This Week in Greene County

As I traveled around the county the last week, I estimated that around 20% of the corn has been harvested and a few soybean fields that were being harvested. It has been without a doubt a challenging season but hopefully harvest season will go smoothly.

With an archery deer season in full swing, many of the hunters will be taking aim from treestands. Now is a good time to review a few safety reminders for hunters planning to use a treestand.

When hunting from a tree stand only use one that has been tested and approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association. Choose a healthy and straight tree. Verify that manufactured steps are in solid wood with thin bark. Always use a full body fall arrest harness system. Approximately 33% of hunters who use treestands will fall at some point in their lives.

Always use a haul line to raise and lower gear, never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Always have a plan in place for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be reached while suspended. Replace damaged or expired harnesses and stands.

Finally, to learn more about tree stand safety, visit the Treestand Manufacturers Association and take a free online course at http://www.tmastands.com/
According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, approximately 10 hunters are killed nationally every year in falls from treestands with even more than that severely injured. Taking a few precautions can help make sure that a successful hunt is the only excitement that happens when using a treestand.

To end up today’s column, I will finish up with a quote from Bertolt Brecht: “Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are”. Have a great week.

Upcoming programs
October 30 Applications due for New Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class
November 9 GMOs, Hybrids & Heirlooms Workshop, OSU Extension Greene County, 5pm

View more upcoming programs at greene.osu.edu.

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