about five years ago I was bowhunting some land with a bud. I took my loc on in but didn't like the steps I was using and trekked back to the truck on two different occasions in 60 degree heat. after getting the loc on up, I realized that I had forgotten my pull rope. I just threw the bow over my shoulder (yeah, it gets better) and climbed up, with no safety belt. after seeing only one deer, and needing the stand for another spot, I started my descent. I hung my bow on the holder attatched to the floor of the stand and started to get down. right foot, then it was suppose to be followed by the left, but it never made it. it was dark and I missed the step. after I woke up I could hardly breath. I had fallen an estimated 23 feet. I couldn't yell for my bud and we had left the two way radios back at the truck. I stumbled back to the truck (which was about 250 yds up hill) and honked the horn. no response. my buddy finally shows up, I tell him what happened. we rush to the hospital and I am in suprisingly good spirits and shape, at least for the ride in which takes 20 mins. once at the hospital I get x rays, catscans, and pain medication. i had a concussion, two seperated shoulders, internal bleeding, four cracked or broken ribs, and a five inch gash on my right leg. not to mention a hell of a headache and feeling sick to my stomach. Looking back many things stick in my mind. one, I was tired when I finally got in my stand, it was warm, my steps were way too far apart, no safety belt, no pull rope. that and I thought I was invincible. all good ingredients to this accident. I was scared for some time to put up a treestand above 10-12 feet. I finally got a climber, safety belt and my nerve back. it still haunts me though, even with all the precautions I now take.