• Always wear a full-body safety harness, even when climbing up and down the tree.

• Always use a haul line to pull up your gear and unloaded firearm or bow to your tree stand. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Before descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of the tree.

• Always select the proper tree for use with your tree stand. Select a live, straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your tree stand's instructions.

• Always hunt with a plan, and if possible, with a buddy. Let others know your exact hunting location, when you plan to return and, who you are hunting with.

• Always carry emergency signal devices, such as a cell phone, whistle, walkie-talkie, signal flare and flashlight on your person at all times and within reach, even when you are suspended in your tree stand.

• Know your physical limitations. Don't take chances. If you start thinking about how high you are, don't go any higher.

• While climbing with a tree stand, make slow, even movements of no more than 10-12 inches at a time. Have proper 3-point contact with the tree and/or tree stand every time you move.

For more information on full-body safety systems go to www.integratedsafety.us/store and www.huntersafetysystem.com. Take a 15-minute tree stand safety course at www.hunterexam.com.