• Deer are often hunted from tree stands.deer image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
  
  Hunting is a fun sport for those who enjoy it. However, rules and regulations must be followed to protect wildlife and other hunters. It is vital to be aware of your state's rules and regulations governing the type of game you are hunting. When hunting from tree stands, safety procedures must be followed at all times.
  
  

Standard Regulations

• Whether you are on foot or in a tree stand, there are standard hunting regulations you must follow when hunting deer. Regulations vary from state to state, so check the requirements of your state before hunting to ensure you know exactly what you may and may not do. For example, it may be illegal to feed deer during certain times of the year. Feeding during this prohibited time could result in a fine. Before hunting deer, determine what the season dates are for your state. Killing deer outside of these dates could also result in a fine. There are also limitations pertaining to which kind and how many deer you may kill in a season. Be sure to check your state's regulations for this information.
  
  

Orange Requirments

• If you are hunting during the firearms deer season you must wear blazing orange. This can be via a hat, vest, jacket or any other upper body clothing. This is intended to help other hunters recognize your presence and protect you from unintentionally being shot. Wearing camouflage that merely incorporates orange is not acceptable. Camouflage is intended to reduce visibility and will not effectively allow other hunters to recognize that you are not game.
  
  

Safety Rules

• All states recommend that you follow safety regulations in tree stands. If you are hunting from a tree stand, make sure that the stand has been installed correctly. Failure to do so could cause it to fall, resulting in your injury. Use a full body harness to secure yourself while you are in the stand. This will help protect you from accidentally falling out. Climb up to your stand without your firearm or bow. Use a separate line to pull these items up once you are seated safely. Trying to take equipment up as you climb could result in an accidental discharge. Periodically check for recalls on any purchased tree stands. It is not safe to use a tree stand that has been recalled by the manufacturer.