roads, gates, fences, etc when traveling in your hunting area, especially if using an ATV.

Many bowhunts take place early in the fall when poisonous snakes are still out and about. Snake boots or chaps are a good idea at this time of year. Stick to trails or roads when walking to your stand if possible and always use a light when walking in the dark.

Regardless of snakes, it is always a good idea to use a light when walking at night to avoid tripping, falling, or a poke in the eye from a tree limb. Using a light is imperative if you are hunting on public land or in areas where other hunters may be. You don’t want to be mistaken for a critter in low light situations.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Medication:

Cold beer and mixed drinks are often part of many hunting camps but there is no place for it in field. For the safety of yourself and others, don’t hunt while intoxicated or taking medications that might impair your judgment or abilities. Keep in mind that your body may take several hours to purge itself of alcohol. After a night of partying, you may wake up with no more than a foul taste in your mouth or a nasty hangover but you could still be considered DUI by legal standards if you drive before your blood alcohol level returns to normal.

Think:

The most valuable safety device anyone posses sits right between your shoulders – your head. Use it! Take your time and think about what you’re doing and what the consequences might be if you have an accident. Take a few extra minutes to insure you have many extra years to enjoy this great sport we all cherish.


Hunt Safe and Have Fun


Trailboss

[biggen]

Words of wisdom TB!! Good Luck to everybody and be SAFE!

[BUFF]

good info Thanks TB

[Hot4huntin]

Excellent post, TB!! Thanks for the reminder!

Also,

Plan your hunt and hunt your plan. Always let someone know where you will be hunting, when you will be leaving and returning home or to camp. Don't deviate from your plan. If you do, let someone know prior to making changes.

With all of the rain and the flash flooding that has been going on, we need to remember to watch the weather forecast for the area in which you will be hunting. We've had a wet year, so it isn't going to take much in some areas for flash flooding to occur. If you see high water or flowing water, remember, turn around~don't drown.

[Bill M]

Thanks for the reminders TB.

Also be careful operating equipment to get those food plots in. I'm finding I'm behind this year but am trying to run the equipment at safe speeds anyway.

[RSATT]

Thanks, Eceryone.

Good Stuff, right there.

[2Racks]

Great post TB! Thanks!

[Ronny]

We sure got a lot of smart people around here, good post John.