As the firearm deer season approaches in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is emphasizing the importance of safety for hunters using tree stands. The department highlights that tree stands are the leading cause of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in the state. The 2024 firearm deer season is scheduled for November 22-24 and December 5-8.
Jed Whitchurch, director of IDNR's Office of Law Enforcement, stated, "Our top priority is ensuring hunters return home safe and unharmed after every hunt." He stressed that while enjoyment and success in hunting are important, safety must remain a primary concern.
During the fall 2024 hunting season, which includes archery deer season, one fatality has been recorded. A hunter in Wayne County fell from a tree stand on November 10 without wearing a safety harness and later died at a hospital. This incident underscores the potential dangers associated with tree stand use.
Falls from tree stands can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, spinal damage, paralysis, concussions, organ injuries, internal bleeding, sprains, cuts, and bruises. Many of these injuries could be prevented by using fall arrest systems and ensuring equipment is properly maintained.
"Most tree stand accidents can be avoided by using a functional and trustworthy fall arrest system," Whitchurch said. He added that falling from a tree stand can have lasting impacts on hunters and their families.
Additional incidents this season include several falls resulting in injuries:
- On October 5 in Kankakee County: A hunter fell 20 feet onto his tailbone.
- On November 2 in Rock Island County: A hunter was injured while climbing an unauthorized property.
- On November 11 in Randolph County: A ladder strap failure led to minor injuries.
- On November 11 in Will County: A fall resulted in a shattered vertebra.
- On November 18 in Lawrence County: A hunter suffered fractured vertebrae and a collapsed lung.
In previous years:
- In 2023 there were 17 falls with three fatalities.
- In 2022 there were six falls.
- In 2021 there were thirteen falls.
- In 2020 there were fourteen falls with one fatality.
To enhance safety, IDNR advises hunters to use fall arrest systems following manufacturer guidelines, inspect equipment before use, utilize haul lines for gear transport, carry cell phones for emergencies, inform others about hunting plans and abstain from drugs or alcohol during hunts. More information on hunting safety can be found on IDNR's website dedicated to hunter safety.
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