By V. Paul Reynolds

As most deer hunters know, their prey is blessed with an almost uncanny danger detection system consisting of hearing, vision, and a keen sense of smell. Experts disagree on which of these senses deer rely on most. In favorable weather conditions, most experts agree that a deer’s olfactory mechanism is more important than sight and hearing.

That’s why die-hard deer hunters go to extremes to avoid being spotted by a deer’s sharp nose. We play with the wind. We learn about thermals. We bathe with special soap or spray our hunting clothes with an earthy scent. And many of us climb high into the trees to get our scent from the ground. We are the intrepid deer hunters from the tree stand.

In over 50 years of tree stand hunting, I have never fallen from a tree stand. Fingers crossed. However, as a young deer hunter, I did fall from a large pine tree when a dead branch gave way. Fortunately, I was not seriously injured, although I was dazed and frightened. This experience not only taught me to stop climbing trees, but also to approach tree stands with great caution and concentration.

Statistically, the greatest safety risk for a deer hunter is not getting lost or being injured by a weapon, but hunting from an elevated tree stand. That’s true. According to Maine survival coach Joe Frazier, “1 in 3 people who use tree stands will fall.” The majority of those individuals will suffer serious injuries or even die.

Frazier’s message is simple. Don’t use a tree stand without a full-body safety harness or what’s called a Fall Arrest System (FAS). He recommends practicing with the safety equipment at lower altitudes before hunting.

Interestingly, if you fall and are rescued by the FAS, you are still not out of danger. Hanging in your harness under your tree stand puts you in a very untenable and uncomfortable recovery position. It’s a bit like trying to climb back into a boat after falling overboard. With all your weight on the groin straps of the harness, your best hope is the suspension relief harness, which should be attached to your harness. Hopefully you can gain enough “grip” with your foot in the suspension harness to safely climb back into your tree stand. Failing that, you may be able to reach your cell phone or signaling device in your breast pocket and call for help.

For obvious reasons, Frazier also recommends carrying three collapsible, screw-on tree steps in your breast pocket.

Some final thoughts. Think safety with every step. Don’t dream of big bucks. Never climb up or down the tree ladder with a rifle, bow, or day pack. Always pull yourself up using a rope after being secured in a stand with your FAS.

Remember, no deer is worth dying for. If for any reason you don’t feel comfortable wearing a full-body seat belt, you’re better off staying out of the trees in the deer woods.

Floor shades are a good alternative. They will muffle your smell to some extent and there are some really great camouflage floor shades on the market. Most of the newer designs are quite user friendly when it comes to setting them up and taking them down.

Plus, ground blinds are much safer if you’re one of those people who tends to nod off. A tree stand is no place to take a nap.

The author is the editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of the weekly radio show “Maine Outdoors,” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He is the author of three books. For online purchase information, visit www.sportingjournal.com.