Saaaaaafety, safety, safety, safety.

LLove · #1 10-14-2008, 04:07 PM

this was on another board im on, the original poster gave me the green light to post it anywhere it might show others the light..

remember that keeping yourself alive isn't just for you, its for your family and everyone who loves you.

"This past Saturday my best friend of 38 yrs went bowhunting for his second time. I talked him in to the sport and he went and bought all new gear this year. He bought a climber and practiced with it a bunch in his yard. I helped him find a place to hunt by his house and he took the tests and got his license. I got a call this past Saturday from his girlfriend way past dark asking me to go check on him as he wasnt home or answering his phone. I was the only one who knew where he was hunting and took the 40 min. drive calling over and over the whole drive. I got to the parking area and found him dead in his truck.
He fell out of the tree,broke his neck and somehow made it to his truck before passing.

No safety harness........................................... ...........
The police come and I had to use my climber to go up and bring down his equipment.
We had him cremated this week and we too his ashes to a wonderful place and me and her let them fly in the wind..............

I love ya brother... wish it ended a little better.

I will say it again.... NO SAFETY HARNESS KILLED A WONDERFUL MAN!

BowhunterDave"

read it.
re-read it.

remember it.

be careful out there yall!!

**Nicodemus** · #2 10-14-2008, 04:09 PM

Good post Lela!!!

germag · #3 10-14-2008, 04:21 PM

I wish I could get some of my hunting buddies to "see the light".

nhancedsvt · #4 10-14-2008, 04:23 PM

man that's scary! i don't have a safety harness simply because i can't afford one but since i don't have one i don't go above 12 feet up a tree. ya'll be careful out there!

**dawg2** · #5 10-14-2008, 04:23 PM

No deer is worth that risk. Terrible.

luv2drum · #6 10-14-2008, 04:29 PM

I had a really close call a couple of years ago. I was much more fortunate, I definitely became a believer in safety harnesses after that. I had a climber stand that was in really good shape, that broke with me( one of those models that you face the tree, My backrest broke and I nearlt did a reversed gainer out of the stand), I ended up dangling by my foot from the stand for a few minutes untill I got my wits about me and got back in the tree. I now have a climber that keeps my back against the tree, but I still will use a harness. You never know, what might go wrong.

germag · #7 10-14-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhancedsvt

man that's scary! i don't have a safety harness simply because i can't afford one but since i don't have one i don't go above 12 feet up a tree. ya'll be careful out there!

Don't think for a second that you can't maim or kill yourself in a 12 foot fall.

rjcruiser · #8 10-14-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhancedsvt

man that's scary! i don't have a safety harness simply because i can't afford one but since i don't have one i don't go above 12 feet up a tree. ya'll be careful out there!

Don't think you can't afford one. Hop onto here or archery talk and ask someone to send you one they got with a climber for free. That is how I got mine. All I had to do was pay for shipping $8 and the guy sent me several for me and my hunting partners.

If you can afford to go hunting, you can afford a $10 harness.

LLove · #9 10-14-2008, 04:34 PM

and FYI, these stories don't help those of us who were already afraid of heights

bjgrant1967 · #10 10-14-2008, 04:34 PM

nhancedsvt
-i got a harness for you

pm sent

Sparky1 · #11 10-14-2008, 04:41 PM

I was hunting over in bama a few years ago on my b-n-laws club and got the call right at dark that we had to help carry one of the 65 year old guest out. No safety harness, stand broke on the way down.

I drove the mans truck home while my b-n-law drove him to the hospital. A broken Pelvis, broken leg and dislocated shoulder later the man realized that hunting would never be the same for him again.

He was lucky, but it's just not worth it for a part that comes with your stand, or a $70 investment for a vest/harness and some peace of mind.

Why do people, men in general, have to be so bullheaded and selfish on issues such as this?

Good post LL, and great avatar.

LLove · #12 10-14-2008, 04:43 PM

thanks

belle&bows · #13 10-14-2008, 05:01 PM

nhancedsvt
I got one for you too and I will be in Milledgeville tomorrow.
pm sent

BCondor77 · #14 10-14-2008, 05:11 PM

I have to say it and sorry if it sounds patronizing....

How can you NOT afford a safety harness? What is your life worth if you die? Is it not worth $50-$70? What about your family? If you have kids and a wife, you owe it to them to be safe...period!!!

If I thought for one second that I would die for not having spent even $500, I would do it immediately.

Think about what I am trying to say.....no amount of money is worth dying for.

nhancedsvt · #15 10-14-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCondor77

I have to say it and sorry if it sounds patronizing....

How can you NOT afford a safety harness? What is your life worth if you die? Is it not worth $50-$70? What about your family? If you have kids and a wife, you owe it to them to be safe...period!!!

If I thought for one second that I would die for not having spent even $500, I would do it immediately.

