Tree Stand Safety and Hunting Injuries

Tree stand-related injuries have become a significant concern in hunting safety, particularly highlighted by a study from Arkansas which revealed that such injuries outnumber projectile-related injuries among hunters from 1993 to 2022. The study found that while projectile injuries have decreased significantly, the rates of tree stand injuries have risen, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive safety measures. Many of the injuries in this category were self-inflicted, due to a lack of fall arrest systems, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety protocols laid out in hunter education courses. Furthermore, men aged 30 to 50 were shown to be more vulnerable to tree stand injuries, indicating a demographic shift that may warrant specific attention in future educational efforts.