WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The countdown is on for Deer Hunt 2021. Opening day is Saturday, and with more than 600,000 people expected to take to the woods over the course of the nine-day event, Department of Natural Resources leaders say safety is a major concern.
For many hunters, the vantage point from the top of a tree stand is hard to beat. But DNR officials say it can also be dangerous.
“The most common accident we see during the hunting season is actually falls from elevated platforms. Be very conscious of having safe entry, and exit,” said Jeff Pritzl, DNR State Deer Program Specialist.
Justin Loehrke, of Winnebago County, uses in tree stands every season. He says safety is important.
“I wear a harness when I go out bow hunting. So I encourage everybody to wear a harness, especially if you’re in those more mobile situations versus an enclosed blind.”
Loehrke says changing weather conditions can have an impact.
“Especially when it starts to get colder. You can get some freezing rain and frost on there. A lot of that stuff, especially on metal. It can be really slippery.”
And that’s not all.
“Making sure the stands are stable. If you haven’t been in it since last year, crawling up in the dark for the first time on opening morning, may not be the best, and most prudent thing to do,” said Pritzl.
“We want everybody to have fun out here, and make memories, but you got to be safe doing so,” said Loehrke.
DNR officials remind hunters to carry a charged cellphone and tell people where they’re going to be, and when they expect to return.
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