Firearm deer hunting season begins next weekend in Illinois, and the state’s Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters to make safety a priority. Spokesman Tim Schweizer says there were 25 hunting accidents last year, 15 of which involved tree stands.
"Hunters, make sure their tree stands are secured," he said. "Make sure the straps on the harnesses are in good working order. Make sure you have a fall arrest harness while in your tree stand. If the weather is bad, make sure the ladder or tree stand itself isn't slippery. It could cause a fall when getting in or out of the tree stand."
The firearm season runs November 18 through 20 and from December 1 through 4. Hunters must register their harvest online or by calling DNR directly at 1-866-IL-CHECK.