Every year, hunters face serious injuries or life-threatening falls from elevated stands - here are tips to stay safe

As Wisconsin’s deer hunting season gets underway, the Richland Center, Wisconsin Fire Department emphasizes the vital importance of deer stand safety. Every year, hunters face serious injuries or life-threatening falls from elevated stands, though most of these accidents are entirely preventable with proper precautions.

The single most critical step any hunter can take is to wear a full-body safety harness. Maintain a continuous connection to a lifeline from the moment you leave the ground until you return safely down. Prior to climbing, carefully inspect your stand, checking all straps, bolts, ladders, steps, and platforms for signs of wear or damage. While ascending or descending, always maintain three points of contact on the ladder using two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand.

Equipment safety is equally essential. Use a haul line to raise and lower gear, ensuring firearms are completely unloaded beforehand, and never climb with equipment in your hands. Always inform family or friends of your exact hunting area and expected return time while keeping a fully charged phone with you. In remote locations, utilizing tools like the what3words app can help emergency responders pinpoint your location accurately. Finally, ensure you have an emergency plan in place, including knowledge of harness suspension relief straps, because no deer is worth risking your life.