PIERRE, S.D.-It will be awhile before South Dakota’s deer hunting seasons get started. However, some deer hunters will be in the woods late in August scouting out locations for their tree stands.
The S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department reminds hunters that permanent tree stands and climbing devices are prohibited on lands owned, leased or controlled by GFP as well as the Fort Meade Recreation Area. Portable tree stands and climbing devices that don’t use nails, wire or bolts for attachment are allowed from Aug. 25 through Feb. 15.
One screw-in "T" may be used to stabilize a tree stand and removable screw-in steps may be used to access a tree stand. The name and address or the year and current applicable big game license number of the owner or user must be on the tree stand and legible from the ground.
As new hunting seasons get ready to start, hunters may want to consider a new location for their tree stand. "Hunters should avoid old tree stands that are subject to the constant forces of wind and weather," according to Curt Robertson, GFP HuntSAFE coordinator. "New, modern tree stands offer better stability and more safety features."
Safety is always a primary concern for hunters and tree stands offers some unique challenges. Robertson offers hunters these tree stand safety tips:
"¢Hunt only from live trees that are at least 8 inches in diameter at the height of the stand. Avoid dead trees or trees with dead branches.
"¢Hunters should always use a fall restraint system that straps them to the tree every minute that they are off the ground.
"¢When climbing, always step down into the tree stand. Climbing up onto the tree stand may dislodge it.
"¢Never climb into any tree stand carrying a gun or bow. Use a line to pull up the weapon after safely getting secured in a harness in the tree stand.