There is no defense against a fall. So says Dr. Jeff VanWormer, with the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in Wisconsin. He’s talking about tree stand safety for Illinois deer hunters.

He says that’s why hunters should always carry a phone so a call for help can be made. The most common injuries from a tree stand fall are broken arms and legs and more serious neck and spine injuries. The second firearm deer season in Illinois runs Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 and archery season runs through Jan. 14.