Hunting blind safety essential part of successful season
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It is late October and you have your brand new hunting license and a gun; you are ready to go hunting Nov. 7, right? There are several things that you need to consider first to make it a safe hunting season.
Last year, 26 people in Texas were injured in hunting accidents, six of which were fatal. Texas Parks and Wildlife has been keeping hunting accident statistics since 1966.
In 2008 we actually saw the lowest number of accidents since official record keeping started. In fact, since 1988, the year mandatory hunter education came into effect, incidents have been on the decline.
Another positive statistic last year was the fact that none of the accidents reported were attributed to alcohol, which is often a contributing factor.
There are countless circumstances with all incidents, and of course they occur in ways that you may not even think about, like dealing with your hunting blind. For instance, always use a haul line to raise your firearm or bow into your blind after you have made the climb.
Last year, there were no reported incidents involving falling out of, or off of blinds, but this is a very common accident. This article will delve into strictly hunting blind safety and pointing out the different safety issues with the different styles of blinds.
Tree ladder stands: These stands are generally built with steel and require you to affix them to the tree for the season. Climbing tree stands, a more portable blind, should only be used on live trees that can support you and your equipment. You should check the stability of the ladder and always wear a safety harness.
A free-standing hunting stand like the tripod also involves ladder safety issues. Many times the accident happens climbing down the ladder like after the adrenaline is pumping from the recent bout of buck fever, but mishaps will happen at the most unsuspecting time.
Ground blinds give hunters a concealed place that affords more protection from the elements than traditional stands do. There are all shapes and sizes and all manner of composition, and most times they are not bought at your preferred retail outlet.
They can simply be constructed out of the surroundings with a chainsaw or axe.
What I most think about when sitting in one is what is crawling around me, and it makes it hard to concentrate on the task at hand, so they are not for everyone.
A blind that does not require climbing, but can still place you above are hydraulic blinds. Now, these do not come cheap, but they come with benefits. Basically, any design you can imagine, and best of all, you can get one that is heated.
They are moveable, and can come complete with flooring, walls, carpet and sliding windows for your rifle, just like any premier freestanding blinds. They are excellent options for many hunters who are challenged and cannot climb any more for whatever reason.
Whatever blind you have, or if you are considering an upgrade, be careful out there, and safe hunting.
Brian Yanta is a Goliad County Extension agent.
