Pennsylvania Game Commission Offers Online Treestand Safety Tips
September 16, 2008
As treestand use is a popular part of archery deer seasons, as well as a growing part of other deer seasons, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering hunters the opportunity to take a free, voluntary online treestand safety course. To take the course, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us
), click on “Education” in the left-hand column of the homepage, then click on “Treestand Safety Course” in the “Education” box in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
“Treestand safety has evolved over the years as new research and statistics become available,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief. “What were once considered to be ’safe’ treestand safety practices 10 years ago are simply not considered ’safe’ today.
“By reviewing this 15-minute interactive, narrated treestand safety course, a hunter will learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association’s safety standards and guidelines.”
Snyder noted that, in 2000, the Game Commission incorporated a specific treestand safety segment into its basic Hunter-Trapper Education course, which is required for all first-time license buyers regardless of age, as well as its voluntary Bowhunter education course.
“One of the key messages is the importance of a have and using a full-bodied fall restraint device or harness,” Snyder said. “According to the Treestand Manufacturers Association, 82 percent of treestand-related deaths were attributed to the fact that the hunter was not using a fall-restraint devise.”
Snyder noted that other treestand safety messages include:
Stay away! - Avoid permanent stands; they weaken with age, damage trees and are eyesores.
Smart choice! - Used stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA). They are commercially designed and tested to meet high standards.
Read the directions! - Read and follow manufacture’s guidelines. Practice with stands before hunting.
Look carefully! - Inspect all stands and climbing equipment before each use.
Choose wisely! - Select only suitable trees. Avoid dead trees or those with loose bark.
Buckle up! - Use a fall-restraint device, preferably a full-body harness, any time your feet leave the ground! This includes climbing up and down the tree. Choose a harness that will keep you upright and will not restrict your breathing.
Keep it short! - Make sure there is no slack in the fall-restraint tether when you are in a sitting position.
Hold on tight! - Maintain three points of contact with the climbing system, ladder or tree at all times while climbing.
Climb safely! - Use a haul line to pull up gear. If hunting with a firearm, make sure it is unloaded and the muzzle is covered! Never attach the line near the trigger or trigger guard.
Ask a friend! - Use 3 persons to set-up any ladder-type treestand.
Hunt with a plan! - In the event of a fall, be prepared to help yourself. Have someone contact authorities if you don’t return at an established time.
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Volunteer Hunter Education Instructors Awarded for 20-21 Years Service
June 4, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. – More than two dozen hunter education instructors were recently recognized for 20 or 21 years of service teaching firearm or bowhunter education classes in their areas and received an award for their efforts, according to Mike Streeter, Nebraska hunter education coordinator.
In Nebraska awards are made for 5, 10, 20 and 30 years service.
Those honored who had 21 years of service were Jerry L. Archer of Franklin; Roger L. Eaton, Chadron; Patrick J. Franklin, York; Randy Haddix, Broken Bow; Larry Janicek, Republican City; Richard J. Laux, Jr., Omaha; James A. Menke, Nelson; Carrol L. Moseman, Herman; Mike Nowak, Omaha; Ervin Pronske, Craig; Richard Schneider, Hay Springs; Raymond Stratman, Clay Center; and Edwin H. Wellman, Hooper.
Honored for 20 years of service were Fred J. Bacon, Tekamah; Arthur E. Childers, Omaha; Nick Clement, Scotia; Jim L. Edwards, Ord; Mark Feeney, St. Paul; Kenneth L. Hoppe, Pierce; Ricky A. Leth, Cairo; Mike Moeller, Beemer; Robert J. Nickel, Minden; John A. Ross, Bancroft; Harold Veeder, Cairo; Brad K. Woodle, Omaha; and James Zimmerman, Gering.
Each was presented a Schrade Uncle Henry Golden Spike knife with an etched blade that contained the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission logo and “Nebraska Hunter Education Program 20 Years of Service” inscription. Those seven men join the 144 volunteer instructors who previously have received this award.
“As a result of their efforts and the efforts of all the Hunter Education Program Instructors who have been involved over the years — today there are almost 1,100 active volunteers across the state — hunting in Nebraska remains one of the safest outdoor activities that a person can enjoy,” Streeter said.
“Last year there were approximately 160,000 people who hunted in Nebraska and only 11 were injured and one died, compared to 1975, the year before the program became mandatory, when there were 23 hunting incidents and 7 persons died,” he said.
Each year the volunteer instructors provide approximately 19,000 hours of effort and reach more than 8,000 students to insure that hunting remains safe and continues to be a part of the Nebraska’s culture. So far, more than 250,000 students have received hunter education training.
“So from all of us at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, to all of the state’s volunteer instructor’s, thanks for doing an excellent job,” Streeter said.
-Tom Keith-
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Nebraska High School Bowhunter 3D Champion Shoot June 7
May 13, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska’s young archers are invited to participate in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s High School Bowhunter 3D Championship Shoot June 7 at the Seward Izaak Walton Range near Seward.
The competition is open to all 12- through 18-year-old students who attended school or who were home-schooled in 2008 and have completed a bowhunter education course. Proof of completion must be presented at registration. Registration and shooting begin at 8 a.m. Awards will be presented to the high scorer in each division for individuals and teams, according to Nebraska Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Streeter.
The 3D championship shoot will be hosted by the Seward County Target Hunters 4-H Club. The range location is south from Seward on Nebraska Highway 15, past Walmart, then east across the railroad tracks, then one mile to the range. The event is free, lunch and concessions will be available at the site.
For additional information or to pre-register, the match director Mark Eggers at (402) 368-5588 or by e-mail at mjeggers [at] cableone [dot] net.
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Wyoming Game and Fish Calendar / May 5-June 7
May 6, 2008
- May 5 - Results available for Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat drawings
- May 9 - WGFD special Executive Session Commission Meeting, Casper Game and Fish Office, 7 a.m.
- May 10 - Bowhunter Education class, Cody; contact: Jeff Capron (307) 272-2740
- May 15 - Landowner license applications due
- May 20 - Spring turkey season ends
- May 31 - Deadline to apply for Youth Conservation Camp
- May 31 - Resident deadline for limited quota elk, deer, antelope licenses
- June 7 - Wyoming Free Fishing Day. No license required outside of Yellowstone National Park and Wind River Indian Reservation
- June 7 - Cheyenne Fishing Day, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lion’s Park, Cheyenne
-WGFD-
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Wyoming Game & Fish Colander - May 2008
April 29, 2008
May 1 - Deadline to apply for OREO Educator’s/Teacher’s Camp
May 1 - Begin resident application period for limited quota elk, deer, antelope.
May 9 - WGFD special Executive Session commission Meeting, Casper Game and Fish Office, 7 a.m.
May 8 - Results available for Moose, Bighorn sheep, Mountain goat drawings.
May 10 - Bowhunter Education class, Cody; contact: Jeff Capron (307) 272-2740
May 15 - Landowner license applications due
May 20 - Spring turkey season ends
May 31 - Deadline to apply for Youth Conservation Camp
May 31 - Resident deadline for limited quota elk, deer, antelope licenses
-WGFD-
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