Hunter Down!

[Mike D]

We had a very unfortunate incident here where I work. The company owns land in which employees can hunt. Last week we had one of our employees get into his stand (we don't have every detail but we heard it may have been a hang-on) and as he was stepping on he adjusted his backpack and his stand either shifted or broke. He was about 20-25 ft up.
He is at Vanderbilt in good condition. I question the "good" condition considering he has a broken leg, broken ribs, broken wrist, and broken pelvis.
He is alive and THAT is good.

I can't change anyone's attitude here about wearing fall protection but I can say this: I have been hunting for over 20 years now and I can't remember a season in the past where I wore any fall protection more than 3 times in any given year. Each year I hunt at least 50 times from elevated stands.
Until this year. I have wore one since opening day. I bought a comfortable and very affordable Gorilla from Wal Mart and I have no regrets. I think more of myself and of my family now. Why I didn't before?? Stupidity is all I can say.

Thanks for listening and please send prayers for our fellow hunter/worker.

 

[TboneD]

I hate to hear that. If it was a strap-on stand, there's a couple of safety issues that are often overlooked. For one, yes, it's nice to hang the stand above a limb or two, but then you have to disconnect your climbing belt or rope so be very careful. Two, replace all old and frayed straps. I hope and pray he gets a full recovery.

 

[rem270]

Hate to hear it and hope he makes a full recovery.

I never climb without a harness anymore. Can't believe i ever did.

 

[Big JWC 50]

Been there, done that. God spared my life. I left the woods with a broken leg and a chance at my life again. Hope he makes a full recovery

 

[Sea-ark]

Let the local warden know. He will need to do a report. Hope he gets better soon.

 

[Thewsus]

In 2007, I was in a Summitt Viper climber stand and the bottom gave way. Fortunately and by the grsce of God I caught myself on the top portion of the stand by my elbows. I had been reaching up screwing in a easy hanger when it fell. Natural reaction was to push my elbows out as I was falling. My elbows wedged and feet touching the tree suspended 25ft above ground scared to death. I managed to raise myself up to the top of the stand and sit on the rail. The root cause the tree was icy and wet, stand wasn't tight enough and I didn't have a safety harness on. Safety harness will save u there worth every penny and extra minute of setup time. I will keep him in my prayers and wish him a speedy recovery.

 

[Snake]

Hate to hear that and glad it is no worse than it is . Our company allows us to hunt on their land and on that waiver we sign is rules stating that we have to use a safety harness . Not trying to discourage you all but this could damage the right to be able to hunt on their property . Hope this hunter heals back to his original condition .