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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 01:20:00 PM

Title: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 01:20:00 PM
Well, after more than 20 years of hanging and hunting from treestands, I had a serious accident yesterday. After putting up 24' of ladder, I hung the gorilla lock on. I had to take off my line mans belt to reattach when climbed onto the platform. When stepped onto it, the rubber coated wires that hold the platform to the seat/frame each snapped, sending me crashing down. My left leg took the brunt of it, breaking my pelvis in three places.

So I write this from my hospital room, looking at 6-8 weeks of recovery. Luckily that'll still leave me about two months to get my form back down before bowseason starts.

Wear you harnesses guys. I always do, but that quick detach cost me, which means I have to find a new way.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Bjorn on May 31, 2014, 01:24:00 PM
Ouch! Wish you a good recovery.   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 01:34:00 PM
Thanks
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 01:37:00 PM
I feel like a real fool. I've always been arrogant in a tree, having no fear of heights and being agile and strong, always assuming I could catch myself if something did go wrong. But it happened so fast there was nothing to catch, and I hit before I could even slow myself down by grabbing the tree or limbs.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: PaPaFrank on May 31, 2014, 01:37:00 PM
Wow I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope you have quick recovery.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: wingnut on May 31, 2014, 01:37:00 PM
Sounds like a double warning.  Do not detach from your life line at any time.  AND maintain your treestands.  How many years since the cables were replaced?

Heal fast!  

Mike
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on May 31, 2014, 01:40:00 PM
Glad to hear you're still with us to tell about it.  Prayers be with you, good luck and hope you have a speedy recovery.  Just goes to show, no matter how careful we all are, accidents can and do happen.  Get well soon.

Jason
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Ric O'Shay on May 31, 2014, 01:41:00 PM
Your injuries were bad, but could have been much worse. Hope you have a speedy recovery. 24 feet up? Wow! I'd get a nose bleed.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 01:48:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by wingnut:
Sounds like a double warning.  Do not detach from your life line at any time.  AND maintain your treestands.  How many years since the cables were replaced?

Heal fast!  

Mike
Never, the stand was only about 6 years old.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 01:48:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Ric O'Shay:
Your injuries were bad, but could have been much worse. Hope you have a speedy recovery. 24 feet up? Wow! I'd get a nose bleed.
Oh I realize I'm very lucky.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: pukwana on May 31, 2014, 02:11:00 PM
Sorry to hear about your accident. Get well soon!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Steve Jr on May 31, 2014, 02:28:00 PM
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: JimB on May 31, 2014, 02:47:00 PM
Real sorry to hear.Wishing you a very fast recovery.

I have been using a couple Gorilla tree stands for quite a few years and decided this year,they needed upgraded.It turns out that Gorilla no longer makes tree stands and will not sell any parts.

They looked fine but I replaced all the bolts with grade 8,zinc coated ones.I have a bench swager so I made new platform cables out of stainless,aircraft cable-no plastic coating.I have worried that those galvanized cables might sweat and rust inside that plastic and there is no way to inspect them so decided to use the bare cable.

I replaced the belt that goes around the tree with a heavy duty ratchet strap and will use a second one for back up.

My stands are way older than yours and I'm extremely lucky that I haven't had a failure.I'm kicking myself for not having done it sooner.

Hopefully your thread will serve as a very important reminder to all,to keep up maintenance on all tree stand equipment.Take care.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: finkm1 on May 31, 2014, 02:54:00 PM
That's why I've been replacing my hangons with ladder stands. A friends stand did the same thing and he was laid up for a long time.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Warden609 on May 31, 2014, 03:02:00 PM
I wish you a quick recovery.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Jock Whisky on May 31, 2014, 03:12:00 PM
"I feel like a real fool. I've always been arrogant in a tree, having no fear of heights and being agile and strong, always assuming I could catch myself if something did go wrong. But it happened so fast there was nothing to catch, and I hit before I could even slow myself down by grabbing the tree or limbs."