Think about what I am trying to say.....no amount of money is worth dying for.

i completely understand where you are coming from but when you are a college student and that $50-70 is your grocery money for 2 or 3 weeks, you have to suck it up. it's not the smartest thing but it's what i ahve and i am extremely careful since i don't have one. thank you to those who have offered me harnesses. i will check my pm's shortly and get back with you!

Jim Thompson · #16 10-14-2008, 05:52 PM

good post honey...and yes I wear mine

for those that cant afford one, dont feel bashful about asking. many many many have been given away here and AT and probably on just about every hunting related forum out there

**Greg Tench** · #17 10-14-2008, 06:06 PM

Real good post. I read that the other day at AT. That is a truly sad story and ending.

**Nicodemus** · #18 10-14-2008, 06:11 PM

my feet were only 8 foot off the ground when i had my mishap you aint got to be up in the heavens to git hurt

Lead Poison · #19 10-14-2008, 06:13 PM

I have a couple of friends over in Alabama who simply refuse to wear a safety harness. I just don't understand it.

Lead Poison · #20 10-14-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by germag

Don't think for a second that you can't maim or kill yourself in a 12 foot fall.

You said that right; it takes a lot less than 12' to die!

Jim Thompson · #21 10-14-2008, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lead Poison

I have a couple of friends over in Alabama who simply refuse to wear a safety harness. I just don't understand it.

May cant seem to get his mind around figuring one out

Fishin & Hunting · #22 10-14-2008, 07:21 PM

I had a friend that refused to wear one. One night after a hunt, talking to him about it over a couple beers his wife heard our conversation. Well that got him into his harness, or should I say she got him into a harness. Then he went to the other side and became very pro safety. Got himself a HSS. Kept trying me to spend the money on one. Well he talked to my wife this year and guess what I got for my birthday last week.

LLove · #23 10-14-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Thompson

good post honey...and yes I wear mine

for those that cant afford one, dont feel bashful about asking. many many many have been given away here and AT and probably on just about every hunting related forum out there

not that you have a choice, but good

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicodemus

my feet were only 8 foot off the ground when i had my mishap you aint got to be up in the heavens to git hurt

and it looked painful enough!! i can't imagine falling from twice that

Luckybuck · #24 10-14-2008, 10:00 PM

I bought a HSS vest this year and quite frankly the darn thing is not uncomfortable at all to sit in. Prior years I had just used a belt under my arms and around chest which is really not a good safety set up. The HSS is well worth the money and if it saves you from falling it is priceless.

FireMedic380 · #25 10-14-2008, 10:06 PM

I went to buy my 7 year old his first rifle to use in our new buddy stand. Took the money and bought us each a Hunter Safety System vest. Now I have the 2 that came with the buddy stand, feel free to ask for them. It's the least I could give back for all the fun I have on this board. I have heard soooo many stories about tree stand accidents in the past few weeks. I used the HSS 3 days this weekend, forgot it was on and only takes a few seconds to put on.

j_seph · #26 10-14-2008, 10:16 PM

sorry to hear guys/gals wear your safety harness if not for you then for someone who loves you

Luke0927 · #27 10-14-2008, 10:32 PM

Man thats terrible i have to many friends that don't wear them either...their still young and invincible.....

bwarren2 · #28 10-14-2008, 11:06 PM

horrible story! Prayers sent for his girlfriend and family.

win280 · #29 10-15-2008, 07:37 AM

Started wearing my safety harness when my FIL was climbing a step ladder. His foot slipped off the 2nd rung from the bottom. (18")Broken foot,twisted knee,strained back. Doctor said no more climbing period. He was 58 at the time .6 months to heal and still walks with a limp. PLEASE WEAR THE SAFETY HARNESS.

Nugefan · #30 10-15-2008, 07:43 AM

TTT .....

and this weekend with a high powered rifle , everyone be careful ......

LLove · #31 10-15-2008, 12:12 PM

good point Andy

don't let me hear you tell people you blew yourself out of a stand with recoil..

nhancedsvt · #32 10-15-2008, 01:48 PM

well thanks to belle&bows (David) i am now one of the converted. there sure are some great people on this board and i am proud to be a part of it. thanks again Daivid. now i'll be strapped to a tree in monroe co. this weekend! ya'll be careful and have a safe weekend!

threadfin-nole · #33 10-15-2008, 03:07 PM

Remember. A harness does you no good if you fall climbing up to your stand. Stay attached to the tree all the way up. A line system works really well.

belle&bows · #34 10-15-2008, 03:14 PM

Think nothing of it and it was a pleasure talking with you Steven. Wear it in good health. Good hunting!

LLove · #35 10-15-2008, 07:17 PM

aww

Cleankill47 · #36 10-15-2008, 07:52 PM

Good story, but there's a sure-fire way to keep from falling:

I hunt on the ground....

I'm not afraid of heights, I just haven't been able to get my ladder stand yet. Then I'll get my harness.

