Most people do not realize tree stand accidents account for the majority of injuries, and often the majority of fatalities, afield. State Conservation officers are offering early advice for hunters using elevated stands or platforms to hunt from this fall.

According to Officer John Salb, “Falls from tree stands have been Indiana’s number one cause for hunting accidents. We are trying to get the word out, hunting from an elevated platform or stand needs to be more than just nailing several two-by-fours to a tree.”

Falls from tree stands can be caused by a variety of factors, including a weakness in the stand’s structure or improper installation. The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers these safety tips:

•Never carry equipment with you while climbing. Use a haul line to raise or lower your gear. Make sure guns are unloaded and broadheads are covered before raising or lowering firearms or bows with a haul line.

•Use a safety harness, at all times, when hunting from elevated platforms and tree stands. Familiarize yourself with manufacturers’ recommendations before using any equipment. Most accidents occur when hunters are climbing up or down a tree, so always use a climbing belt.

•Check permanent tree stands every year before hunting from them. Take time to replace any worn or weak lumber.

•Show respect for the landowner’s property by not pounding nails or using screws when securing your stand to a tree. •Read, understand and follow the factory-recommended practices and procedures when installing commercial stands. Inspect portable stands for loose nuts and bolts each time they are used. •Choose only healthy, living trees when using climbing devices. Stay away from trees with rotting or dead limbs.

•Never put all your weight on a single branch. Keep at least one hand and one foot on a secure place when reaching for the next hold.

•Climb higher than the stand and step down onto it. Climbing up onto it can dislodge it.

•Wear boots with nonskid soles. Don’t forget – steps or platforms can be slippery in rain, sleet, snow and frost.

•Tell a responsible person where you’re hunting and when you plan on returning.

•Don’t fall asleep. It is a common cause of many accidents. •Never wear a ring in any climbing situation. Rings can catch on tree limbs and equipment.

•Remove all logs, cutoff saplings, rocks or other obstructions on the ground below the tree stand.

•Use updated equipment. When used properly, newer tree stand equipment is solid, safe and secure. Older models of safety belts offer some protection, but newer safety harnesses offer more protection.

•Carry a whistle to call for help. It is also a good idea to carry a first aid kit, flashlight and cellular telephone in your pack. •Don’t believe a fall can’t happen to you – because it can.

A little common sense, along with safe practices, goes a long way toward a safe hunt, especially when hunting from an elevated stand.

DNR takes emergency action to protect paddlefish

Protections for paddlefish in the Indiana portion of the Ohio River have been adopted by emergency rule by DNR. The bulk of the restrictions affect commercial operators seeking paddlefish eggs for the global caviar market.

DNR Director Robert Carter Jr. took the action to protect the fish after a two-year undercover operation by DNR law enforcement revealed widespread violations of existing laws governing commercial harvest of the fish.

A drastic decline in traditional sturgeon caviar sources in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union has placed increasing harvest pressure on sources of caviar substitutes, such as paddlefish in the Mississippi River Basin, including the Ohio River. A mature female paddlefish may carry several pounds of eggs, which are valued at $70 per pound or more at the wholesale level, and at more than $250 per pound retail.

“Our recent investigation clearly revealed existing regulations are insufficient to protect this unique resource,” Carter said.

“Unfortunately, the high market prices for paddlefish caviar do not encourage resource conservation. The escalating harvest pressure threatens to take paddlefish faster than they can be replaced, which could lead to a shortage we intend to prevent.”

The emergency rule establishes a commercial paddlefish harvest season from Nov. 15 through April 15, and a minimum paddlefish size limit of 34 inches (from eye to fork of tail). The rule also prohibits the use of gill nets and trammel nets during the closed paddlefish season, and standardizes a method for commercial fishers to check paddlefish for the presence of eggs.

By state law, the director has authority to temporarily modify rules for DNR. Such modifications are valid for a maximum of one year and can be renewed for an additional period not to exceed one year. Before the emergency rule expires, the Division of Fish and Wildlife plans to propose a permanent rule protecting paddlefish for public comment.

The emergency rule also prohibits the snagging of paddlefish by anglers with a sport-fishing license. Although sport-caught fish cannot be legally sold, the investigation revealed widespread sale on the commercial market of paddlefish snagged in areas of the river closed to commercial fishing by unscrupulous anglers using sport-fishing licenses.

Undercover officers posing as fishermen were able to infiltrate the illegal operations. More than 20 suspects have been arrested to date, with more than 300 charges being filed. The misdemeanor and felony changes include the illegal taking of paddlefish, money laundering and racketeering and corrupt business influence.

DNR is working in cooperation with Kentucky and Illinois Fish and Wildlife officials to develop long-term management actions to ensure healthy paddlefish stocks capable of sustained caviar harvest. Both Kentucky and Indiana have temporarily suspended further sale of Ohio River commercial fishing licenses until more permanent protections are in place.

Restricted lakes open once again for boating The emergency order restricting the operation of motorized watercraft on Waldron, Steinbarger, Tamarack and Jones lakes in Noble County has been rescinded. Normal boating operations may now resume.

Indiana Conservation officers have determined the water is receding, and is at or moderately above normal levels. As a result of daily inspections by DNR Law Enforcement, the restrictions have been lifted on all lakes listed.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments can contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.