You're not alone JKM97. I had a friend say pretty much the same thing when questioned about not tying in. When a member of his group fell out of his stand he said he was on the ground before he even had time to think about grabbing anything, let alone grab it. I believe they all tie in now.
There was a time when I bounced pretty good. I tend to break a lot easier now.

Here's to a speedy recovery. All the best
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Danny Rowan on May 31, 2014, 03:14:00 PM
Sorry to hear that. and that is why I no longer hunt out of trees. I am way to old to take a fall like that.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: JDBerry on May 31, 2014, 03:37:00 PM
My little brother fell out of a stand years ago, Broke 3 or 4 Ribs, Lucky our cousin was with Glen to get him out. Take care, Glad you made it.  ...James
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Wudstix on May 31, 2014, 03:41:00 PM
Only takes an instant as you found out.  Glad you are around to tell the story and God speed on your recovery.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 03:45:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by JDBerry:
My little brother fell out of a stand years ago, Broke 3 or 4 Ribs, Lucky our cousin was with Glen to get him out. Take care, Glad you made it.  ...James
Same here. Like most of my areas, there is no phone service. I almost always hang stands alone, but yesterday my cousin was with me. He carried/drug me out if the woods (only dropping me once, lol). I have no idea what would have happened had I been alone.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: JimB on May 31, 2014, 03:48:00 PM
Guys,I just cut the plastic off one of my Gorilla cables that I just recently took off.My assumption was right.It had sweat under that plastic and the cable is badly corroded.I felt it and it was actually wet!I mean like you had just dipped it in water.I'm going to replace every cable on every treestand with 316 stainless cable and will never use plastic coated again.Be careful guys.
 (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/BearSeason2014023.jpg) (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/jbrandenburg/media/BearSeason2014023.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: dragonheart on May 31, 2014, 04:03:00 PM
First off sending you prayers for a speedy recovery.  Talk about an eyeopener.  This is a motivator to hunt on the ground for me.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Bill Carlsen on May 31, 2014, 04:08:00 PM
Last year I replaced the cables on all my tree stands with 3/16" cable. I had to buy some tools and the cable but the $100 investment gives me stands with 800# of weight bearing and a lot of peace of mind. I did it because one day as I was getting into one stand I noticed corrosion on one of the cables. I called Gorilla and they  said the cables needed to be changed at least every 3 years. Hope your recovery is quick and without complications.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: varmint101 on May 31, 2014, 04:09:00 PM
Thank God you made it out okay in the end!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: 1kwikstik on May 31, 2014, 04:18:00 PM
Sorry about your fall. I'm with finkm1. Ive gone to ladder stands wherever i can use them. I know you can fall from ladders too but I just feel safer. At my age you just don't bounce anymore.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on May 31, 2014, 04:21:00 PM
Even at 34 it's rough.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Charlie Lamb on May 31, 2014, 04:28:00 PM
Well buddy I'm glad you aren't worse off than you are. I had the same thing happen to me last year.

At 66 yrs. old the 12 feet I fell felt like 24 feet. Messed up my pelvis and I'm still experiencing pain from it. I'm getting my care from the VA and they are a little slow as you might have heard.

It was the cables on my Gorilla stand that let me down. Close as I can tell they both let go almost simultaneously. I have always checked my stands each year but only nuts, bolts and connections.

I had mine set up with safety line and all, but after hanging the stand midday I went back to camp for lunch. On returning to the stand that PM I realized I had forgotten my harness.

Since I didn't want to lose the time it would have taken to return to camp and get the rig I weighed the odds and went up without it... here's your sign!

Maybe by writing our experience down we'll save somebody else from the same experience or worse.

Hope your recovery is quick and complete.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Gator1 on May 31, 2014, 04:32:00 PM
I'm very thankful you are for all intent and purposes o.k.

The moral of this is, tree stands don't last forever.  Ladder Stands, Hang On Stands, Climbers.

