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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Most of my buddies that are hardcore hunters (ages 21-27) do not use a safety harness. And what bothers me even more is that family and friends who have young children typically don't use them either! I've a few marginal instances where I was a little scared...with and without a harness...and every time I go up in a stand I'm cautious...but things do happen! My life is too valuable to myself, family, and friends to let a minor inconvenience (if you can call it that) keep me from being safe.
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I know ALOT of people that hunt in my small town, but can only think of 2 that use a harness...
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I'm simply amazed by some of you guys who don't wear a harness. Wow! I really don't know what to say. Shultzy,I know you have a little girl that counts on you to come home from every hunt. That alone should make you wear one. Come on guys!
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I rarely use one. Overweight, out of shape, poor eating habits, smoking, chewing, drinking .... even driving to the your deer hunting place are all vastly more dangerous IMO.
Of the % that have tree stand hunting accents how many really DO fall out? Most are climibing in and out, right, where the harness won't help anyways. I realize there is value in using them, I have a nice one .... I just don't use them often |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Of the % that have tree stand hunting accents how many really DO fall out? Most are climibing in and out, right, where the harness won't help anyways Steve |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I use one, unless I have a sturdy rail around me (when I gun hunt).
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Anyone thats huntingonany of the properties Ihave has to havea harness on, or they cant hunt. Its one ofa few rules that apply and not open for discussion.
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I never did until 5 or 6 years ago. I know 2 guys who fell in the same year. 1st when the top step of his homemade stand broke, he fell 20 feet broke his hip, ribs and collarbone. He crawled out of the woods in shock and was able to call for help.
The 2nd wasn't as lucky, don't know how it happened but my friend Carl found him under his stand after he didn't come back to the truck at dark. His head was split wide open after landing on thr frozen ground. Mid 30s married with 2 young kids. My ladder stand has a rail, but when I'm in my climber I'll always be wearing my vest harness. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: Diesel77 Anyone thats huntingonany of the properties Ihave has to havea harness on, or they cant hunt. Its one ofa few rules that apply and not open for discussion. I'm not going to be the one to tell your family why you died while hunting with me. Some of you need to look your wife & kids in the eyes and rethink this one.:eek: |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I promised my wife and chilodren before my first hunt that I would always where one. It is such a simple thing. Unfortunately, this thread gives new meaning to "thinning the herd!"
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I can't help but wonder how many of you who say, "the funds are limited" or "I haven't got the money right now" are purchasing cigarettes, chew, eating out every day, scratchertickets etc. etc. Wearing a safety harness in a tree stand has to become more of a priority in every tree stand hunters life! The means are out there to help us keep ourselves safer when hunting. We just have to stop with the laziness and the excuses "I don't see how you can wear one and still shoot" and make our life safety our priority.
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Well in our camp it is 100% use them because if you don not show up with one and wear it then you go home and do not hunt on our property. Thats the rule no exceptions! people have had to drive home to get them if they forgot them but now that every new stand comes with one we keep some extras at camp for the people who forget them.
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I wear a belt (sigh) and not a harness but am really surprised at the number of people who use nothing.
 A hefty Pal-O-Mine fell from about 6 feet. Thankfully he was able to land on his feet so he only broke bones in both legs and the shattered vertabrae healed in no time at all. He now hunts from the ground but at least he can walk to his stand..  |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
How many of you that don't wear a safety harness wear a seat belt "just in case"? I haven't been involved a car accident in decades but I always wear a seat belt, and anyone in my car will wear a seat belt, just in case my car is involved in accident. I wear my safety harness for the same reasons.
Would you let your child (that is old enough to bowhunt)sit in a treestand without a safety harness? |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Im part of the lazy ones that dont wear one. I use my climber, and dont really see where I could safely use one and get to my desired height in the same day. Once I get to my height I tie my platform on and have a bar around me that keeps me on the platform. When Im on my ladder stands I sit comfortably knowing that 3 different components would need to fail to fall.
By the way...I have my spine fused at two parts with titanium rods and screws. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I know I should always wear one but I don't. I wear on when I feel uncomfortable in the stand, like really high or sitting in the open. I usually try to put my stand in the fork ofa free or close to one so I have something else around me. I've worn it in one of the three stands I hunted this season (hunted multiple times of course.)
