Deer season in Alabama: Here are the most common hunting injuries and how to avoid them

Marty Roney, Montgomery Advertiser
·4 min read

Alabama is a hunting-crazy state with the activity generating a more than a $1.8 billion economic impact annually.

Whitetail deer is the most popular game animal, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Deer season opens Nov. 18 and runs through Feb. 10 in most of the state.

State records show that for the 2021-2022 hunting season there were no hunting-related fatalities, the first time that happened since accidents started being recorded in 1974. There were also no hunting related fatalities in the 2022-2023 season.

A common hunting technique is the use of elevated stands.

Tree stand injuries are common throughout the hunting season, across the nation. Each year, between 3,000 and 4,000 people in the U.S. are injured after falling out of a tree stand, according to the Mayo Clinic.

During the 2022-2023 hunting season in Alabama there were four non-fatal firearms accidents and 15 non-fatal tree stand accidents recorded, state records show.

Tree stand falls can lead to significant injuries like broken bones, concussions and internal bleeding. Occasionally, a fall can lead to a head injury or spine damage that results in paralysis.

Most trauma injuries, including falls from tree stands, are preventable. They are almost always related to three factors: alcohol or drug use, risk-taking behaviors, and poor judgment, the clinic said.

Here are tips from the Mayo Clinic and state game department for what hunters can do to prevent tree stand injuries:

Before the hunt

  • Invest in a five-point harness.A harness is the cornerstone of safety equipment if you use a tree stand. Look for one that fits you well and most importantly one you will wear while hunting.

  • Find a proper tree.While scouting locations before season, look for a live tree that will support your weight.

  • Rest up.Accidents can happen when people are tired, including falling asleep in the stand. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep the night before season opener.

  • Skip alcohol and drugs.Hunting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be a deadly combination. Avoid drinking or drugs throughout the hunt.

  • Assess your physical abilities.Safely climbing in and out of a stand requires considerable physical effort. You may need to skip the tree stand for a year, or indefinitely, if you recently had surgery, faced a health crisis, or just do not have the strength or stamina needed.

  • Provide hunt details.Before you head out into the woods, tell your family or friends where you will be and what time you expect to return. Keep in contact throughout the day and make it a point to report when you are safely back on the ground. Cell signal coverage can be spotty, so duplicate safety by drawing a map of your location as well.

Safe climbing

The most dangerous time for falls is when hunters are climbing in and out of stands.

Remember these tips as you make your way up the tree:

  • Use a climbing rope.Remain continuously strapped to the tree with a climbing rope. Use a climbing rope equipped with the classic prusik knot and connect it to your five-point harness using a carabiner. A Prusik knot slides easily along the rope but will tighten fully if you slip.

  • Remember three contact points.As you are climbing the tree, make sure that three of your appendages are always attached to the tree. This means one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot. This increases the chances that you can catch yourself if you slip or lose hold.

  • Climb higher than the stand.As you ascend, climb a few steps higher than the seat of your stand. This gives you a better angle to get to the seat and allows you to check that the stand is secure before transitioning.

  • Use the rope to lift or lower your weapon and pack.Focus on getting yourself up and down from the tree stand without worrying about your weapon. Gently raise and lower bows, unloaded firearms and packs with separate ropes.

  • Clip yourself in.Secure your harness to the tree stand once you are firmly in place. Only then can you safely disconnect your harness from the climbing rope. While strapped to the tree stand, you still will have freedom of movement.

Coming down from the tree involves the same steps in reverse order. Lower unloaded weapons and packs slowly to the ground first. Then take extra care to secure your harness to the climbing rope before unclipping from the stand and swinging your legs out to the ladder. Finally, contact your family or hunting party after you have safely reached the ground.

Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Deer season in Alabama: Tree stand accidents cause the most injuries