A Stockbridge man was killed Saturday morning, apparently from falling from his tree stand while deer hunting, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Glenn Lamar Coker, 45, was hunting off Hickory Lane in northeast Putnam County. The sheriff noted that the hunting property has a Buckhead address but is located in Putnam. Coker’s family said he went into the woods shortly after 5 a.m. When they never heard back from him later in the day, Coker’s brother went to his tree stand looking for him, and found him deceased on the ground under the tree stand.
Sills said the climbing stand was about 15-feet high in the tree. A portion of the steel cable on the climbing metal stand had rusted and broken off, and the broken portion was on the ground alongside the hunter’s body.
“All the evidence construes his death resulted from a fall from that stand, but the coroner is having an autopsy done,” Sills said.
According to information from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, most hunting accidents that occur are due to falls or other safety issues with tree stands; of the 36 incidents in 2021, 20 were tree-stand-use related.
DNR offers these safety tips for hunters who use a tree stand: When using a non-climbing portable or ladder stand, hunters should securely fasten the stand to the tree and install ladders or steps according to manufacturer’s directions.
Hunters should ALWAYS wear a Fall-Arrest System(FAS)/Full Body Harness during ascent and descent and follow manufacturer’s usage instructions. Be aware that single strap belts and chest harnesses are no longer recommended and should NOT be used. Failure to use a FAS could result in serious injury or death.
Hunters should ALWAYS attach their FAS in the manner described by the manufacturer. Failure to do so may result in suspension without the ability to recover into the tree stand. Be aware that prolonged suspension in a harness may prove fatal.
Have in place a plan for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be easily reached and used while suspended. If rescue personnel cannot be notified, you must have an alternate plan for recovery or escape. If you have to hang suspended for a period of time before help arrives, exercise your legs by pushing against the tree or doing any other form of continuous motion or use your suspension relief device.
Hunters should ALWAYS use a haul line to pull their gear and unloaded firearm or bow into their tree stand.
Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Prior to descending, lower equipment to the ground on the opposite side of the tree.
Staying awake and alert is important. Hunters should avoid taking medications that cause drowsiness prior to hunting. Also, never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.
Hunters should always inform someone of where they are hunting and what time they expect to return.
For more information on tree stands or hunting-related safety, call 706-557-3355 or visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/huntring/ huntereduation.