Treestand safety advice
 

Experience is the best teacher and unfortunately I learned a valuable lesson on Md. opening day Friday that will hopefully help others: do not rely on tree branches as "steps" regardless of how thick they may be. 5:30am I had climbed to the base of my stand (20') and was preparing to step onto platform when branch I was on broke causing me to fall the length of my tether. My immediate reaction was to grab for something and as I caught a firm grasp of another branch, the 'stub' of the broken branch cut into my forearm. A day in the emergency room and 26 stitches later was a costly lesson; but one that could have been far worse if only by a couple of inches.

One other thought: I know that screw in steps are frequently used; and were so in my case (alternated with branches-never again). But they can also be a danger should they impale the body.

And I'd have to say, contrary to my sign-off: Even a bad day in the woods is better than any day out--wasn't the case on this day!! Hunt safe and enjoy the season......

To the managers of this site: I was looking for a folder on this topic to post this thread but couldn't find one. Perhaps one should be created?

Yeap and don't cut class, wear only loafer on a wet misty day just because scent is in your favor and climb the tree. You might do a firemans slide to the bottom of your tree if using a loggy old style stand. Not sure why I know this but I just do. Let's just say their design worked and absorbed most of the energy at the bottom. :)

Glad you made it through that incident. Sounds like you were VERY lucky, all things considered. That can't happen with a climber. In ten years I've had zero trouble using my LW sit and climb. Hang-ons ( I have the Assault) are great for tough locations, but it's more involved setting up than a climber. Most trees in my hunting area are climber friendly. :cool2:

Live and learn. Glad you weren't killedor maimed permanently. It's good to pass on this info so that others can learn from it. At least you were apparently wearing a safety harness. I have learned to not trust anything. Limbs, strap-on or screw-in steps. They can all fail. 3 point hookup is what I practice. Two ahd and one foot or two feet and one hand on something solid at all times. Don't rush the climb. You don't want it to be your last.