SAFETY REQUEST

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backstraps

backstraps

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
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8,458
City & State/Province
NE Tennessee
I have never used a rope or strap climbing up or down. Once I get to my position on the tree I am going to hunt I lock my harness. Unlock and climb down....now here is the PROBLEM with this scenario:





This pass Saturday night, after sitting for hours 33' up. Closing time arrives and I unhook to begin my descent. I actually climbed about 20 feet or so down the tree when (for what ever reason, no one has figured it out yet) my Summit platform came unhooked and left me on the ground from around 10-12 feet up.



Doesnt sound like much of a big deal to some I suppose. However I was Blessed with only some bruising, slipped disc, inflamation from a twisted spine, irritated sciatic nerves and some really sore muscles.



POINT BEING!: Use you safety devices as they were intended. I was able to walk away, still live my life day to day as usual.

It could have been the exact opposite and much much worse. I was hunting very remote area in Ohio. Easily over an hour and half from the nearest hospital.


DO NOT TAKE THE CHANCE! I didnt like using aids up and down due to the added noise...listen how rediculous that sounds now looking back at what it couldve cost me!
 
Glad you are ok, I just invested in a system for ladder stands that is usable from the ground to the top and also on descent, just to make sure nothing happens
 
I use to do this same thing until last year when my platform slipped a foot or so down the tree....It was enough to change my mind real fast! Thanks for the post, we all need to think of our loved one's when we are making these decisions !
 
backstraps said:
TNDeerGuy said:
Glad you are alive to tell the story—that hopefully someone will benefit from! Were you using a climber, or a lock on?
Click to expand...


A climber
Click to expand...

20feet up makes the neatest thing since sliced bread when going up and down the tree with a climber and wanting to stay attached >>>>>> http://20feetup.com/Product_Details.html <<<<<<. Just slide your strap into the slots of the little "buckles" and up you go�no more pia stopping everytime to readjust the strap...just climb as you normally would. When you get up to your desired height, just take the strap out of the slots and cinch against the tree as normal. Do the reverse going back down. If you fall, the weight on the strap cinches against the tree and pulls out of the slots preventing your fall. Here's the video.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiKZLHSmydM&lr=1
 
People (myself as one of the more 'vocal' ones) on this forum have preached, screamed, posted, lectured, and re-emphasized-----for YEARS---the need to wear a harness FROM THE MOMENT YOUR FEET LEAVE THE GROUND, TILL THEY ARE BACK ON THE GROUND.
Glad you are OK, but I do wish you had heeded the advice that so many have given.
Not trying to shame you, really. I seriously am glad you lived to tell the story and remind others how important it is!!
Statistics show that 75% or greater of the falls happen during ascent or descent.
 
According to statistics, nearly one out of every three hunters that hunt from an elevated stand will fall at some point during their span of hunting. Too many hunters die every year, plus many more are injured as a result of a fall from a treestand. Reports show that simple carelessness appears to be the main reason for treestand accidents. Research also shows that most falls from hunting are, in fact, NOT while you are sitting in the stand, but that nearly 75% of falls happen while the hunter is either ascending or descending the tree, or the ladder. Securing yourself to the tree and keeping at least three points of contact on the ladder or steps at all times are crucial to keeping safe.

Climbing ropes designed with special Prussic knots that allow the hunter to tether themselves to the tree at all times is quickly become the norm all across the country. The Life Line System with a full body harness is about as good as it gets. As more and more hunters realize that safety systems can provide an extra sense of security without much fuss, many are opting to never climb into a treestand again without such systems in place. Additionally, many hunting clubs and leases are now REQUIRING climbing rope systems on their treestands, as this simple system which provides dramatic increase in safety while significantly decreasing climbing accidents, is becoming the norm. With a lifeline and a harness, there is no excuse. You can be connected from the time your feet leave the ground until the time they are back on the ground. If you are not familiar with the Lifeline system, open the link below to read about and watch the video to learn about the HSS Lifeline system.

http://www.huntersafetysystem.com/store ... -pack.html
 
So glad to hear you are still among the living backstraps. Treestand falls can be terrifying and life-altering if not ending events. Three falls was enough for me to stop using climbing stands (as well as other reasons).
 
Glad you weren't hurt any worse than what you were, but I'm sure Dave would have giving you some more time off work if you would have just asked him, no need to fall out of your treestand lol.

Glad your O.k.
 
Glad you are OK and that you are sharing your lesson learned. The extra minute or two that it adds to climb with a harness attached is well worth it.

Can you share any more details about how the platform failed? There are lots of us on TnDeer who use Summits who would benefit from anything you know about the cause.
 
Can you share any more details about how the platform failed? There are lots of us on TnDeer who use Summits who would benefit from anything you know about the cause.
Click to expand...
Good question as this is the 2nd one i have heard of coming apart just this year?

Glad your ok Backstraps!
 

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