The day was 12/27/08. I was about 17' feet up an starting down. Had mud on my boots an it had started raining.My feet slipped an I fell back on the top part of my Viper stand. I went over it an fell to the ground an landedon alog about a foot in dia. I stood up an the rain started falling harder. I knew I needed to get back across the old river an get to the camp before thesoreness set in. I broke my clavicle anhave 3 sore ribs an a shoulder that is slowly recovering. Have not even attempted to pull my bow back since that day.I have not missed any work an hopefully will be able to pull back my bow to hunt the last few days of Feb.
Oh, I have hunted withoutasaftey harness for 25 years, but no more.When I stood up. I knew I was lucky to be standing.
I know that I am fixing to take alot of slack. If you wear a harness say what you wish. If you don't then you maybe next. It's not if you fall but when.
I'm not saying anything but glad your OK, It sounds like you learned your lesson! I went without a harness for years and got lucky, I wear one every time in a tree no matter what I'm doing, taking pictures, trimming branches, going up and down the tree and especially while hunting! Glad you are OK!
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Big River Longbow 66" 52# @ 28"
Big River Longbow 66" 47# @ 28"
Big River Longbow 62" 52# @ 28"
Big River Recurve 56" 52# @ 28"
NewWood Longbow 58" 45# @ 28"
I've gun hunted since I was young. Since in Wisconsin we only have9 day season I only spent ~4 days/year in a stand. I never slipped or got close to falling but I thought about it many times I really should be wearing a harness. Needless to say since I've decided to take up bowhunting and willprobably will be spending dozens of days in my stand per year now soI bought a hunters safety vest. I probably should have done it sooner but the peace of mind is great!
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-Hoyt PowerHawk 60# 28.5" DL (Bow)
-Browning A-Bolt 30.06 (Deer Rifle)
-Remington 870 Slug Gun (Deer Shotgun)
-Browning Gold Hunter 12 Ga (Waterfowl & Turkey gun)
-Winchester Model 24 (~1940's) Side by Side 16 Ga (Grouse Gun)
Sounds like you're going to recover. You're one of the lucky ones. A lot of folks will wear a harness using a hang on. Your story is just a testimonial to their necessity "anytime" your feet leave the ground. Climber/hang-on it doesn't matter wear a harness.
Breaking the silence, I fell!
