BobCo19 is the only other climber on this board that I've heard of that tried it. As I recall he was one of the board members that was very curious about the ascender threads that I wrote. Good for you, Bob. Spread the word, my friend. You may save a life...or more than one.
Yes, vc1111, you were the one that got me interested in the ascender. I didn't get the one you suggested though. I ended up talking to a rock climbing shop, and I guess they talked me into getting a Pretzl (spelling), that is suppose to release easier on descending.
I thank you for your threads and suggestions. Using an ascender really only takes a few seconds and provides safety for the high percentage of falls occuring upon climbing (up/down) and getting into the tree.
BTW, I can turn your 99.999999% into 100% by wearing a waist belt and harness for intsalling the portable stands and ascending rope.
The list of people that I know of falling from stands is increasing every year.
Once again, thanks again vc1111 for giving me the idea of using one. I'm starting to get a little older now, and I want to be around hunting for a long time to come.
Guys, if you are considering getting one at all, just do it. After you start using it, you'll ask yourself why you haven't used one all along.
The mind, here are some links for you, there are many more articles then this if you care to do some research. If you doubt the stats, take it up with the author.
http://www.dto.com/hunting/article.jsp?articleid=693
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports_headlines/19990926moyerfeat8.asp
http://www.deerhunters.net/articles/treestandsafety.htm