Chapter 8: Outdoor Preparedness
Primary Hazards

Bowhunters typically face three primary hazards that may result in serious injuries:

• Falls, especially from tree stands
• Cuts or lacerations from broadheads or knives
• Long-term exposure from being lost or in the outdoors for too long

Most of the accidental deaths in bowhunting are caused by falls from tree stands. Bowhunters must take every precaution to prevent falls (See “Elevated Stands” in Chapter 6). The Treestand Manufacturer’s Association and others have improved equipment and standards to address problems with stands. As with any equipment, it's still the user’s responsibility to follow the safety guidelines shipped with manufactured stands as well as the principles promoted in this manual.