The first shotgun deer hunting season is underway in Illinois. The season runs through Sunday, and hunters are being urged to use safety harnesses when hunting from tree stands.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says tree stands are the number one source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in the state. Last year, 70 percent of hunting incidents reported to the IDNR was the result of tree stand-related accidents, including not using a fall arrest system. The IDNR said one fall in Wayne County resulted in a fatality when a hunter apparently fell asleep and fell about 15 feet to his death. There were 14 other falls involving injury reported last year.
Some safety tips include using a fall arrest system that includes a safety harness and following the manufacturer’s guidelines, inspecting the tree stand for wear and tear before each use, using a haul line to bring up unloaded firearms, bows, and other hunting equipment, taking a cell phone when hunting, telling a friend or loved one where you intend to be and when you plan to return, and not using drugs or alcohol before and during hunting.
More information about hunting safety is available on the IDNR’s hunter safety website.