AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/hunt-falls-climbing

When do most tree stand falls happen?

While climbing up or down, getting into or out of the stand.

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  1. After dark while sitting
  2. While climbing up or down ✔
  3. While aiming at game

Why: Moving between the ground and the stand is the riskiest part. That is why a full-body harness stays on and connected from the moment you leave the ground.

Huh, didn't know that: Maryland DNR says never to use a plain rope in place of a safety harness.

The dad joke
Why did the owl stay in the tree all day? It did not give a hoot about climbing down.
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References

Answer: While climbing up or down. Moving between the ground and the stand is the riskiest part. That is why a full-body harness stays on and connected from the moment you leave the ground.

  1. New York DEC, Tree Stand Safety dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2022/11/dec-announces-regular-firearms-season-for-deer-and-bear-hunting-in-southern-zone-begins-nov-19
    most tree stand accidents occur when hunters are climbing in and out of the stand.
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping, Hunting Safety Tips dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/documents/maryland_guide_to_hunting_and_trapping_2020-2021.pdf
    Most tree stand accidents • More information on tree stand safety is
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Hunting SafetyWhat does 'three points of contact' mean when climbing to a stand?Hunting SafetyHunter education warns that which of these is a leading cause of hunting injuries?Hunting SafetyUnder the primary rules of firearm safety, how should you treat every firearm?

That's stuff everyone should know.