I've been hanging tree stands since I was 13-14, and honestly, can't believe I never had a fall, No harness, nothing.  

Ladder stands with the nylon ratchets fail, especially if left out in sun.  I'm down to hunting out of my Summit Climber, harnessed all the way up and all way till my feet hit the ground.

Good idea as JimB did to inspect the cables.  They really aren't all that thick on most hang on stands.

I may hunt out of my ladder again after quite a long lay off.  But I do know this, I'll replace the ratchet straps yearly, and for safety sake, I'm also going to put a Rubber Coated Chain up top, with a small turnbuckle.

If the Ratchet should fail, the Chain will at least keep me from crashing to the ground. I'm also going to employ the Rope to the top of the stand to harness up and down with a prussic knot.

GET WELL
SOON....

**** These posts are very good reminders for all of us here*************


  :pray:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: olddogrib on May 31, 2014, 04:58:00 PM
Glad it wasn't worse. I got suspicious of plastic coated cable-supported platforms when my truck tailgate broke under minimal loading. Upon closer inspection the strands were completely corroded.  I think the coating mainly traps moisture that wicks in from the open ends and then can't evaporate.  If it's black it's doubly bad to hide the rust.  I can't say that clear would make it any more visible. I still prefer the old style Loc-ons with the pivoting metal supports. I'll live with a couple extra pounds, but what's still a light weight compared to a climber.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: nineworlds9 on May 31, 2014, 05:03:00 PM
I'm so effing glad I sold the Gorilla I used to own and now hunt exclusively on the ground.  Man oh man!!

Get well soon.  Don't beat yourself up over what happened.  It was an accident.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: kawika b on May 31, 2014, 05:09:00 PM
Godspeed on a full recovery... truly glad it wasn't worse.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: LV2HUNT on May 31, 2014, 06:16:00 PM
Hope for a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: KSdan on May 31, 2014, 06:23:00 PM
Oh my. . .

Another reason I never leave a stand in the woods, all cables are replaced with high-strength braided poly rope (never need worry about failure), and I tie in before stepping onto stand.  

Best recovery. . .  perhaps good time to reflect why Someone spared your life.  

Dan in KS
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: on May 31, 2014, 06:42:00 PM
glad it wasn't worse , man.
hope you heel up pretty quickly.

  where can a guy get steel cables to replace old ones anyways?   :dunno:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Homey88 on May 31, 2014, 06:46:00 PM
Get well soon!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Homey88 on May 31, 2014, 06:47:00 PM
Get well soon!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on May 31, 2014, 06:56:00 PM
Wow Kyle the Good Lord is a Merciful God! Glad he had his hand on you.

Every year that goes by and each story I read or hear about tree stands accidents just moves me closer to ground hunting full time.

My ratio has been about 50/50 but with about as many deer sighting either way, its just tougher to get the shot off when on the ground and within 20 yards or under.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: BOWMARKS on May 31, 2014, 07:04:00 PM
Hears to a quick and full recovery.   :pray:    :pray:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: gringol on May 31, 2014, 07:48:00 PM
Wow.  Glad you are ok, more or less.  That could have ended much worse.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: BUFF on May 31, 2014, 08:08:00 PM
Get well soon
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: TOEJAMMER on May 31, 2014, 08:30:00 PM
I echo everyones' best wishes for a speedy recovery.  For a bad situation, you are one lucky individual.  I have three or four tree stands sitting in with my equipment in the basement and there they stay.  Terra firma for me.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Dan Landis on May 31, 2014, 08:54:00 PM
Best wishes on a speedy recovery, could have been a lot worse.  

I had a similar experience 13 years ago, pelvis fractures in two places and two fractures in back.  Was laid up for 10 weeks.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jt85 on May 31, 2014, 09:08:00 PM
Wish you a speedy recovery, glad it wasn't worse
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Sam McMichael on May 31, 2014, 09:15:00 PM
Get well soon. Good luck with your recovery.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Bud B. on May 31, 2014, 09:30:00 PM
Glad I read this.