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I can't imagine not wearing one. As far as the difficulty getting up the tree while wearing one, or them being hard to put on, you can't be serious. If so, maybe you shouldn't be in a tree at all. :eek:And it's not the stand components I'm worried about, its me. If you think your beyond making that kind of mistake........wake up.......your not!
Opening day fatality: Calhoun Co. man falls from deer stand, dies October 01, 2008 at 09:06 AM[/align]BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS[/align]HARDIN—A Calhoun County man fell to his death from his deer stand. Deputy Coroner Phil Gress says Duane Swan was found dead Tuesday night behind his home near Hardin. Gress says Swan’s wife told him that her husband went to work on his deer stand on a bluff that afternoon but didn’t return home after it became dark. The wife apparently called Swan’s parents, who went to the deer stand and found their son’s body. Gress said he did not yet have Swan’s exact age, but thought it was 41. “He lived from the end of one deer season to the next and he died doing something he loved,” said his mother Virginia Swan |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Scary comments guys.
I've said this here before. I hunt only on the ground (blind or still) at the request of my wife and kids. I could probably talk them into a stand and a harness but i'd rather just leave it as is. Right now they feel secure about my safety and i'll keep it that way. I hope throught this post that just one person on here changes their mind and begins using a harness 100% of the time. If not for themselves then for their families. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
i use one most of the time accept when i forget
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: mossberghunter93 i use one most of the time accept when i forget |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I don't feel comfortable in a stand unless I'm hooked up. I'm not afraid of heights, just falling. Having a harness on is like havingcarinsurance, sucks to pay for it but better have it when that accident happens...
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
You know I am getting a pretty good laugh at this thread. I have already stated that I don't wear a harness. I have also read the comments about "thinning the herd" or just plain calling anyone that does not wear one an "idiot"....Well how should I put this...I'm 42 years old, married, 3 kids, 1 grand kid, a college degree from a major university, I'm a computer programmer, home owner, land owner, an IQ last measured at 142(although I do my best to hide it)....well you get the picture. I don't really think I fit the description of an idiot. I really think I am less likely to die from falling out of a tree then many on here are from a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or drunk driving. What I am saying is we all make decisions that will affect out life expectancy. For the most part I think I have made the right choices. I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 150 pounds. I walk at least 4 times a week and at least 3 miles each time. I also work out on my bow flex at least that often. I eat well and normally get 8 hours of sleep a night, I don't smoke and I don't drink. Now I personally think that being overweight, smoking, drinking, poor diet, etc.... will lead to an early grave long before not using an harness, but did I get on here and pass judgment on everyone else. Hell no. If you want to drink go ahead, if you want to smoke then light up and the flip side of this freedom of choice is I won't be using a harness. Its all about glass houses boys....
-john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: TX_Hoghunter You know I am getting a pretty good laugh at this thread. I have already stated that I don't wear a harness. I have also read the comments about "thinning the herd" or just plain calling anyone that does not wear one an "idiot"....Well how should I put this...I'm 42 years old, married, 3 kids, 1 grand kid, a college degree from a major university, I'm a computer programmer, home owner, land owner, an IQ last measured at 142(although I do my best to hide it)....well you get the picture. I don't really think I fit the description of an idiot. I really think I am less likely to die from falling out of a tree then many on here are from a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or drunk driving. What I am saying is we all make decisions that will affect out life expectancy. For the most part I think I have made the right choices. I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 150 pounds. I walk at least 4 times a week and at least 3 miles each time. I also work out on my bow flex at least that often. I eat well and normally get 8 hours of sleep a night, I don't smoke and I don't drink. Now I personally think that being overweight, smoking, drinking, poor diet, etc.... will lead to an early grave long before not using an harness, but did I get on here and pass judgment on everyone else. Hell no. If you want to drink go ahead, if you want to smoke then light up and the flip side of this freedom of choice is I won't be using a harness. Its all about glass houses boys.... -john Easy there cowboy! Don't get offended because others are practicing their freedom of speech rights. If the "idiot" term pi**ed you off, maybe the shoe fits a little to comfortably! I personally feelits important that we try and encourage others to make intelligent safety decisions because in my line of work, I am put in the position daily of trying to save the life of those who give a rats arse about being safe. Sorry, hits a little close to home for me. Put all that intelligence you supposedly have to work for you and wear a safety harness. Your family will thank you for it! |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Not offended ...amused. If someone expresses their opinion and you agree with it then they are just expressing the right to free speech, but If I offer up an opinion contrary to yours then I apparently get offended easily....glass houses boys, glass houses...
