Oh, deer: Archery season for white-tail opens in NC. Here’s how to stay safe.
As fall approaches, hunting season returns to North Carolina on Saturday, with archers able to hunt white-tailed deer.
The archery season for deer begins statewide Saturday, running through Sept. 30 in Wake County (Northeastern season) and Oct. 28 in Durham and Orange counties (Central season).
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission urges hunters to use caution while hunting from elevated stands.
While common, tree stands can be dangerous if not used correctly.
Hunters secure platforms in trees to gain a better view. The stands can be taken down and moved around.
Last year, law enforcement agencies around the state reported that 20% of hunting accidents involved tree stands, according to a commission news release.
Hunters should use a fall-arrest system and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, said Carissa Daniels, a spokesperson for the commission.
“Those simple measures go a long way in helping hunters stay safe while hunting with a tree stand,” Daniels said.
Preparing tree stands
Inspect all your equipment for damage before using it. This includes belts, chains, bolts, ratchet straps and attachment cords.
Wear a full-body safety harness as part of a fall-arrest system.
Make sure you do not exceed the stand manufacturer’s height or weight limits.
Pack an emergency signal device, such as a cell phone, two-way radio or whistle.
Setting up tree stands
Share your stand location with someone before each hunt.
Select a healthy, straight tree for your tree stand.
Ask someone to help you set up the stand.
Using tree stands
Buckle your harness securely and connect to the tree tether before your feet leave the ground.
Maintain three points of contact when climbing the ladder; two hands and a foot or two feet and a hand. Most falls occur while climbing up or down.
Use a lineman’s belt and/or lifeline when climbing or descending.
Raise and lower equipment using a haul line. Never carry anything as you climb.
Limited access to Duke Forest
The Office of the Duke Forest in Durham will close three divisions from Sept. 26 through Dec. 16 for its annual deer-reduction program.
The Durham, Korstian, and Blackwood divisions of the forest will be closed to the public on weekdays, a news release stated.
All divisions, except for Dailey, will be open for normal use Saturdays and Sundays in addition to Nov. 24-25 for Thanksgiving.
The Edeburn and Hillsboro divisions are open as usual throughout the fall, the release stated.
Deer management helps maintain the health of the Duke Forest, a teaching and research laboratory established by Duke University in 1931. The area totals 4,696 acres.
The annual deer hunt is conducted by two groups selected in advance and is not open to the public.
The Durham and Korstian divisions will be hunted with bow and arrow, while the Blackwood division will be hunted by bow and guns, the release stated.
This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 5:30 AM.