Don Mulligan from Boone County uses a
modern safety harness while hunting deer
from a tree stand.
Tree stand safety
My son is interested in hunting deer this season. I’ve heard that more people are hurt falling from tree stands than any other type of hunting accident. Considering that tree stands are an integral part of hunting deer in Indiana, what can we do to ensure a safe season of hunting from a stand?
Falling from a tree stand is an all too common accident and is easily prevented by using the proper equipment. If hunters use a quality harness that is designed for a tree stand, falls can be virtually eliminated. Properly used, a safety harness will prevent hunters from falling to the ground in the event of falling asleep or leaning out too far. It will also safely support hunters until they can re-enter the stand or receive assistance.
Cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
I’m interested in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Where in Indiana can I do this and what steps, if any, (with respect to registration, etc.) do I need to take before heading out?
No registration is required. When using private property you need consent of the landowner. If you plan on using a public property, contact the property manager for local regulations.
DNR properties that have trails for cross-country skiing include Chain O’Lakes, Indiana Dunes, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Salamonie Lake, Tippecanoe River, Fort Harrison and Summit Lake. After a snowfall of 6 to 8 inches, trails at these state parks are usually groomed for use by skiers and snowshoers.
Pokagon State Park, located in the far northeastern corner of the state, has added two new trails for use this winter. Trail 8 is a mile long and runs through restored prairie. Trail 9 is 1.7 miles long. This difficult trail, which will not be groomed, is not for the faint of heart. Contact the parks individually for current status of their trails. A full listing of properties and phone numbers is available in our Recreation and Fishing Guide.
Waterfowl hunting safety
I’m a waterfowl hunter planning to hunt from a boat for the first time. The cold water, small boats and mass of bulky equipment seem to pose a risk. What do I need to watch out for in order to stay safe on the water this winter?
Familiarize yourself with the boat’s capacity plate information. The information contained on this plate tells the operator how many people or how much cargo (by weight) can safely be transported in the boat as well as the maximum horsepower rating for the boat.
When you plan to be around the water, prepare yourself to be in the water. Many drowning victims never intended to be in the water. Dress appropriately. Put your clothes on in layers. Use materials that retain their insulating ability when wet, such as wool or a synthetic that wicks moisture away from your body. Make sure that your boat is equipped with proper personal flotation devices (PFDs). When you load your boat, distribute the weight evenly. When you move around in the boat, keep your weight low and in the center, holding on to the sides of the boat.
To submit a question to Ask a CO, email OI@dnr.IN.gov or write to Outdoor Indiana, Ask a Conservation Officer, 402 W. Washington Street, Suite W255B, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
