Because treestand use is a common practice for hunters and some wildlife photographers, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Hunter Education Program has teamed up with Hunterexam.com to offer tips and an opportunity to take a voluntary, online treestand safety course. To take the course and find out about important treestand safety practices, go to
www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/safety/treestand_safety.htm.
“Treestand safety has evolved over the years as new research and statistics become available,†said Susan Langlois, Hunter Education Administrator. “What were once considered to be 'safe' treestand safety practices 10 years ago are simply not considered 'safe' today. By reviewing this 15-minute interactive, narrated treestand safety course, a treestand owner or user will learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association's safety standards and guidelines.â€
Langlois noted that in recent years the Hunter Education Program has incorporated a fully up-to-date treestand safety segment into both the Basic Hunter Education course, required for all first-time license buyers regardless of age, and its voluntary Bowhunter Education course.
“One of the key messages is the importance of using a full-body fall restraint device or harness,†Langlois said. “Using a harness that only straps around the waist is no longer considered safe.†According to the Treestand Manufacturers Association, 82 percent of treestand-related deaths were attributed to the fact that the hunters were not using a full body fall-restraint device.
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