Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Greg Staunton Foundation Takes A STAND For Hunter Safety ealers who offer bowhunting products are already fine-tuning their inventory orders and planning their fall promotions and displays. The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) is urging dealers and others in the industry to also present a strong message concerning the use of tree stands: “Hunt Smart — Hunt Safe.” To help deliver this message, NBEF has launched Project STAND (Stop Tree Stand Accidents ’n Deaths). The program is designed to raise tree-stand safety awareness and significantly reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by tree-stand accidents. “Even though most hunter and bowhunter education courses emphasize treestand safety, the problem persists,” said Marilyn Bentz, NBEF executive director. “Studies suggest that 10 to 30 percent of all tree-stand users will have an incident.” New hunters and customers who purchase tree stands are receiving safety information through hunter education courses and safety materials, “but, obviously, many are not,” Bentz said. “We are going to get out there with a hard-hitting safety message that addresses this problem. The bottom line is there are millions of experienced hunters using tree stands incorrectly. They are at risk and they need to know it. It’s our job at the NBEF to lead this charge,” Bentz said. Many injuries and deaths result from hunters not wearing the safety equipment supplied with their tree stands or because they are using the wrong kind D of safety equipment. Or, hunters are making mental mistakes. “It’s not enough to wear any old ‘safety strap.’ We’ve learned a great deal about tree-stand safety in the past five years, which, for the most part, the public is not aware of. Obsolete fall-restraint systems are ticking time bombs,” Bentz said. Visit NBEF’s Web site, www.nbef.org, for details on Project STAND. Tree-stand safety, however, is more complicated than reminding hunters to wear safety gear, Bentz emphasized. “We need to get to the root of the entire problem and make tree-stand safety more than an afterthought. We have done a wonderful job of addressing firearms accidents; tree-stand safety deserves the same attention,” Bentz said. Project STAND will deliver its safety message via mass media, magazines and Web sites. The NBEF is seeking the sup- port of the outdoor community with this effort, including groups not necessarily focused on hunting, such as youth organizations and emergency responders. “We are taking the lead with this initiative because hunter education is our responsibility. But, we can’t do it alone. We need the help of the hunting industry and safety community,” said Joel Klammer, NBEF board president. “It takes money to research the problem and develop solutions. It takes money to deliver the message. The NBEF is a nonprofit organization with limited resources. The more financial support we get from the hunting community, the more effective we will be in attacking the problem.” Klammer says the response NBEF has received for Project STAND from the hunting community has been highly encouraging. “Virtually everyone we have talked to has offered support of some kind. It seems as though everyone knows of someone injured in a tree-stand incident. It’s a very real issue, which strikes very close to home. The entire industry appears to be rallying behind Project STAND,” Klammer said. For more information, contact Marilyn Bentz at (479) 649-9036, e-mail: mbentz@ nbef.org or visit www.nbef.org. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K G Be Safe, Not Seen orilla Treestands’ 2008 Deluxe Full Body Vest Harness in Mossy Oak Treestand is reflective of the new generation of products that enhance hunter safety. The mating buckle system, made of high-strength steel, features secure male/female locking for easy attachment and removal. “The mating buckle system really makes this vest unique. It’s simple for hunters to use and provides ultimate safety for an enjoyable day in the field. The vest also features Mossy Oak Treestand camo, so not only does it keep you secure, it keeps you hidden as well,” said Stephen Graham, Gorilla’s director of marketing. The Gorilla Deluxe Full Body Vest Harness can be used JUNE 2008 with climbing tree stands, hang-on tree stands and ladder stands. It features a lineman’s climbing strap with mating buckle, and a mating buckle tether with pleated breakaways. Visit Gorilla Treestand at www. gorillatreestands.com and Mossy Oak at www.mossyoak.com for more information. 9 Gorilla Treestands’ Deluxe Full Body Vest Harness in Mossy Oak Treestand takes safety to a new level. www.shootingindustry.com 18