Maximizing the Experience of Texas Deer Hunting
One of the benefits of using deer hunting stands is being able stay out of the deer’s range of view, keeping your scent hidden from the deer, and increasing the range of your view. You do need to take certain precautions, though, to make sure that you protect yourself.
No matter what type of stand you are using, though, realize that accidents can and do happen. If a stand seems unsafe to you, do not use it. If you are thinking about using a new tree stand but your favorite hunting spot is far from your home or anyone else’s home for that matter, or from people in general, and you tend to hunt alone, be very careful and take your stand with you in case you need a backup.
Now, the stands themselves aren’t the danger; being careless is, so take precautions when you’re getting into and out of your stand and you’re less likely to have an accident. First, and this is especially critical if you hunt alone, it’s important to keep awake and alert so you don’t slide off your stand, especially if the stand is pretty far off the ground, which most are.
Make sure your ladder or steps leading to the stand are secured to the tree. And use caution while climbing up to the stand as well. If you have moisture on the soles of your shoes or boots, you could slip on a rung of the stand and fall. So be sure to have a good hold of the rung above you or on another part of the stand in case you do slip. At least you may not fall.
If you can, use a harness so if your equipment happens to malfunction, you’re not falling to the ground but instead can safely climb down. Since a lot of hunters actually get hurt just getting up to or down from their deer hunting stands, harnesses are a good idea. And securing them to yourself and the tree before you leave the ground is an even better idea, especially if you happen to slip on the way up.
Two favorite ways of creating a way to get up to the tree stand is either using “steps” or a “ladder,” either of which can be faulty if not secured to the tree properly. You can use heavy-duty nails to create steps or you can buy or build a ladder and secure it to the tree. Test the first couple of nails to make sure they’ll support your weight before attempting to scale all the way up.
If you’re on your own land or private land and have permission, you may want to actually secure the ladder permanently, or nail wood slats to the tree so you can scale the tree to the stand.
Deer hunting stands are great piece of gear for the avid hunter. But since there can be accidents when using any kind of tree stand, make sure to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while you’re out there.
About the Author: Karen’s husband has been an avid deer hunter for more than a couple of decades and has used a variety of deer hunting stands over the years. Since Jim also processes his own deer for food, together they write a variety of hunting articles including information on the best deer butchering equipment to use for processing venison at home or in a small butcher shop. For more information about deer hunting, stop by their website today.
Good hunters use the r-01526 for all their needs.
Processing your request, Please wait....
