Mississippi DWFP Reminds Hunters About Tree Stand Safety

Many Mississippians are looking forward to the opening of deer archery seasons during October. During this time of year, many hunters are making final preparations for the upcoming hunting season, including placing and checking deer stands. Since treestand-related accidents are the leading cause of injury in hunting, MDWFP recommends that anyone hunting from an above-ground treestand know how to properly use and wear a full-body harness. Remember the most important part of your hunt is making it home safely to your family and loved ones.

MDWFP urges everyone hunting from an elevated stand to consider these treestand safety precautions:

• Always use a full-body harness.
• Read all instructions and watch video included with any treestand or treestand-related product.
• Carry and know how to use the suspension relief device (SRD).
• Practice suspension and using the SRD at ground level (with another responsible adult supervising).
• Inspect treestands and safety equipment each time they are used.
• Maintain connection to the tree from the time you leave the ground until you return to the ground (life-lines are a great option for fixed-position stands).
• Make a plan prior to each hunt that includes letting someone know where you will be hunting.
• Carry an emergency signal device (cell phone or whistle attached to harness).
• Use a lineman’s belt and the supplied tree strap while hanging a fixed-position stand.
• Never use tree limbs to climb.
• Remove all stands from the woods each year and store stands out of the weather.

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), formerly known as the Mississippi Game & Fish Commission, is an agency of the government of the U.S. state ofMississippi responsible for programs protecting Mississippi fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, as well as administering all state parks; it has its headquarters in Jackson. The agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, advises on habitat protection, and sponsors public education programs. It is also responsible for enforcement of Mississippi's fish and game laws. It is separate from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, which is the governing body for the state's natural salt-water resources and law enforcement thereof (i.e. Gulf of Mexico, ocean-going vessels, etc.).