MADISON, Wis. — Deer hunting in Wisconsin is just around the corner.

Ahead of the bow hunting season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offered some tree stand safety tips.

About one-quarter of Wisconsin bow hunters have fallen or experienced a near-fall from stands in the past, according to studies cited by the DNR. It’s also more likely that more risky tree stand climbing behavior can catch up to hunters, research shows.

That’s why the DNR said it’s important to keep safety in mind now.

The DNR said the first thing a hunter should be doing is wearing a full-body harness, or a fall-arrest system, which involves connecting to a short tether line that will keep hunters in their seat should they fall. Hunters can find the current standards for that here.

Having three points of contact is also crucial when climbing into and out of the stand, the DNR said. Three-point contact could be a combination of two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand in contact with the stand or ground.

When climbing down, hunters should use a lifeline that keeps them connected from the moment they leave the ground to when they get back down. Firearms or bows, and any other heavy equipment, should also be raised or lowered using a haul line.

Before doing any hunting, the DNR also recommended you tell someone where you’ll be hunting and when you expect to return. You should also carry a cell phone to call for help if someone where to fall.

The DNR said that if interested, hunters can also take part in a Tree Stand Manufacturers Association Safety Course, which is a free 15-minute course on tree stand safety.

The DNR also has a full page on tree stand safety, which you can reference prior to the deer hunting season.