NRP Reminds Hunters Of Tree Stand Safety Following Five Accidents In The Last Week

Maryland Natural Resources Police Superintendent John W. Rhoads today urged hunters to follow safety rules when using tree stands, following five accidents including one fatality over the last week.

"Nationwide, one in three hunting accidents involves a tree stand," Col. Rhoads said. "As with most hunting accidents, tree stand accidents can be avoided by following a few simple safety rules."

The NRP encourages hunters to practice the following tree stand safety tips:


Never carry equipment with you while you are climbing. Use haul lines to raise or lower your gear and make sure guns are unloaded and broadheads are covered prior to raising or lowering.
Always use a climbing belt when climbing up or down a tree and use a safety belt or harness when hunting from tree stands. Never use a rope to replace a safety belt.
Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them and replace any worn or weak lumber.
Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts before each use.
The five tree stand accidents occurred in Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester, Allegany and Carroll counties between Oct. 19-21.
Maryland Tree Stand Accidents October 19 - 21


On Thurs., Oct. 19, at 9 a.m., Wallace William Dick, Jr., 43, of the 100 block of Rigo Lane in Jonestown, Pa.., fell asleep while sitting in his portable tree stand in Dorchester County's Bestpitch WMA. The victim fell approximately 15 feet from the stand sustaining back injuries.

On Thurs., Oct. 19, at approximately, 6:30 a.m., Richard K. Platt, 45, of the 1400 block of Farm Road in Cumberland fell approximately 20 feet from a tree stand in Green Ridge State Forest. He remains hospitalized.

On Fri., Oct. 20, at approximately 4 p.m., Eduardo R. Zayas-Qujnones, 48, of the 800 block of Waterford Drive in Frederick was hunting off Sand Rd. in Worcester Co., from a wooden stand near Sand Road which collapsed. The victim fell approximately 15 feet suffering a leg injury.

On Fri., Oct. 20, at approximately 9:15 a.m., William A. Hodiste, 29, of the 1300 block of Cedar Crest Lane in Edgewood, attempted to exit a deer stand in Powellville. He stepped out onto a branch that broke and fell approximately 25 feet to the ground sustaining hand and back injuries; he was treated and released from the hospital.

On Sat., Oct. 21, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Frank Knoedler, 57, of York, Pa. was standing in a tree stand off of Dede Rd. in Carroll County when he fell an sustained fatal injuries.

Posted: 11-1-2000