Hunting can be very dangerous - and not just for the animals.
A hunter was killed in a horrific accident overseas over the weekend. The hunter, identified as a man in his 40s, was found dead after a "horrific" fall out of a tree while stalking some animals.
The hunter died after falling out of a tree in Kota Belud.
“Upon arrival, medical officials conducted checks on the 44-year-old man before pronouncing him dead,” officials announced, adding that the victim’s body was moved out of the forest on a stretcher.
It's the latest in a string of terrible hunting deaths.
In the U.S., a 24-year-old hunter was killed in Wisconsin when he fell out of a tree stand and accidentally fired off his gun. Elsewhere, a 67-year-old hunter in New York was found dead in his tree stand, following an apparent fall.
The U.S. is "warning" all hunters to follow proper safety protocols, especially when it comes to gun safety. The following safety tips, from Redmont Hunt, are important to follow:
1. Inspect Safety Equipment
Has your elevated hunting stand sat quiet during the off-season or even been up for a couple of years? Then it’s time for a full-on inspection that includes your tree, hunting stand, and harness. Because your equipment is at the mercy of weather and squirrels, metal may rust, and straps might get chewed or frayed, putting it in danger of failing.
So, while your feet are still securely on the ground, search your stand for missing components or broken or loose parts. Also ensure straps and lines are intact, steps are secure, and your harness fits and is in good condition.
2. Check Your Lifeline
A tree stand safety line keeps you connected and safe from the time you leave the ground to when you get back down. Ensure your lifeline is in good working order and you’re clipped in before you climb, since many falls happen while ascending and descending stands.
3. Wear a Safety Harness
There are no exceptions, excuses, or buts here. Always wear a full-body tree stand safety harness to check your stand, scout, hunt—in short, anytime you go up.
Unfortunately, the number of hunters who use fall protection harnesses with every trip up or down the tree needs improvement. The Wisconsin DNR study says only 33% of archers and 23% of firearm hunters always use a harness. We can do better and hunt safer—avoiding injury or death and a lot of stress for ourselves and our families.
4. Follow the 3 Points of Contact Rule
Always have three points of contact on the steps or ladder of your stand to stay secure when climbing. That means having two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet on the ladder at all times. Also, watch for slippery steps from rain, frost, ice, or snow.
5. Use a Haul Line for Gear
Don’t try to pack your firearm or bow and climb to your stand if you can’t safely wear it. Instead, once you’re secured and seated, use a heavy cord to pull up your gear and weapon.
6. Have a Hunting Plan
When it’s time to hunt (or any time you visit your stand), tell someone which stand you’re hunting and how to get there. Leave a map if needed. Then text or call your contact when you’re safely secured in your stand and again when your boots are back on the ground.
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Stay safe, everyone.