Don’t let a treestand fall dampen hunting season

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  • Oct 24, 2025

From: Emplify Health by Gundersen

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Treestands have been popular with deer hunters for decades. In fact, more than 80% of firearm hunters and 90% of archery (bow) hunters hunt from a treestand or elevated position. That increase has led to a worrying trend. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), falls from treestands are now the leading cause of injury among deer hunters, even exceeding the risk of gunshot wounds.

The risk of injury increases with the frequency of treestand use, but statistics show a trend. According to the DNR, for serious hunters who use treestands from late summer through early winter each year, the lifetime risk over a 50-year hunting career is approximately 1 in 20 (5%) for requiring medical attention due to a fall.

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Megan Anderson, trauma injury prevention coordinator at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says there is an impact of these injuries on emergency rooms.

“Falls from treestands place a significant burden on emergency medical services and trauma centers, often resulting in serious injuries that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation,” she said. “These incidents not only affect the health and well-being of hunters but also strain health care resources during peak hunting seasons.”

Anderson also stresses the importance of prevention.

“The good news is that many treestand falls are preventable,” she added. “Hunters can reduce their risk by using proper safety equipment, such as full-body harnesses, and by following safe climbing and hunting practices. Education and awareness are key to ensuring hunters return home safely each season.”

To help hunters stay safe, Anderson recommends the following tips:

  • Always wear a full-body safety harness when climbing and hunting from treestands.
  • Use a haul line to raise and lower equipment, keeping your hands free while climbing.
  • Inspect treestands and climbing gear regularly for wear and damage before each use.

As treestand hunting remains popular, these findings underscore the urgent need for increased safety measures and hunter education to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.

For more information on treestand safety and injury prevention, hunters are encouraged to consult local wildlife agencies and safety organizations.

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