-john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
This is pretty shocking to me as well. I guess I figured thatalmost everyone would be wearing one these days. I put mine on before leaving the truck, but a couple of times have forgotten to put the strap around the tree before starting my climb and once I realized what I had done it bothered me. Like someone else said, I'm not afraid of the height, but that fall and resulting injury scare the heck out of me. I love my sport and my family too much to take that chance.
It is about choices though and to each their own. Makes me wonder if you guys would wear one if it were the law...a condition of getting your hunting permit. What about, as Andy pointed out, a condition of the land owner where you hunt or of the state where your public land is? Sure, you may not get caught or called out on it, but would you wear it? In that vein, if automobile seatbelts were "optional" would you still wear them? If there is anyone not using one due to $$$ concerns, but would like one, PM me your address and I'll mail you a brand new one. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: TX_Hoghunter You know I am getting a pretty good laugh at this thread. I have already stated that I don't wear a harness. I have also read the comments about "thinning the herd" or just plain calling anyone that does not wear one an "idiot"....Well how should I put this...I'm 42 years old, married, 3 kids, 1 grand kid, a college degree from a major university, I'm a computer programmer, home owner, land owner, an IQ last measured at 142(although I do my best to hide it)....well you get the picture. I don't really think I fit the description of an idiot. I really think I am less likely to die from falling out of a tree then many on here are from a heart attack, stroke, cancer, or drunk driving. What I am saying is we all make decisions that will affect out life expectancy. For the most part I think I have made the right choices. I am 5 foot 6 and weigh 150 pounds. I walk at least 4 times a week and at least 3 miles each time. I also work out on my bow flex at least that often. I eat well and normally get 8 hours of sleep a night, I don't smoke and I don't drink. Now I personally think that being overweight, smoking, drinking, poor diet, etc.... will lead to an early grave long before not using an harness, but did I get on here and pass judgment on everyone else. Hell no. If you want to drink go ahead, if you want to smoke then light up and the flip side of this freedom of choice is I won't be using a harness. Its all about glass houses boys.... -john It isn't about you, nor all your macho qualifications for not wearing a harness, its about how devastated it would leave your kids, wife, family, and friends after you die from such an accident that is easily preventable, by simply wearing a harness. Sure people can die from drunk drivers just the same as falling from a treestand, point taken....but would you tempt fate by getting into the car with that hammered driver?;) |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Nothing macho about it. I simply believe that individuals should have the freedom to make their own decisions. Just like riding motorcycles. Personally I hate them and would not be caught dead on one, but if someone wants to ride them then great. If they want to ride without a helmet. Then that is also great. Its their choice. I simple hate it when other people try to push their personal opinion and everyone else.
-john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: TX_Hoghunter I'm 42 years old, married, 3 kids, 1 grand kid, a college degree from a major university, I'm a computer programmer, home owner, land owner, an IQ last measured at 142(although I do my best to hide it)....well you get the picture. I agree it is a personal choice to wear it or not, but WHY not? All I am asking, it seems like you don't want to wear one, simply because other people think you should (could be way off here, admittedly). Why risk jeopardizing your entire families future? |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I listed what I did to offset the idiot statement and the thinning of the herd statement.
You know what you are beginning to convince me. I think we need to look at all of the risky behaviors that we do and outlaw them all....Of course I am more likely to die driving home tonight then from falling out of a tree, so cars/trucks would have to go first. And of course alcohol is far more likely to cause problems so welcome back prohibition. Oh and fast food that stuff is really bad for you so lets shut them all down. Man I almost forgot motorcycles.. .gone illegal to own now. See my point yet? We all do far more dangerous things everyday then go up a tree without a harness. Now back to my original point. The individual that started this thread was simply trying to get a guess as to what percentage of people wear harnesses. He did not ask for opinions. If you want to wear one then great. That is your choice. If I don't want to wear one then that is also my choice. Why can't people just leave it at that? -john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Since when is it legality the issue?
