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DNR: Tree-stand safety urged for state deer hunters

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Nov 11, 2011 at 8:27 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A rash of tree-stand accidents has the Minnesota DNR urging deer hunters to be careful and avoid crippling or fatal injuries.

Three Minnesota hunters have died in tree-stand accidents since the firearms deer opener. Several other hunters have been hurt.

DNR enforcement education program coordinator Mike Hammer says stands should be placed as close to the ground as practical. But Hammer says even a short fall can cause spinal injuries and paralysis or death.

Hammer says hunters should check their tree stands and safety belt before and during the hunting season.

Meanwhile, the Cass County sheriff's office has released the name of a hunter who apparently fell from his stand near Outing, causing his gun to go off and fatally wounding him. He's identified as 51-year-old Dan Hyndman of Sartell.