Local Hunting Accident
#12
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 40

And test your stand. Last time I used one of my hanging stands it let go on me and down we went but I got up and walk away without a scratch because I was testing the stand and wearing a harness.
Before you settle in go through your motions. Sit down, stand up, turn to the sides, draw your bow.
I know the haste can build when you are trying to get settled in before sun up but a spooked deer is better than a broken neck. The deer will come back...you can't unparalyze yourself.
Before you settle in go through your motions. Sit down, stand up, turn to the sides, draw your bow.
I know the haste can build when you are trying to get settled in before sun up but a spooked deer is better than a broken neck. The deer will come back...you can't unparalyze yourself.
#13

long story with lucky ending for me, fell hanging stand, went down about 20 feet, hit the last screw in tree step......tore my armpit from one end to the other 20 odd stiches, Dr. said another 1/8 inch deeper and i would have torn artery and bled out....as you can imagine, that was my wake up call!!!
Think about one of these puncuring your back and hooking a rib leaving you hanging on the tree. I think that might hurt.

Or some of these......

#14
Fork Horn
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 110

Good example of why I detest screw in steps and most climbing sticks. If you stop and think about it they are just spikes waiting to puncture or tear at anyone who falls even wearing a safety harness.
Think about one of these puncuring your back and hooking a rib leaving you hanging on the tree. I think that might hurt.

Or some of these......
Think about one of these puncuring your back and hooking a rib leaving you hanging on the tree. I think that might hurt.

Or some of these......

#15
Spike
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Central IL
Posts: 55

I almost fell out of a climber....the top section let go when I was still setting up which left me standing on the lower section.....normally the sides of the upper section give you something to brace against while yur standing.... it was a pretty uneasy (and Noisy!) moment that I care not to repeat!
I build myself a large wood tower this year on my land and haven't even bothered going tot he public lands yet this season...so no need to use the climber!
I build myself a large wood tower this year on my land and haven't even bothered going tot he public lands yet this season...so no need to use the climber!
#17

I always use a ladder to hang a portable. It stay until the end of season.
long story with lucky ending for me, fell hanging stand, went down about 20 feet, hit the last screw in tree step......tore my armpit from one end to the other 20 odd stiches, Dr. said another 1/8 inch deeper and i would have torn artery and bled out....as you can imagine, that was my wake up call!!!
#18
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,926

Been seeing or hearing the reports of tree stand falls for decades. Many do their swan dives without ANY tethering safety equipment. Nothing; nada.
Some are unfamiliar with their equipment, some never check their equipment, some never practice with a climber, some even drink alcohol, some are downright careless. Some are unhealthy and some are very much out of shape.
Each must judge how capable they are climbing a tree and hunting. Everybody isn't made equal.
Some are unfamiliar with their equipment, some never check their equipment, some never practice with a climber, some even drink alcohol, some are downright careless. Some are unhealthy and some are very much out of shape.
Each must judge how capable they are climbing a tree and hunting. Everybody isn't made equal.
#19

I forgot my safety harness once this year and still went up in the tree. Never again. I put my harness on before I head to the woods now, just to be sure I dont forget it and I hunt a real small piece of land so he less time I can be next to the truck the better.
Good to hear you're alright Ron, someone must have been looking out for you that day.
#20
Spike
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 30

I apologize if this is a really stupid question, but I'm new to using harnesses. I always wear one when I'm in my stand, but are you guys saying there is something you can wear while you are on your way up and down your climbing sticks??