It was a pretty windy day when I was on stand two years ago. Instead of hanging my backpack on a hook (like I usually do) for some reason I had it wedged in between a branch and the trunk of the tree I was in. At about 9:30 I saw movement off to my right, it was a real nice 10 pointer and he was coming in straight toward me. He kept coming in closer and closer until he was about 25 yards away. A couple more steps and he would be right in my shooting lane...
Just then a gust of wind came and blew my backpack right out of the tree. I'll never forget the look on his face when that thing fell out. He watched it fall the whole way to the ground and then looked right at me. I froze, but it was too late. Gone...make sure your gear is secured.