Another Treestand Fall

[Tim]

By posting this thread maybe we can get one more guy or gal to tie in "all" the time.

My hunting buddy is big, strong, fit and has been at this a very long time.  That's all well and good but complacency happens.

Sunday morning he went in to hang a new stand.  He noticed that the tree he chose had a few very old tree steps left in it about 15 feet up.  He pegged his way up to the old step and gave it a kick to snap it off.  Not high enough for a good angle he put one more peg in to get higher.  He was at a "V" in the tree so he wasn't able to get his lineman belt around the tree.  

From there everything happened pretty quick.  He's not sure whether he stepped on an old step or his new peg but down he went.  He had one leg up in a "front kick" position and the other extended straight.  That leg is what hit the ground first.  He ended up rolling backwards a few feet after he hit.  

The first thing he did was a quick body check.  Everything seemed fine but his right ankle. He tried to stand up but the ankle didn't seem or sound right when he put some pressure on it.

Short story.......He didn't fly well but landed pretty good.  His head, back, neck and arms are fine.  His right ankle is also fine, but his heel bone is completely shattered.  Not good.  From here it's a waiting game.  CAT scan scheduled for today and most likely surgery.  Bottom line is he's out of commission for quite awhile.  

I know tying in is a hassle.  I know life lines involve more money and time.  I know we all climbed trees as kids.  I also know this happens almost every year to someone we know.  Be careful, take the extra time and spend the extra few bucks to be safe!      

[Soonerlongbow]

Glad he's mostly ok. Could have been ALOT worse!!

[A.S.]

Tim, this is such a great reminder. I was "lucky" as well, a few years ago and didn't end up injured worse than I did when I fell. My rule now is to be attached at all times once a foot goes off the ground.

Take it from someone who has "been there, done that", it happens quicker than you can imagine!

I took time to talk treestand safety to my son after you sent me the text last night. He isn't hunting from treestands yet, but it won't be long.

[Tim]

I started using life lines this year for Amy.  And myself and Timmy.  I absolutely love the concept.  I tie in with a Ropeman Descender before I even step foot on a step.  I picked up a bunch of tree rope from a couple tree guys I know.  Most tree guys have extra rope they don't use any more.  I was able to pick up 200 feet for a thank you.  8 life lines!

[Fletcher]

Thanks for bringing this up, Tim.  It doesn't always happen to the other guy.

Last year we gave away several of the harnesses that come with a new stand.  They aren't the nicest harness, but very functional and do the job.  I have a few more if anybody needs one.  All I ask is shipping cost.

[Tim]

Two of my buddies are Tree Surgeons.  They climb for a living and the very thought of hanging a tree stand or sitting in one without a belt on scares the hell out of them!  These are guys that live in trees!!!  

My one tree buddy said he'd rather fall from 90 ft than 20 ft.  At least at 90 ft he knows what he's in for.  Kind of sick...but I get his point.

[David Smith]

The mere thought of even leaving the ground without some form of fall restraint scares the hell outta me!!!!! Hook up before you go up.....

[KentuckyTJ]

Oh man, these threads give me chills when I see them. They flash me right back to a call I got from a buddy three years ago who had just fallen. After rushing to him and having the STAT flight helicopter come to get him please guys be safe.

Sorry about your buddy Tim I will be praying for him.

[Mudd]

Either "Hook up" or stay put...on the ground.

Falls can be deadly but can also result in lifelong injuries that you never recover from.

My fall wasn't from a tree stand, in fact it was inside my home.

I did something silly, I tried to step over a kid gate at about 2:30 in the morning. One foot caught on the gate and I fell severing the nerve in my neck that operates the diaphragm on my left side.

It has changed the way I do things.

Be safe, at all times but especially if you're gonna climb trees.

God bless,Mudd

[Huntrdfk]

I am sorry to hear about your friend Tim, I hope in time he completely recovers.

David

[longbowman]

Glad there was no more injury than that.  So, what do you guys use for climbing and where do you get it?

[Arctic Hunter]

Been there. One accident will make you think it's not such a pain to mess with....If you live through it. Luckily, I did.

[Tim]

LB_hntr   Here on trad gang had a fantastic video on how to go up and down a tree and attach a life line.  Hopefully someone can attach the link or he will chime in.

[Ragin Bull]

Thanks Tim for the reminder. Something we should all keep on our minds everyday. I'll mostly a ground hunter now but I'm going to have to look into the lifelines.
Thanks again

[Nook]

Hey Tim.  Tell Guy the whole Cool Springs Gang wishes him a fast recovery.  I will not get into a tree without my Seat of the Pants hooked up.  Allen is our tree stand diving champion.  No fun.  Jeff

[Marshallrobinson]

I feel very bad for your friend. I hope the prognosis is as positive as can be. Sometimes, you cant control what happens, so a backup plan is required.

[KSdan]

Oh boy.  Scary.  Good he will recover.

I do not think I am suppose to post other sites- but there is a story on another popular bow site of a fellow dying this year- He was tied in with a rope around his waist.  His boys found him hanging by it. Deceased.

Be careful
Dan in KS

[nineworlds9]

Sad story and preventable.  Glad it was 'just' a heel.  Best to be tied in to the tree 100% of the time and with a a cell phone in a pocket easy to reach and a whistle available also.  Make sure you tie in with a PURPOSE built harness, home brew stuff can get you killed or injured, whether through falling, asphyxia or mechanical injury, same danger as hitting the ground.  Be safe.  Gravity likes me too much I stay on the ground, it might get lonely  

[reddogge]

Hope your friend heals well.

That's a good case for two lineman's belts. Fasten the second one above the V and disconnect the first one and proceed up.

My son broke his heel this summer and it was over 12 weeks in a boot and crutches and he didn't even need surgery.

[Rustic]

I'm scared of heights and I'm claustrophobic... there I said it.
When I used to climb trees, I would'nt leave the ground with out my safety harness on. This came in very handy a few years ago when I had a close call.
My bad, sorry for your buds mis-fortune.