Passport to Texas

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Parents harness their kids into high chairs to keep them from taking a tumble. Hunters should always use a similar device called a fall restraint system that keeps them safely tethered to elevated stands.

Most of them fit like a fishing vest, but they have straps that go under your legs and secure it to your body.

Hunting education coordinator, Terry Erwin, says not all fall restraint systems are created equal.

When you’re going into an elevated stand of any type, you should always use a tree stand manufactures association approved safety harness. And, if it’s not TMA approved, then you don’t want to use it because it’s not going to be the one that will protect you the most.

For the restraint system to work properly, it must fit snugly around the body, with no slack in the tether.

Tether yourself, or secure yourself, above your head, so that there‘s no slack in the harness itself and the tethering line. So, if you were to accidentally fall asleep and lean forward, it would catch you within about 3 or 4 inches.

Finally, before using a fall restraint system in the field, Erwin says—give it a test run.

Go out and give it a try. Climb with it; secure yourself going up, and also secure yourself coming down.

Find hunter safety information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

That’s our show…We receive support from the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program…funded by your purchase of hunting and fishing equipment and motorboat fuel…For Texas Parks and Wildlife I’m Cecilia Nasti.

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