Treestands & Crossbow Safety By Richard L. Holdcraft, RBA, MS HHD Consulting Group, LLC
Nov 29, 2008 - 12:15:40 AM
Many states allow handicapped individuals to use a crossbow for deer hunting. Some are now allowing all hunters to use a crossbow during archery season. If you hunt from a treestand and are using a crossbow, you need to be aware of these safety suggestions.
First, carry a target point arrow (bolt) with you to uncock your crossbow at the end of your hunting for the day. You should shoot it into the ground or a soft tree stump. Never dry fire a crossbow.
Because a crossbow is shot like a rifle, many folks have the habit of placing their fingers high on the forward hand guard. This habit can cause a serious injury to your hands when the string is released. Always keep your fingers below the level of the rail.
It is a good idea to cock your crossbow while on the ground before you climb into your treestand. If you attempt to cock your crossbow while in your stand using your foot, you could easily loose your balance and fall. Although a risky maneuver, if it is necessary to cock your crossbow in the treestand, always use a ratchet device.
As you are tracking the movements of your target, always be mindful of the proximity of the bow limbs in relationship to the tree and parts of the treestand. There is enough force in the limbs to knock a hunter to the ground if the limbs come in contact with the tree or stand. This is another reason why it is so important that hunters wear a full body harness when hunting from treestands.
Always use a haul line to raise and lower your crossbow into the treestand. To reduce the chances of dislodging arrows from the quiver, always raise your bow with the fletching pointing down, and lower it with them pointing up. Raise and lower crossbows with the stock up and the bow pointed down and with the safety on. Never raise or lower a crossbow with an arrow loaded on the rail. Once you are secured in the treestand only then should you load your crossbow.
Always use the manufacturer's recommended arrow weights and specifications.
For more information on treestand safety, contact the National Bowhunter Education Foundation at www.NBEF.org. Also, review their video production on DVD titled; "Safe Treestand Hunting Strategies"
