WEAR THOSE SAFETY VESTS!!!

[DRH1175]

Just got word this morning that my co-workers brother Fell out of his Stand last night Was found this morning when he never came home last night down in Rochester. I sure hope he is alright. All we know at this point is that he had some broken bones. Not known if he has Hypothermia, or paralyzed etc... It was sure cold last night. He has been a avid hunter fisherman for over 30 years no rookie.

[Shack]

I would bring a cell phone also if possible (signal and if you have one). I am lucky mine works where I hunt. I could see how one could fall and (at least I am in a bog/swap) the ground is hard. I strap my self in every time, but i think where the moment of concern lies, is when you are going up and turning around to sit in stand, just before you buckle in. All it would take is to have the strap loosen up over night or a couple days do to wind or wearing in bark and have top of stand twist on and dump you off.

Good post! Sorry to hear about your friend. Hope he comes out ok.

[DRH1175]

yes that is when I worry about it. when coming off my steps turning around or while hooking up the harness.

[shogun]

If you do it right, you should always be attached to the tree from the moment you first leave the ground. There are a number systems for doing this.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Great reminder... too bad someone had to get hurt to remind us... I lock in while in stand.. I haev yet to find a decent system to use while going up the tree... I had heard of a thing that was like a dog leash that retracted as you climbed and worked the same way a seat belt does... Anybody know what I am talking about.. I would buy that if I found it..

[Jim916]

I almost fell out of my stand Sunday morning as I was getting ready to climb back down the tree. I had loosened the seat of my climber and I remembered I had to grab something I had hung on a branch in the tree next to me. I leaned over to grab it and my climber seat shifted and I started to fall. I did have my saftey strap on. I ended up half on my seat and my feet dangling in the air. I managed to pull the bottom of my climber under my feet and used the tree next to me to pull myself back.

I am glad I had my safety strap on. It happens real quick.

I still know a lot of people who do not use them.

[sticknstring]

Hunter Safety System. Vest coupled with the Life Line and Lineman's climbing rope and you're secure from the moment you leave ground and makes it a heckuva lot easier hanging and removing hang-ons. I've had way too many close calls over the years and I like to hunt high. This year I finally broke down and made the investment... Best thing I ever did.

[brassman]

Quote:

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I had heard of a thing that was like a dog leash that retracted as you climbed and worked the same way a seat belt does... Anybody know what I am talking about.. I would buy that if I found it..

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Hey Deitz,

there is such a thing, it is called the Fall Guy Retractor. in my line of work the field workers always use 11' retractables or the cable 50' retractables and thought that it would be a good idea but someone beat me to it, The fall guy is a 20' retractable. go to everyones favorite chain store located in 3 locations across Minnesota. ( not enough) ones in Owatonna and another is in Rogers if you didn't get the hint. its on their webpage in the safety harness section.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Brassman--Thanks so much.. found it.. and it just so happens I work at Cabelas at an ice fishing event in a little over a week... I'll be picking up a couple of them for sure! And at $70, I dont think its overy expensive either... to save my life that is.