My Gorilla is now retired.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Mudd on May 31, 2014, 10:00:00 PM
Prayers for complete healing and thanks that it wasn't worse.

God bless,Mudd
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: JimB on May 31, 2014, 10:30:00 PM
I think this thread is going to save some people.It has sure reinforced some things for me that I need to do and not do.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: D.Ellis on May 31, 2014, 10:39:00 PM
Yikes! Sorry to hear this, but glad you are still alive. Hope the healing process goes well and quickly.
Darcy
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: gregg dudley on May 31, 2014, 11:41:00 PM
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

  :archer2:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Dry Creek on May 31, 2014, 11:58:00 PM
Kyle so glad you are ok. Like I said at the hospital if you need anything just let me know.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Caughtandhobble on June 01, 2014, 12:55:00 AM
I hope you have a speedy recovery... Thank the Lord your accident was not worse.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: MCS on June 01, 2014, 06:30:00 AM
Your a lucky guy. Heal up soon and get back on that horse.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 01, 2014, 07:15:00 AM
Thanks guys, and I intend to be in a tree October 1st.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: graybarkhunter on June 01, 2014, 08:18:00 AM
Heal up quick, glad you're still here. I'm in Jackson , holler if you need something
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: PA Bones on June 01, 2014, 08:40:00 AM
Hope you heal quickly and thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: longbow55 on June 01, 2014, 08:57:00 AM
Hate to hear you will be down for a while. Prays for you from my family. Heck of a way to spend a summer vacation.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Coach Jones on June 01, 2014, 09:21:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by finkm1:
That's why I've been replacing my hangons with ladder stands. A friends stand did the same thing and he was laid up for a long time.
I had a bad fall with a ladder.   It pulled away from the tree while taking it down.  It was go over backwards or just push away and jump.  I jumped.   Lots of cuts but no broken bones.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Archie on June 01, 2014, 09:25:00 AM
Thanks for passing along your story.  It has been said that "it is a very ill wind that blows no one some good."  Your ill wind has blown up a good warning for a lot of people.

It could be that God let you have your accident (knowing the pain it would bring, but that you could bear it) so that several others' lives would be saved through hearing your warning.

I try to stay out of trees for the most part, due to stories like this.  Get well soon!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: countrygirl on June 01, 2014, 10:05:00 AM
Kyle so sorry you were injured also so thankful that you posted this. Tom say...my Gorilla stand in the park has got to go or get new cables. So we will be shopping for a new lock on. I always wear a safety strap...usually I use the one withe prussic knots with it attached to my safety harness. Sometimes I will have a tree with my Fall Guy. We only leave one stand up all year and that is my "go to" stand. We always check all stands when we hang them and the safety lines. We always buy use new rachet straps each year for the lock on stands especially for the Gorilla in the park. Missouri winters takes it's toll on those straps and so do the squirrels. Wish we could just walk out to the shed and check stands today but they are about 1250 miles away.

I have LOVED that Gorilla stand and have killed a lot of deer from it. Always said it was big enough for me to square dance on it. I could turn and shoot from any angle.  

Stands been up there for ...8 years. The really scary thing is Tom climbing up the ladder stand to it and then testing it by giving it that little JUMP!

Thank you again for your post..praying for a full recovery for you.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 01, 2014, 11:06:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Archie:
Thanks for passing along your story.  It has been said that "it is a very ill wind that blows no one some good."  Your ill wind has blown up a good warning for a lot of people.

It could be that God let you have your accident (knowing the pain it would bring, but that you could bear it) so that several others' lives would be saved through hearing your warning.