LLove · #37 10-18-2008, 01:44 AM

btt

3.5 hours to kick off people!! be safe out there!!!

and if you have any back straps left over, remember your buddy LLove

LLove · #38 09-17-2009, 01:25 AM

just a friendly *bump* to reiterate the importance of safety harnesses

if you can't afford one SAY SO!!! there are plenty of people who are more than happy to help out and give away their extras!!!

Good luck this season and be careful out there

heavymetalhunter · #39 09-17-2009, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LLove

if you can't afford one SAY SO!!! there are plenty of people who are more than happy to help out and give away their extras!!!

as embarassing as it is to say, i really cant afford one. with the housing market tanked, cabinet work just isnt in demand.

LLove · #40 09-17-2009, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavymetalhunter

as embarassing as it is to say, i really cant afford one. with the housing market tanked, cabinet work just isnt in demand.

if no one on here can help ya out with one theres usually a lot of people with extras over on archerytalk.com

don't worry, we'll find ya one!

Hut2 · #41 09-17-2009, 05:48 AM

Always in the past ,I never used one. I've got one that's green & it's called a (Hide um Hunter). After reading this ,I took it out of the gun cabinet. It was folded up with a big rubber band around it,the rubber band fell off. Probably at least 15yrs old ,do you guys think it's still good? I'm not too sure ,If y'all think it isn't I'd sure appreciate one if someone has extras. I think I need to start wearing one. Thanks, for your input on my old one.

droptine06 · #42 09-17-2009, 06:49 AM

I never wore one, was "invincible" like most of us men in they're teens and twenties....til I fell bout 15ft+ one day from a large oak tryin to hang a lock-on. By the grace of God I did not get hurt. Fell backwards and landed on my back flat into a mess of thorns and honey suckle. Laid there for a minute scared to death, thought I had just broke my back because I was feelin' no pain and knew I had to have broken something! Scared the dog poo out of me and lesson learned!! Hut2 and heavymetalhunter, I've got 3 or 4 of em lyin around from stands I have bought in the last couple years. You're both welcome to them brothers, PM me if you would like one. Like said above, wear it if not for yourself, for those who love you!!

Hut2 · #43 09-17-2009, 08:39 AM

Thanks, Droptine06.......pm sent !

robinsonfam1 · #44 09-17-2009, 08:53 AM

one idea that i enjoy using:

I use the straps that stay on the tree with a locking caribiner (sp?)
this way as soon as i am in the tree i clip in and im done. it does not address the issue while climbing, but i cant tell you how many times i used to fight to get the strap around the tree, and onto me without slipping. scary stuff!

there should be plenty of harnesses to go around. every tree stand comes with one, every year we buy new stands and we can only wear one at a time so dont be afraid to ask for help. I had about 10 at one time, im now down to 2.

take your time and be smart out there!

multihunter · #45 09-17-2009, 09:03 AM

Anobody who needs one just send me a PM & I'll ship ya one for free. I have several of them new in the bag from various tree stands I've bought over the years. I hunted my first year without one & since I've put one on I won't go up in a tree without one. I feel 100 times safer wearing one.

Arrow-Slinger · #46 09-17-2009, 12:08 PM

My wife just started bow hunting this year. So we got her a climber and started practicing this summer. It came with a full body harness but i didn't like the way it fit her( she only 5'1) it was way to big. I went and bought her a HSS. I was not going to let her climb a tree with out being safe! It also helped me to see the light. I started wearing the full body harness that came with my stand instead of the waist belt. I now also tie to the tree as I climb. I use to wait until i got up to the position. I guess teaching her the safety of climbing helped to make me look at the lesson I was preaching! I am going to be getting me a HSS soon, she loves it!

BTY I have a FREE full body harness, PM if interested!!!!

turbogt · #47 09-17-2009, 12:13 PM

After 20 years of not using a harness I use one every time now. It's the first thing I put on over my camo - even before my hat or gloves. Everyone's luck will run out eventually and decided mine was getting pretty thin so I'd rather be wearing a harness when mine finally runs out

I have two full body harnesses that came with my stands I'd be happy to give away. PM me and you can come pick 'em up.

redneckcamo · #48 09-17-2009, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heavymetalhunter

as embarassing as it is to say, i really cant afford one. with the housing market tanked, cabinet work just isnt in demand.

I got one you can have !! shoot me a pm an I will send it your way postage paid ......!

tinker141 · #49 09-17-2009, 01:41 PM

After many years of using hard to figure out harnesses and back in the day no harness at all , I bought the HSS Pro vest . Man am I glad i did , love , love ,love it . I didnt want to break down and spend that kind of money , there is always some cool hunting stuff I need , but it has been worth every penny .

HuntingFool · #50 09-17-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhancedsvt

man that's scary! i don't have a safety harness simply because i can't afford one but since i don't have one i don't go above 12 feet up a tree. ya'll be careful out there!

If you lived closer I would tell you to get to my house now and I will give you one. You can't "afford" not to have one. 12ft, 6ft it does not matter. If you truly can't afford one send me a PM with your name and address and I will box you one up and send it to you. Just promise me that you will use it everytime you are in the tree reguardless of how high.