Climbing Accidents

Small game hunting is a sport that pursues small animals to kill them for food or for prestige. Weapons usually used to hunt small game are guns, bow and arrows, or even the crossbow. Also called projectile weapons, it has had its fair share of accidents in the wilderness so rules have been set up for the safety of its enthusiasts.

Learn more at http://www.gamebird-hunter.com/firearms.html

A misfired weapon has a good chance of injuring or even killing the shooter and becomes a danger to his companions near him. Here are a few suggestions of how to practice safety in the wilderness:

1.Always assume a gun is loaded. Treat your weapons with the respect they deserve; even when the weapon is unloaded.

2.Never point your gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot. Make this a habit even when the weapon isn’t loaded.

3.An unused weapon must always be pointed in a safe direction.

4.Safeties that prevent the weapon from firing must be engaged until right before use, for an added level of safety.

5.Keep calm in all circumstances. Panicking or even unnecessarily hurrying increases the chances of an accident. An emotional person has no business handling a weapon. During times of high stress and anxiety they have greater chance of causing an accident.

6.Keep your target in front of you when stalking or lying in wait: this increases the chances of killing the game with minimal risk. Keep members of your party at your side or behind you.

7.See then shoot. Don’t shoot at anything you’re not sure of: you never know, you might be shooting at another human being. The recent accident caused by Dick Cheney to his hunting partner serves as a reminder to this rule.

8.Before attempting to climb, rappel, or dig, always unload your weapon; remove the cartridges or magazine from the weapon and check for rounds in the chamber.

9.Be aware of your weapon’s capability. Always know how far and how powerful your weapon is. This reduces the chances of shooting through a target into something you have no desire of hitting.

10.Wear ear plugs if needed to protect your hearing.

11.Before and after a hunt, always check and clean your weapon. Neglecting to do this may cause an accident due to worn or unclean parts; misfires and/or backfires can occur due to stoppages, rust, loose parts, etc. If necessary, carry tools to maintain your weapon in the field: remember to unload the weapon first.

Nowadays, a lot of deer hunters are hunting from a tree stand. If you have been hunting for a while or are a novice and are unfamiliar with this method, you must consider using it. A tree stand is very beneficial, as you will stay clear off the deer’s cone of vision. Certain precautions, however, need to be taken to ensure you protection and safety.
Most of the stands available today are safe to use. These include climbing stands, lock-on stands and ladder stands. You also have the option of nailing boards to trees. Irrespective of the kind of stand you use, there are always chances of accidents taking place. In case your stand seems to be unsafe, refrain from using it. If you have a new tree stand but are away from the company of people or from your home, wait for a while. In case you get injured, you will be unable to call for help. Do not treat the tree stand as a toy.
It would be best if you familiarize yourself with the different ways in which hunters get hurt while using tree stands. There are many accidents that have taken place while the hunters were asleep. In fact it happens more often than not. There is also a possibility of getting hurt by slipping while climbing on an off a tree stand. There are certain things you cannot avoid such as excess moisture on the boots, or a damp step. Another manner in which hunters hurt themselves while using tree stands is when the equipment breaks. There is nothing in this world that is completely dependable. The only way to avoid injury from such events is by wearing a safety harness.
A lot of hunters will vouch for the risk involved when a safety harness is not worn, but they still climb tree stands without it. There is not point wearing a safety harness if you do not use it. There is no point in wearing the harness after settling into your stand. Chances of you getting hurt are highest while climbing off and on to your stand, therefore you require to wear it before you start climbing the tree stand. It is worth the effort as it only takes a few minutes to put on. It is always better to fall with a safety harness than without, as the damage caused will be far less. The difference between a premature death and a few bruises will be determined by the presence of the safety harness.
There are a few more steps that need to be taken into consideration while getting ready to use the tree stand initially. Two methods commonly used by hunters are the tie on ladders and the tree steps. Some hunters use large nails as their steps. In case you wish to cut costs and save on your budget, go for the nails. They cost far lesser than ladders. Ensure that you have tested the strength of the nail before ascending and ensure it is secure and steady. Select nails that can support your weight fully. Often hunters slip and get injured because their nail bent. Make pilot holes to fasten your nails using a drill. You can even use climbing stands in place of nails although they cost more and are limited to only certain trees.
If you intend on hunting, seriously consider the tree stand. It is one of the most effective ways of catching a prey off guard. Using a tree stand ensures that your scent and body are off the deer’s cone of vision. It also affords you a broader view of the landscape.

Most deer hunters are now hunting from tree stands. If you are new to deer hunting, or if you have been hunting for a while but have yet to use this method, you should consider using a tree stand. The benefits of using a tree stand are that you will stay out of the deer’s range of view, you will keep your scent hidden from the deer, and you will increase the range of your view. You do need to take certain precautions, however, to make sure that you protect yourself.   There are many types of stands and most are safe to use. Some of these include ladder-type stands, climbing stands, and lock-on stands. You can also nail boards to a tree. No matter what type of stand you are using, know that accidents can happen. If a stand seems unsafe to you, do not use it. If you are thinking about using a new tree stand and you are far from your home or from people in general, wait. You would be unable to notify anyone in the event that you were injured. Do not take using a tree stand lightly.  You will benefit by becoming familiar with some of the ways by which hunters injure themselves on or around tree stands. Accidents happen when hunters fall asleep. It happens more often that you would imagine. Hunters also get injured when they slip while climbing in or out of a tree stand. You cannot avoid things like excess moisture on your boot, or an exceptionally damp step. The third way by which hunters suffer injury using tree stands is having a piece of equipment break. Nothing is 100% dependable. The best way to avoid severe injury from these unfortunate events is to wear a safety harness.  Many hunters know the risk of not using a safety harness, but they still use tree stands without one. Your safety harness will only help you if you wear it. It is not good enough to put on the harness after you have settled into your stand. Climbing into or out of your stand is when you are most likely to be hurt, so you need to be wearing it before you begin ascending your tree stand. It only takes a minute to secure and is well worth the hassle. The damage done by a fall with a safety harness is minimal compared to one without. The safety harness will mean the difference between a few bruises and a premature death.  There are a few additional steps you need to consider while preparing to use a tree stand for the first time. Tree steps and tie-on ladders are two favorite methods used by hunters. Some also use large nails as steps. If you are looking to cut costs, go with the nails. They are cheaper than the ladders. Test the nail to make sure that it is strong, steady, and secure. Use nails that will fully support your weight. When nails bend, hunters slip and injure themselves. Use a drill to make pilot holes for the nails. Some hunters prefer to use climbing stands instead of nails, but they are more expensive and limit you to certain trees.  Consider using a tree stand as you hunt. It is an effective way to catch your prey off-guard. Both your body and your scent are above the deer’s vicinity. It also allows for a broader view as you study the landscape. Tree stands do cause accidents, though. Take all of the necessary steps to prevent any major injuries. Use a safety harness to shorten the distance of your fall. Make sure that the nails you use to climb the tree are secure. Following these steps for using a tree stand ensures a safe and pleasurable hunting experience.