Archery season tips

Archery deer hunters get back into action Tuesday with the start of the season in Missouri. But amid the excitement, remember a few tips that could prevent injury.

Wear a safety belt when hunting from a stand, including while ascending and descending.

Never climb into a permanent stand you have not built or personally inspected.

Never hunt from tree limbs.

Be sure the commercial stand you have is safe. Practice with it before using it in the woods.

Never climb a tree that is too small or too large for your stand to fit safely.

Be sure your stand is level at the height you wish to hunt.

Always stand up slowly and be sure of your balance.

Be sure you are steady and braced before shooting a bow or firearm.

Always use a haul line for your bow or unloaded firearm. Don't try to climb a stand with your equipment in hand.

Never climb a dead tree or one with dead limbs above your head.

-- Charles Searcy, KRT