Injuries Due to Falls from Hunters' Tree Stands in Pennsylvania

BackgroundPeople who hunt deer from elevated tree stands may improve the chances of a successful hunt but also risk serious injury from a fall to the ground.PurposeThe objective of the current investigation is to estimate the rates of injuries from falls from tree stands using a population-based study design.MethodsAnnual and age-specific rates were calculated using injury data collected from 1987 to 2006 from all accredited Pennsylvania trauma centers and hunting license sales and game-take mail surveys from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.ResultsFrom 1987 through 2006, 2.73 people (n=499) per 100,000 licensed deer hunters were injured from falls from tree stands; seven people died. Rates increased from 0.59 in 1987 to 7.08 in 2006 (p<0.001). Rates increased with age (p<0.001) and were highest among hunters aged 40–49 years. The case-fatality rate was 1.4%.ConclusionsFalls from tree stands associated with deer hunting are an increasing and important cause of injuries, especially for older hunters. Surveillance for tree stand–related injuries should be enhanced and preventive initiatives developed and tested.