Hunting season will soon be here. Now's the time to start getting prepared. If you've decided to try something different this year, you need to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the safety standards for that. This is particularly true if you're going to use a tree stand for the first time this year. While tree stands do provide you with a better view of the hunting field, they also bring with them some additional risks. Here are three steps you can take to avoid accidents while using a tree stand during hunting season:

Maintain a Clear View

When it comes to safety gear, your goggles are one of the most important pieces. Not only do they provide you with better vision, which is important if you normally wear prescription lenses, but they also protect your eyes from branches and flying debris. While you're hunting, it's important that you maintain a clear view, which means you need to keep the fog off your lenses. Unfortunately, fog can be a real problem when hunting in the mountains, especially in the early morning, when humidity is high. To prevent fogging, it's important that you protect your lenses by either having a protective coating placed on them or by using a temporary fix such as an anti-fogging spray. If you opt for the anti-fogging spray, be sure to apply a fresh coat each time you go hunting.

Wear a Body Harness

When climbing in and out of the tree, it's important that you always wear a body harness. The body harness will prevent you from falling, should you lose your footing. Keep the harness on you the entire time you're in the tree. You should also always keep three points of contact on the tree while ascending or descending from the tree. That means, have at least two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot on the tree at all times while going up, or down the tree. Maintaining the three points of contact, and wearing the body harness will help you prevent serious injuries.

Take Care with Your Weapon

You never know when you're going to lose your footing while ascending, or descending the tree. The last thing you want to do is accidentally discharge your weapon, should you begin to fall. That's why it's crucial that you never load your weapon until you're safely seated in your tree stand, and that you always unload your weapon before descending from the tree.

If you're going to be using a tree stand for the first time this hunting season, make sure you take the necessary precautions. The tips provided here will help keep you safe while using your tree stand. Contact a store that has anti fog cleaner for lens online for more information and assistance.