The air is getting crisp and the leaves on the trees are starting to turn — which makes the idea of a walk in the woods really enticing to a lot of people — especially bow hunters.
Archery hunting starts in the state on Oct. 5, 2019, and members of the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania want to remind enthusiasts of several safety measures they should take before they lift up their bow. Here’s what they recommend:
1. Check your tree stand
If it has been a while since you’ve examined your tree stand or you’re borrowing someone else’s stand, make sure that you take the time to examine it. A tree stand that’s been exposed to the elements for a while can end up losing some of its strength and put you at risk of a broken leg or worse.
2. Check the tree itself
If the tree that’s housing the tree stand has a dead section or seems to be leaning unnaturally, don’t take the chance of climbing up. Sometimes, the construction of a tree stand damages the tree itself and causes it to slowly die from within. If you don’t take a careful look at the tree before you climb up, you could easily end up crashing down.
3. Make sure you have permission
It isn’t unusual for people to borrow a plot of land on which to hunt. Just make sure that you get clear permission from the owner to be there. If you’re injured due to unsafe property conditions, that could turn out to be important. (Trespassers generally have fewer legal rights than invitees and guests if they’re injured due to someone else’s negligence.)
Accidents can happen despite your best attempt at taking precautions. If you are seriously injured while bowhunting this season, take the time to find out more about your legal rights.