As Michigan’s Archery Deer Season opens Wednesday, authorities are reminding hunters of the importance of using caution while hunting from a tree.
Officials with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources offer some key tips for staying safe:
Always maintain three points of contact when climbing up or down from the stand.
Wear a properly attached full-body harness.
Ensure your tree stand is securely attached and stable, and use a haul line to lift hunting gear into the stand.
Additionally, tree stands placed on public land must be labeled with the hunter’s information, including their name, address, driver’s license number, or DNR Sport Card number.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers a hunter education program that covers tree stand safety, firearm handling, first aid, and other essential skills. To find a hunter safety course or for more safety tips, visit Michigan.gov/HunterEducation.