I try to stay out of trees for the most part, due to stories like this.  Get well soon!
It has definately helped me deal with the pain and up coming rehab after reading these responses. I feel that some good may come from it, and keep others from the same fate. Also, in many ways, it was better me than some of the other guys I hunt with who might have used that stand. I'm relatively young and in good shape...I don't want to think about what it might have done to the late 60s man I hunt with bad he been in the tree. (And he still hunts that high, same stands and all.)
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 01, 2014, 11:08:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by countrygirl:
Kyle so sorry you were injured also so thankful that you posted this. Tom say...my Gorilla stand in the park has got to go or get new cables. So we will be shopping for a new lock on. I always wear a safety strap...usually I use the one withe prussic knots with it attached to my safety harness. Sometimes I will have a tree with my Fall Guy. We only leave one stand up all year and that is my "go to" stand. We always check all stands when we hang them and the safety lines. We always buy use new rachet straps each year for the lock on stands especially for the Gorilla in the park. Missouri winters takes it's toll on those straps and so do the squirrels. Wish we could just walk out to the shed and check stands today but they are about 1250 miles away.

I have LOVED that Gorilla stand and have killed a lot of deer from it. Always said it was big enough for me to square dance on it. I could turn and shoot from any angle.  

Stands been up there for ...8 years. The really scary thing is Tom climbing up the ladder stand to it and then testing it by giving it that little JUMP!

Thank you again for your post..praying for a full recovery for you.
I loved that gorilla too, such a nice platform, as good as the API Baby Grand I use as well. I never thought to check the cables to be honest, I've used stands with a similar design for two decades.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: KSdan on June 01, 2014, 11:11:00 AM
I will use this as another warning about leaving stands in the woods!  Seen them perfect one day. . . chewed on the next.  I would NEVER leave a stand with straps in the woods. The salt on your hands gets on the straps and draws critters.  If you must leave it, use a chain.  AND NEVER leave even a chain year to year- the tree grows and puts tremendous stress on straps, chains, and attaching points. Leaving a stand in the woods has the potential of being a suicide mission.  

Dan in KS
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 01, 2014, 11:59:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by KSdan:
I will use this as another warning about leaving stands in the woods!  Seen them perfect one day. . . chewed on the next.  I would NEVER leave a stand with straps in the woods. The salt on your hands gets on the straps and draws critters.  If you must leave it, use a chain.  AND NEVER leave even a chain year to year- the tree grows and puts tremendous stress on straps, chains, and attaching points. Leaving a stand in the woods has the potential of being a suicide mission.  

Dan in KS
Good points, lesson learned.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: arrow flynn on June 01, 2014, 01:22:00 PM
I purchased a treestand from the 8th dwarf some years ago held on to the tree by a heavy chain in the ad it was holding up a volkswagon. packing it around was a chore though.i never was scared of hts but I roofed a 4 story church steeple once and my heart was in my throat for awhile that day and I had safety lines always.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Rustic on June 01, 2014, 02:03:00 PM
Sorry to hear about your accident. Wishin you a speedy recovery...  :thumbsup:  A few years back I had a close call with my climber. One minute things are goin good and the next moment I was hangin by my hands. Thank god for my HSS Harness. You cant be too careful....
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: countrygirl on June 01, 2014, 02:04:00 PM
We had one lock on in the shed. I think it is a Big River Stand and the airplane cables on it were fine no rust at all. we also need to check the one in out yard over the that ladder stand. We use that for target practice before the hunting season. We will consider...setting that one up yearly. I don't think we will leave any others up anymore.

Went to Gander Mountain in St. Augustine and bought a lock on Millennium Stand. I like the way this millennium attaches to the tree without a chain. I have a first edition Millennnium that is hard to put up because of the chain and the fitting. My husband always looks like a ballerina when he sets it up. But buy is that older Millennium comfortable.

I will test the new lock on out here in the yard if I like it we will go back for a few more. I also like the River's Edge stand with the extra large platform.

Kyle... you have gotta be on pain medication and you type perfectly!!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 01, 2014, 02:19:00 PM
I'm on the good stuff...

