Close call!

[HooknHorns]

Just a reminder for all you stand hunters out there be very careful. With the wet weather we're are having down in the southern part of the state, tree steps, boards,and platforms can be slick. This morning my bow season is now on hold or maybe done. Slipped on the way down and fell ten feet flat on my side with my leg turned. Nothing broke but slightly tore my rotater cuff, twisted my knee and foot. To say the least I was very lucky. Never thought it would happen to me. It happens too fast to act so prevention is the best measure. Don't subsitute branches for tree steps. Don't be cheap and stretch your steps, buy a few more steps. Wear your harness. Inspect the stand. Check the straps, squirrels like to chew on them. If anyone has any other tips feel free to add on. Most of you probally know all of this so its old news. Can't fix stupid. Happy Hunting!

[buckx37x]

Also keep in mind those steps have been know'n to break, happened to me flat on my back good thing i was young at the time. i now keep one hand and foot on the steps when going up or down.

[Rippinlip]

Hooks, I am hoping you have a quick recovery.

Glad to see that you were not torn up worse.

Great advice, everything bad happens too quickly.

[Boar]

Glad to hear your ok, I still shudder at my fall last year when my neck snapped, still humbled on that one, but much more wiser. Be carfull guys an think before you do. Good luck an be safe, On those metal tree steps or those strap on tree ladder things, I spray that grip adheasive for traction or the tape tracton stuff, you know the stuff ya used to glue to the bottom of the tub so ya dont slip, acme sell that spray traction, works good. Speedy recovery Double H. It dose happen so quick dosent it, take care, boar

[mrklean]

hope you heal well, thats my biggest fear is falling from a tree with ladder stands getting taller and taller and stands going higher and higher thats a scary fall for sure

[Lipriper84]

It happens so so fast. I had one of those Recalled Gander Mountain stands. Was setting it up for Bear hunting this year and it gave way when I was up about 16 feet. Must have landed just right because I didn't even get a bruise. My hip was pretty sore for about 2 weeks but that was it. I add a couple extra Ratcheting Straps to my portable now.

[96trigger]

Glad you are all right. I am deathly afraid of heights, I won't sit in anything but a ladder or permanant stand. I need to see something underneath me.

[paceman]

Also always remember to test the stand before you climb in, especially if it has been there awhile. I made the mistake about a month ago of stepping into a hanger that had been in the tree about 2 years. It was my first time there this year. I stepped onto the stand and the next thing I knew I was hanging upside down. The stand has 2 straps and the top strap had been chewed on by a critter and broke under my 165 pounds. Luckily my left foot got tangled up in the cable that connects the seat to the platform as the stand folded or I would have fallen to the ground for sure. It was a terrifying 15-20 minutes before I was able to climb out of that thing. I actually didn't think I would make out. No phone, no knife as I was not hunting just checking stands. The scariest moments of my life for sure. Lots of lessoned learned that day. So please be very careful, hanging upside down with your foot tangled in a stand is not a situation you ever want to be in...

[Boar]

Wow that is unbeleivably scare paceman, couldnt imagine glad all you guys are ok, one of the best things a guy can do is say honey, if I'm not back at this time I'm here in this part of the woods, unless your telling a guy then I wouldnt avise calling him honey. But just letting someone know where you are an when you'll be back can mean life or death also. baotr

[HooknHorns]

Pretty sore this morning, even had a friggin nightmare last night about it. Woke up just before I hit the ground. Watching that trucking show on history channel didn't help. Would have felt real bad if it was someone else using my stand. Another good point, don't trust someone elses judgement on whats a safe stand when its not yours. Good thing this site has a stand log over in archery to keep me busy.