Newton County Tree Stand Fall Prompts Hunting Safety Reminder

Hunters are reminded to stay safe while using tree stands. Over the weekend, an Illinois man broke eight bones in his neck and back when he fell from a tree stand while deer hunting in Newton County, according to Indiana Conservation Officers.

They say you can help prevent falls by following a few basic safety precautions. Only use equipment that’s been approved by the Treestand Manufacturers Association, rather than a homemade platform. Use a full-body harness system, rather than a single-strap or chest harness. Before using a tree stand, read the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions, and make sure it’s in working order.

Conservation Officers say falls from elevated platforms are the top cause of hunting accidents in Indiana.