Deer hunting is a time-honored, family tradition throughout the Ozarks and across the country. It can be a wonderful adventure to share with friends and family. However, as with any sport, there are risks and when the rules are not followed the results can be devastating. Learning the rules and learning from other’s mistakes can dramatically increase the chances of everyone having a safe and enjoyable day in the outdoors.
During the 2005-2006 hunting season, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reported 21 hunting accidents. Four were fatal. Eight of the accidents were contributed to falling from treestands and 13 were firearms-related accidents. Missouri reported 10 firearms-related accidents and surprisingly half of those accidents involved self-inflicted gunshots.
Two of the self-inflicted gunshot victims suffered injuries when they put their hand over the muzzle of their guns and accidentally shot themselves. The first of these hunters placed his hand over the muzzle while trying to put his safety on and the other became so excited by the appearance of an eleven point buck that he grabbed the barrel of his pistol with his left hand. Common sense tells us that this is never a safe practice.
In many hunting accidents, the victims are shot by their hunting partners, either a family member or friend. Since hunting partners are statistically more likely to shoot another hunter, it would only seem reasonable that when hunting with others that we would be more cautious by remembering to always identify our target, always knowing where our hunting partner is, and of course, always wearing hunter orange when required by law. 
Visibility of another hunter is increased tremendously when the hunter wears hunter orange, thus reducing the risk of a shooting accident. While deer hunting this past year, my husband and I spotted two orange-clad hunters approaching through the brush. They walked to the opposite end of the hayfield we were hunting and sat down directly in front of us, facing our direction. We too were wearing hunter orange, were sitting in plain site, and knew they could see us. The question I immediately asked my husband was, "Will they actually shoot in our direction?" We quickly moved to a different area, out of their line of fire. These hunters were putting our lives in danger, as well as their own.
New hunters are being introduced to hunting each year, but remarkably, most accidents tend to involve the more experienced hunters. It should make us wonder if maybe we have a tendency to become too self-confident or maybe just less safety-oriented as we become veteran hunters. Because we have hunted for years without an accident, do we think we are incapable of making a mistake?
Falls from tree stands are a major contributor to hunting accidents, though tree stands offer a number of advantages for hunters. Most deer do not look up in the trees for predators or danger. The hunter’s field of vision is increased and he can see farther and down into thick brush and spot deer where otherwise he could not. However, if you’re going to hunt from a tree stand, wear a safety belt, and preferably a full-body harness. Most accidents occur when climbing into or down from a tree stand, so it’s imperative that the harness, along with a short safety line, be used during these times.
We as hunters think nothing of spending thousands of dollars on our hunting equipment. Guns, scopes, camo, boots, tree stands, and ammo are only a fraction of the items we buy each year to make our hunting adventures more successful. So why not spend an extra $50-$60 for a safety belt that might save our lives?
Several years ago my brother, Eugene fell from the treestand he was preparing for the upcoming deer season. Eugene was wearing a safety harness and used it while climbing his stand. After getting into his stand, he examined his shooting lanes, and proceeded back down the ladder for his saw without using his harness. Eugene was holding onto a small tree limb instead of his stand as he made his descent. The limb broke and Eugene fell 20 foot to the ground, with his right foot taking most of the impact. The right ankle was shattered. Thankfully, Eugene had his cell phone with him and was able to telephone for help. Pins and screws now hold the ankle together and it took several years for Eugene to recover from this accident. His hunting season that year was over before it began.
Last year, Eddie Salter, a Hunter Specialties Pro Staffer suffered injuries when a pin came loose from his climbing tree stand. Eddie fell approximately 14 foot to the ground, landing on his right leg. Both bones in his right leg were broken, one bone piercing the skin above the ankle. Eddie had left his cell phone in his vehicle and had to crawl 150 yards on hands and knees to his Bad Boy Buggie and then drove himself to his truck. Eddie was wearing a safety belt, but failed to connect it to his tree.
Dave Norval, chairman for Hunting for a Cure, was also hospitalized for a fall he took from his tree stand, which he had just moved in an attempt to get closer to the monster buck he was chasing. After erecting the stand, Dave climbed into the stand, which shifted, dropping Dave 15 foot to the ground. Dave was in critical condition, with his back broken in two places, some paralysis, and a broken ankle. Because Dave’s buddy was in the woods with him, he was able to get immediate medical help, which probably saved his life. Using Dave’s height and weight and the height of his stand, doctors estimate that it took approximately 2.1 seconds for Dave to hit the ground at a speed of 40 miles per hour.
These three men can count their blessings. Though the results of the falls were serious, these hunters all survived and will live to tell their stories. Many however have not been so lucky.
Hunting should be a rewarding experience for everyone involved and if you consider the number of accidents compared to the number of licensed deer hunters in the state, I think the hunters are doing a remarkable job of staying safe in the woods. Remember, following a few safety tips can mean the difference between tragedy and a fun hunting season. Hunt Safely!
