The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) – The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is reminding hunters to take precautions when using elevated tree stands this hunting season following 13 reported incidents during the 2025-26 season, including one fatality.
According to DWR, nine of those involved in the incidents were not properly secured to a tree with a safety harness and tether. Six had not completed a hunter education course.
Officials are encouraging hunters to follow the ABCs of tree stand safety, which include inspecting equipment before use, wearing a full-body safety harness, remaining connected to the tree while climbing and hunting, and letting someone know the location of their stand.
Hunters should also inspect stands for damage, secure them to healthy trees and practice using their safety equipment before heading into the woods.
DWR recommends using a haul line to raise and lower firearms, bows and other equipment rather than carrying them while climbing. Firearms and bows should be unloaded before entering or leaving a stand.
Additional precautions include maintaining three points of contact while climbing, carrying a charged cellphone or emergency signaling device and wearing blaze orange. Hunters should also avoid using elevated stands during dangerous weather conditions or when experiencing fatigue or illness.
Virginia Hunter Education and Outreach Team Lead Jimmy Mootz emphasized the importance of making safety a priority.
“Hunting is a tradition valued by generations of Virginians, both to put food on the table and as a means of fellowship and comradery,” Mootz said. “Let’s keep those memories safe, wear a safety harness every time you hunt off the ground and always follow the ABC’s of tree stand and saddle hunting safety.”
DWR also encourages first-time hunters to complete a hunter education course before entering the field.
Additional hunting safety information is available at Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
