Bow season (or archery season) opened statewide on Saturday, Oct. 4.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, During the 2024-2025 hunting season, there were 10 tree stand incidents including one fatality. Of the 10, five victims hadn’t taken a hunter education course, nine didn’t use a safety harness, and the person who did use a safety harness was not attached to the tree.

It's important to remember the ABC's of tree stand safety:

• A - Always remove and inspect your equipment.
• B - Buckle your full-body harness securely. Practice at ground level.
• C - Connect to the tree before you leave the ground and slow down.
• D - Destination share your tree stand location for each hunt.

Learn more about tree stand safety on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.