I really like the looks of the milleniums, I might have to check those out.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: djohnson on June 01, 2014, 02:33:00 PM
Bets of luck on your recovery. God's blessings.

Darren
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: on June 01, 2014, 03:49:00 PM
WOW! I hope you have a complete recovery and glad it was not worse!

Bisch
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: bisket on June 01, 2014, 05:48:00 PM
I had a treestand accident last bow season and now have 3 plates and 18 screws in my leg.  Four months is a long time to sit and recover...and think about how a few hundred dollars could have prevented it.  Now I use the Lifeline and a tree climber so I am connected at all times.  It took a little longer but knowing it would keep me from the accident was worth it.  

Hang in there and know it will get better and you won't have to go through it again with the proper stuff and patience.  Take care.
-Mark
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Pat B. on June 01, 2014, 06:53:00 PM
Bummer....

I fell about in 1975.....  It hurts for a long time..

Best of luck
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: monkeyball on June 01, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
Kyle,
        I am really glad that you are going to be ok. I stay out of the trees for the most part. You get to the point where some things are not worth the consequences,tree stands are one of them for me.

   Hope you heal up fast buddy and you probably ought to try to kill one on the ground this year.

                                             Good Shooting,
                                                              Craig
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Air Cleaver on June 01, 2014, 09:46:00 PM
Your lucky you didn't get killed. I hope you have a full and quick recovery. Looks liked you opened a lot of guys eyes, and may have saved a life. I'm a Union Ironworker and work at heights. I've been in the hole a couple of times. Your right there is no time to think about grabbing anything. It happens too quick. Stay tied off and live to hunt another day Brother!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: stagetek on June 01, 2014, 11:49:00 PM
I steer very clear of nylon belts, poly ropes and cables. I replace all that junk with proof coil chain. It's "rated", impervious to moisture, won't rot, and squirrels really have a problem chewing on it. Best of luck as you heal.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Mojostick on June 02, 2014, 12:52:00 PM
To the first poster, you're lucky all you did was break your pelvis? 24 feet? Wow, are you lucky.

I stopped hunting from tree stands a while back and I'll never hunt from one again, nor will my kids. The risk/reward ratio isn't worth it, on several levels. The main one being that you can kill as many deer from the ground as you can from a tree.

Having killed a couple 100 deer and been around many 100's more deer shot by others, I'm of the opinion that your best chance at a lethal arrow hit is from the ground, resulting in a double organ passthru, be it lung/lung/, heart/lung or lung/liver. The higher you get, the smaller the vitals become, when trying to maximize damage. One major hit for lost deer is a high, single lung hit due to tree stand angle.

I've mentioned it before, but a close family friend works on a medevac copter and my good hunting buddy is a cop in an area with lots of hunters. There are so many tree stand related injuries that it's really stunning. We typically read about the fatalities, but we don't see nearly as much about all the broken bones, shattered this and that's, wheelchairs, rehabs, etc.

I personally know too many guys that have had "incidents", and they came from all aspects of tree stand hunting, putting stands up, taking stands down, climbing in, climbing out, pivoting to get a shot and having something "give way".

While a tree stand can expand the view, it rarely increases the shot possibility cone. It's like playing with explosives.

According to the National Bowhunter Education Foundation, researchers estimate about 10 percent of hunters who use tree stands are injured while using the platforms. Investigators at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, looked at hunting accidents across the U.S. from 2000 to 2007. During that time, there were about 46,860 (reported) injuries to hunters associated with tree stands (Note: This averages to be 5,875 tree stand related injuries per year) mostly from falls. Male hunters were twice as likely to suffer a tree stand injury as females.

Here's a real eye opener (from a search)...

Richard McQuillen is a Master Volunteer Instructor with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife.   I attended a seminar on tree stand safety and some of the statistics are eye-opening, plus he has some tips for deer hunters using stands to obey.  

