Members should get out and check the condition of their stands, we have had some windy weather this summer that affected your stand. Also members need to be aware of the rule established at the cookout - to wear a safety harness this year. People are starting to get the itch to get out and check and scout their areas.

Stands should be safely constructed they should hold a person’s weight and the stand itself (300 LBS.)  PERMANENT STANDS ladders should be checked as well also the tree needs to be checked.  I found a tree that before didn't house a bee hive but this year it did. Plus hornets may have their nest about head high. I have found some in the 20 to 30 feet high range. LOCK ON STANDS needs checking - some have been up for a couple of years now.

I was talking to a fellow hunter last week about a hunter that had climbed up his "lock on" stand to get in and as he stepped on the platform - the pin that held it to the tree broke causing him to fall. That broke his back and ribs he is now paralyzed and cannot walk.

Also most ladder sticks have straps that hold to the tree, when the wind swaying the trees back and forth the ladder sticks can come loose. CLIMBING STANDS left out or left in the garage needs to be inspected, expecially pins cables etc... The squirrels have been active on Haywood and I believe it’s safe to assume that they have been active elsewhere.  I found in my stands, squirrels have chewed straps and seat.