You still havent answered my question, just skirting it with other scenarios...Why NOT wear one? Why risk putting your family through that trauma? Just trying to understand it. its not like you aren't still hunting, you just dont have the chance of falling and becoming a vegetable or worse this way. Your right though, it is YOUR decision...just asking why you made that decision is all. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
One of the other guys raised the question on making it illegal to hunt without one.
I simply don't wear one because I don't want to. That should be enough of a reason, but since I am sure it is not I guess its just in the way I was raised. I can climb a tree like a squirrel. Spent most of my young life up one. When someone at the lease wants to hang a new tree stand we will normally go out and scout for a tree. When they find one they think might work (remember they are mainly live oaks so nothing is straight) I climb the tree and check it out, if it looks good they throw me a rope and I pull the stand up and put it on the tree. I then get in the stand and if it sits good then I climb down and they then put the steps in the tree. I guess I am just comfortable in the foliage. Granted I don't want to fall out and die, but if I do my family would be well taken care of. Now I think they would mourn my loss but life would go on. -john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
So, do you not wear because your free to not wear it or have you decided the negatives to wearing it far outweigh the positives. Does the lifestyle you listed somehow miraculously prevent you from breaking your neck when you fall?
As far as drinking, smoking, overweight, etc. I'm none of those. As far as family, middle age, fairly decent shape, college degree, etc. I can relate. But, I wear the harness. And don't really know what any of those have to do with it. Your right though, its your choice and I respect that. I'm sure my short post came off stronger than necessary.But, I'll go ahead and add thatthis is my plea for you to start wearing one.The cost is minimal andyou can quickly getused to wearing it. I see nothing but positives to wearing one. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Just to make sure everyone understand I'm not mad or pissed at anyone. You want to wear one...ok. I'm great with that. I just choice not to.
-john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
TEmbry
I have asked the question of probably doz's on several forums the last few weeks. Not a single one has answered. The good thing is I believe these threads are getting great exposure and many are seeing the common sense of taking easy saftey measures. Those who don't - I wonder how they will feel depending on someone to wipe their butt for them. Steve |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: SteveBNy Those who don't - I wonder how they will feel depending on someone to wipe their butt for them. Steve |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
HAHA, wow, you just need to know how to make the landing soft. I think the dangers of wearing 1 outweigh the chances of not wearing 1.
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RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Steve no one needs to wipe my butt, although you probably want to...
Bawanajim I have been accused of several thing, being selfish is not really one of them. As I get older I have often wondered why we keep losing our rights in this country. It has never made any sense to me how people allow that to happen. After reading these responses I see the mentality that allows it to occur. Just because I don't agree with ya'll on my need to wear a harness does not make me wrong. Just because you want to wear one does not make you wrong. Its a personal choice. In this country that should be enough, at least until as citizens we screw this thing up. -john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
ORIGINAL: TX_Hoghunter Just because you want to wear one does not make you wrong. Its a personal choice. In this country that should be enough, at least until as citizens we screw this thing up. -john If people want to make a concious choice not to use available safety features/measures I am all for it. But I am also all for them having to provide for their own medical care if their choice results in a debilitating injury. Don't wear a harness, more power to you, but you shouldn't be able to then take advantage of my tax dollars to supplement your medical care. If we can agree on that then you won't se me arguing for you to "lose your right" to make choices that can adversely affect your health and my tax dollars. |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
I don't disagree with what you posted. I have never sued anyone and don't plan on it. I have also had medical insurance my entire life. I would not be cought dead without it...LOL. The problem you mentioned above are interesting but pointed in the wrong direction. The problem is the with the court system and the citizens that are sitting on the juries.
-john |
RE: % of hunters not using a harness
Don't wear a harness, more power to you, but you shouldn't be able to then take advantage of my tax dollars to supplement your medical care. If we can agree on that then you won't se me arguing for you to "lose your right" to make choices that can adversely affect your health and my tax dollars. I will add that using statements like "I can climb a tree like a squirrel" does nothing to prove to me that you will never fall from a tree. That's just nonsense! There are way too many "other" factors that can contribute to your falling, than just your biased opinion that you can climb like a squirrel. I wish you continued safety in the woods Hoghunter. One of these days I'll tell you all about the day that I saw a squirrel fall from a tree. When hegot up, he had todrag his hind legs (broke back) to the nearest treeand try to climb it with only his front legs. Kind of sad! |
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