By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Although the 2005 deer hunting season has been under way only a short time, there have already been two deaths in southwest Michigan as a result of hunters falling out of their tree stands.
Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Andy Bauer, who patrols Berrien County, agrees with Brown.
It's important for hunters to be safe when they are using a tree stand, Bauer said.
In 1998, it became legal for Michigan firearm deer hunters to hunt in elevated tree stands, just as those who hunted during the bow season could.
Bauer, along with fellow Conservation Officer Jeff Robinette of Cass County, offered tips on how to be safe when hunting in a tree stand.
There are several different types of tree stands available on the market, including ladder stands, which is a ladder with a platform the hunter props against the tree. There are also climbing stands, which allows the hunter to actually climb up the trunk of the tree.
Tree stands that screwed into a tree, breaking its bark, are no longer allowed to be in Michigan.
Hunters are encouraged to put their name and address on their tree stands in letters large enough to be seen from the ground.
Safe and reliable equipment reduces your chance of injury, Bauer added.
Hunters should always read all the instructions and warnings that come with the stand and practice setting up the stand and safety equipment before the actual hunting season begins, Robinette said.
Brown, who is an avid hunter, said he wears his safety harness when he is climbing up and descending the tree, as this is the time when hunters are most likely to fall.
Having the portion which attaches you to the tree on your back allows a hunter to be able to get back on his stand should something happen and is also better at allowing the hunter to not fall to the ground.
When setting up a tree stand, it's important to choose as straight of a tree as possible.
Bauer and Robinette also advised it is important for hunters to notify someone as to their hunting location and when they plan to return, in the case something does happen to them and they need to be helped.
Another safety tip the officers provided is to not carry either your firearm or bow as you are climbing into your tree stand.
They suggest using a haul rope which can bring their gear and weapon up from the ground.