Three to five hundred hunters are killed annually in North America due to an accident involving treestands.  Another 5000-7000 are permanently disabled, while 10,000-15,000 receive some type of lesser injury.
75 to 80% of falls occur going up or down the tree


Some other interesting tibits...

The researchers found injury rates to be highest among hunters 15 to 24 and lowest among those 65 and older. Gerald McGwin, M.S., Ph.D., Injury Epidemiologist, says the reasons for the highest rates of injury among younger hunters aren't clear. However, he believes younger hunters are not aware of, or may not take appropriate safety precautions while using tree stands (like wearing a safety harness). Younger hunters may be more apt to take risks than older, seasoned hunters. Alcohol may also play a role in the risk for tree stand-related injuries. One study found 17 to 18 percent of hunters injured during use of a tree stand had been drinking at some point prior to the accident.

Ohio State University Medical Center published a 10-year study last year showing "tree stands are the leading cause of hunting injuries in Ohio."
The study examined 130 hunting accident cases at two central Ohio hospitals. Half were because of falls and 92 percent of those falls were from tree stands. Only 29 percent were injuries from gunshot wounds.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Tall Paul on June 02, 2014, 01:49:00 PM
I'm sorry to hear of your accident, but I do appreciate the warning. I'm going to inspect, and probably replace, the cables on my old screaming eagles.

I Hope you have a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Wallydog on June 02, 2014, 02:20:00 PM
A co-worker of mine fell and is paralyzed from the neck down. Wheelchair and he is dependant on care givers. He fell from 10 feet and lay in the woods for 12 hrs.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Bowwild on June 02, 2014, 02:22:00 PM
I pray you will recover quickly and completely.  The same thoughts you shared about being nimble and strong enough to catch myself if I "started" to fall has been in my mind for 45 years.

I can see from your experience that I ain't seen quick until gravity gets hold of me!

I stopped using the Gorilla stands a few  years ago as well. I  use Lone Wolf and Muddy now. However, I'm sure these can fail as well!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Caddo on June 02, 2014, 05:41:00 PM
Here's to a quick recovery! man I have a severe dislike for Treestands. Looks like the ol harness will be going to BQ this year!

LD
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Mike VanBuren on June 02, 2014, 09:58:00 PM
I'm glad you came on here to tell your story. Hope you heal fast and back to normal.

I have a Gorilla hang-on in the woods that needs to be moved about 15 yards. Your story made me want to replace the cables with chain.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on June 03, 2014, 02:03:00 AM
Glad to hear you lived to tell the story.... i got a question for you. Has your wife grounded you over this one? Or have you grounded yourself now?

I personally prefer ground hunting.... good sport, and a lot safer.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery....
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Fattony77 on June 03, 2014, 04:32:00 AM
Thank you for the post, as I am sure it will help a lot of people. And, like everyone else, I pray for a speedy and full recovery!

I'm a small, frail 330+lbs. so if I had been the one to fall from 24' I'd have probably fallen through to China. Lol. Seriously, I've broken bones falling from my own height, so this fat guy doesn't climb trees, because I'm sure that my injuries would be extensive, should I fall.

Glad it wasn't worse for ya!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Stringwacker on June 03, 2014, 05:52:00 AM
Dang Kyle....I hate to hear about this!

I fell a few years ago from 16' ladder behind the house here (long story)...was lucky enough to walk home with no injuries. I have at least 6 of the Gorilla hang on stands that are approaching 10 years old. I do take them down every year but it makes me feel better that I went out and bought 6 new Milliniums (M-50's) this spring to replace them. (on another site I read where a new millineum product failed sending the hunter on a airborne trip!) Just goes to show you that anything can fail.

Here's hoping to a speedy recovery and some more memories with the Black Widow! Take care my friend.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Longbow58 on June 03, 2014, 08:16:00 AM
Thanks for the reminder, I think about it while hanging stands but a reminder always helps. Good luck on your recovery.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: ironmike on June 03, 2014, 09:18:00 AM
get well soon
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: halfseminole on June 03, 2014, 10:00:00 AM
Get well soon, we're praying for you here.  I stay on the ground, because for one I don't like heights and for two have you ever tried to drag a wheelchair up a tree?  Seriously, I learned that lesson when my father fell and tore his shoulder out of socket trying to lean out for a better shot.

