A story appearing on dallasnews.com about the risks of tree stand hunting (Falls Represent Over-Looked Risks for Hunters), cited the Deer & Deer Hunting reader survey on treestand accidents. From the story:

The most dangerous thing about archery hunting is not the razor sharp blade attached to the end of a hunting arrow. It's not the wooden, fiberglass or metal bow that creates enormous torque when flexed to full draw. Gravity is the most dangerous thing about archery hunting.

Falls from elevated stands constitute the majority of bowhunting injuries and likewise present a serious risk to all deer hunters when traditional Texas seasons open in November. Nobody knows how many hunters are hurt in falls from elevated stands. The injuries are often not reported as hunting accidents. Few such falls have shown up on official Texas statistics.

A 2005-06 Georgia study found that 54 percent of all hunting accidents reported that season were tree stand accidents (28), and two resulted in fatalities.

Readers responding to a survey by Deer & Deer Hunting magazine reported that more than one-third had fallen from a tree stand or while climbing up or down. About 3 percent of the falls resulted in crippling injuries. A six-year Pennsylvania study by medical researchers found 280 hunters who received medical treatment following falls. Six of them died.