I was climbing out of the stand and down the climbing sticks when at 15' the non skid strip came loose with my foot. I fell backwards and did a back flop. Got the wind knocked out of me, soft tissue damage on the hand and hip, and a sore back. So now I'm getting rid of all my hang on stands and climbing sticks.
Oh man, sorry to hear that. Glad to hear that just the wind got knocked out of ya. I hope you have a speedy recovery, I was just looking at climbing sticks on the internet today, and thinking about getting some. Aghhhh not so sure now.
I'm glad that was the worst of your injuries. With so many rocks and things that can impale you that we see everyday around our stand, I'd say you were very lucky. I hope you are feeling better now and all the best on your future hunts/climbs!
If it's a semi permanent stand I would really look into getting a HSS lifeline type safety system. Otherwise lineman belt would be a good investment as well. Glad to hear you are OK and it's a good reminder to all of us to be as safe as possible.
I would suggest a lifeline. If you don't want to buy one you can make your own out of 3/8 rope. They are great and prevent this type of thing. You are basically strapped in the whole way up and down.
I've worked with two guys that fell from 15 ft and they are brain damaged. Neither will be 100%. One just started "walking" again the other might not ever. You are so very lucky. Hug your family and get a life line.
X2 on the lifeline. I don't understand why everyone doesn't have these on all their hang on stands. Glad it wasn't worse for you.
Glad to hear that you are alright. Not sure I understand why you are getting rid of all of them. Someone just posted last week about falling from a climber that snapped. Risk isn't reduced in a climber over a lock-on. The risk is reduced with safety gear. I can't agree more about the Lifeline's.
There alot safer than screw in pegs. The more time one spends in stand there bound to have somethin ****ty happin. Im glad your ok
yup. a $40 Muddy or HSS lifeline is going to be a helluva lot cheaper than all new set ups. Plus, going with a climber is not going to alleviate your immediate problem. Closest I ever came to taking a 20' fall was in a climber that slipped off my feet. I was trying to leverage my way back onto the lower platform and almost lost it all. I've never climbed without a linemans belt since. I went to lifelines this year also, but you still have to make that initial climb with a linemans belt.
no matter what stand you hunt unless you have a lifeline you have a risk of falling. I wouldnt take down the stands, i would just invest in life saving equipment. alot less work and will definitely be worth it in the long run!
As someone who feels awkward up trees beyond 20 feet, it is something I seriously worry about. 1. Lifelines- install them when you hang the stand/sticks. 2. Lineman's belt- when hanging stand/sticks/lifelines 3. Descent system- there are a few out, and for about $100, or less, well worth saving a life/trip to the hospital. Climbers aren't exactly super safe in my opinion. I have one, and I'm going to sticks and hang ons. While more comfortable, you still need to use a safety device while climbing, I use a tree rope style climbing lifeline. You can easily get disoriented or not pay 100% attention while climbing, and when you go to sit down on the top part and then go over backwards. No stand is safe (climbers, hang on, ladders), without the harness and some rope support if you fall.
By the way- I know someone will be extra thankful this Thanksgiving. Good luck to the rest of your season, god bless you and your family. Stay safe- after all, this is just a sport/hobby.
Glad it wasn't worse. Get some lifelines. If you insist on a climber slide your tree strap up as you climb. That's what I do. All stands have risks, it's up to the user to use the safety equipment available to us today to reduce those risks.
