Broken Backs, One Death in Illinois Tree Stand Falls Already This Year

I have always felt much safer on the ground when deer hunting. That could be for a few different reasons. First, I am petrified of heights. Yes, despite being a mountain hiker, climbing trees and using ladders has never been my favorite activity. Second, I hunt second shotgun season, so the idea of sitting in a tree stand and freezing to death has never been the top of my list. I'd rather be moving. Third, the idea of climbing up a tree with a bow and arrows, or a loaded shotgun, seems like an added level of dangerous.

Well, as hunters across Illinois continue through the 2024 deer hunting seasons, safety concerns are once again in the spotlight. Tree stand accidents, the leading cause of hunting-related injuries and fatalities in the state, have already resulted in several severe injuries and one tragic death this fall.

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The incidents paint picture of improper self-care, in a sport that already requires ample caution, preparation, and education. In Kankakee County, a hunter fell 20 feet to the ground, fracturing two vertebrae after failing to use a safety harness. In Rock Island County, another hunter fell while climbing a tree stand ladder on unauthorized property and had to be airlifted to a hospital. Tragedy struck in Wayne County when a man nodded off in his tree stand and fell. He was airlifted for care but ultimately suffered fatal injuries and passed.

Other accidents include a ladder strap failure in Randolph County that caused a 20-foot fall (luckily resulting in only minor injuries) and a 15-foot fall in Lawrence County that left a hunter with three fractured vertebrae and a collapsed lung. In Will County, a hunter attempting to place climbing sticks fell 10 feet, shattering a vertebra after landing on a log.

These incidents should be important reminders of the dangers associated with tree stands and the importance of taking safety seriously. Falls from tree stands often occur from heights of 20 to 30 feet and can lead to devastating consequences such as spinal damage, paralysis, organ injuries, and even death. Did you know, nationally an estimated 300 to 500 fatalities from tree stand accidents occur annually. That's according to the International Hunter Education Association. Of those incidents, 86% didn't wear a harness at all, and 99% were unattached.

Tree Stand Safety Tips

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources strongly urges hunters to prioritize safety with the following tips, and there quite good across state lines too.

• Use a Fall Arrest System: Always wear a safety harness and ensure it’s properly secured. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
• Inspect Your Gear: Check your tree stand, straps, and other equipment for wear and tear before each use.
• Use a Haul Line: Never climb with firearms, bows, or other equipment. Use a haul line to safely lift or lower them.
• Carry a Cell Phone: Keep your phone within easy reach in case of an emergency.
• Inform Someone: Share your hunting plans, including your location and expected return time, with a trusted friend or family member.
• Stay Sober: Avoid drugs or alcohol before and during your hunt to maintain sharp focus and coordination.

The 2024 deer season is currently underway across the Tri-States, and DNR officers want hunters to have a successful and enjoyable experience. But safety must remain a top priority if we want everyone to enjoy the season and come home safely. If you're unsure of what you should be doing you can always take this hunter course on tree stand safety before heading out or purchasing your own for use.

Tree stands can provide great vantage points, but without proper precautions, they can turn a day in the field into a lifetime of consequences and heartache. Take these steps to protect yourself and make it a season to remember—for all the right reasons.