6 years ago today

[billy shipp]

Allen,

I'm glad you're still here with us brother. I haven't fallen, but came close several times using the old loc-On stands and having the S hook all but straightened out when I looked because something just didn't feel right.
God is with each of us every day giving us warning signs along the way like Eugene just said. 6 or 7 years ago the only safety harness/belt I knew of was the single strap going around your waist, and I knew I didn't want to have that on and fall. New/better equipment has made all of us safer if we use those products.
About the time of your fall, I had a good friend fall, laid there several hours before anyone missed him. An uncle finally found him unconscious with a broken back. He was paralized from the neck down, and lived only 3 years after the fall.
Hunt smart guys and gals.....WEAR a safety harness of some kind.

[A.S.]

Well put Billy!

One thing I can tell you is that falling 22 feet as I did REALLY hurts!  

I cringe every time I hear about someone falling now.

[Joe Q.]

This is why I too use HSS lifelines on my stands. I also started using the live-wire system on my ladders too so I don't have to hang there trying to figure out how to get back on the ladder or platform if I fall. As a side note, a few folding screw in steps and a suspension relief strap, and or a linemans belt will fit in a cargo pocket on your BDU's and can be used to get down or get back up if all else fails.

[Oliverstacy]

To all I hope you wear a harness of some sort...on 10-21-11 it will have been 15 years since a good friend (like a second father to me) fell and lost the use of his legs.  He landed on a tree root and became a paraplegic…still a deadly hunter but can’t do the things he loved the most!

If you go up…hook in!

Be safe!!!

Josh

[Jim Jackson]

Excellent advice.  Glad you are ok and shared your story.  Good links and advice on another concurrent thread also:

 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=109472#000000

[GRINCH]

When I was 16 worked for a tree trimming co. used to climb with no harness of any kind just jumped around like a monkey,now I don't leave the ground without be harnessed,learned alot since those days.

[Osagetree]

I got smart two years ago after falling twice without injury. I was lucky!
I tend to hunt high, 25 to 30ft and for over 20 yrs never used a harness.
I never leave home without it now.