I wish you clean healing of the breaks and a good physical therapist, cause mine took my coffee and made me walk to get it.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Bill Turner on June 03, 2014, 10:14:00 AM
God speed. Hope your up and running by fall.    :pray:
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 03, 2014, 10:28:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by Stringwacker:
Dang Kyle....I hate to hear about this!

I fell a few years ago from 16' ladder behind the house here (long story)...was lucky enough to walk home with no injuries. I have at least 6 of the Gorilla hang on stands that are approaching 10 years old. I do take them down every year but it makes me feel better that I went out and bought 6 new Milliniums (M-50's) this spring to replace them. (on another site I read where a new millineum product failed sending the hunter on a airborne trip!) Just goes to show you that anything can fail.

Here's hoping to a speedy recovery and some more memories with the Black Widow! Take care my friend.
Thanks Mark! Looks like I'm gonna miss the shoot at Tannehill this weekend. But I should be back on my feet by the first of August at the latest, so plenty of time to get ready for October.

I like the looks of those millenniums alot...a buddy of mine just bought one (the same one whose stand I was in!) but I haven't tried it yet. I know I'm going to replace or reinforce all of my lock ons with cables before fall...I don't think I'll trust those again even with a lifeline.

On another note, there's a possibility that Coach Viverrette and I are going to start an archery team at UHS next spring. There are 50 or so schools in MS with teams already and we know we have a number of students who are interested.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: David M. Mathis on June 03, 2014, 10:41:00 AM
I use two belts when having to unhook one.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: rolltidehunter on June 03, 2014, 10:57:00 AM
sad to hear of your accident. I read your post last week and this weekend I went to move a lock on to another tree. As I was 18 foot up and a little winded from trying to secure my stand on the tree. your post flashed through my mind.. I thought to my self I need a harness on!!!!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 03, 2014, 01:42:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by David M. Mathis:
I use two belts when having to unhook one.
That's a good idea. If the lifeline concept doesn't suit me I may try that, as well as getting another ground blind. I killed my first out of a blind last fall, and really enjoyed that style of hunting.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Doc Nock on June 03, 2014, 03:24:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by rolltidehunter:
sAs I was 18 foot up and a little winded from trying to secure my stand on the tree. your post flashed through my mind.. I thought to my self I need a harness on!!!!
If stories as these save but ONE person another fall...it's worth re-reading them time-to-time.

Deer & Deer Hunting did a stand safety survey YEARS ago...and 90% of all falls occurred getting IN or OUT of a stand... (not set up or take down or climbing up to or down...but that "first step")

Lifelines can take few tries to settle in and get used to, but now, with permanent locations, they rock!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on June 03, 2014, 04:23:00 PM
Thanks for the reminder and I'm thankful you're still here to tell the story. I use a system called the Fall Guy. It's a plastic box, which attaches to the tree above the tree stand. Then, you tie a string to the rolled up safety strap contained in the plastic housing. When you reach your stand, you pull the string and reel down the safety strap to the ground. You clip your harness into the safety strap, which then keeps you connected from the time you ascend, hunt and descend. Great system!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 03, 2014, 04:30:00 PM
How pricey are those Fall Guy systems? Are only issue is we have 10-15 stands permanent stands and can't afford to spend too much in each, so we were thinking of the lifeline. I know HSS had a 3 for $99 deal, and that seemed pretty reasonable.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on June 03, 2014, 04:57:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by jkm97:
How pricey are those Fall Guy systems? Are only issue is we have 10-15 stands permanent stands and can't afford to spend too much in each, so we were thinking of the lifeline. I know HSS had a 3 for $99 deal, and that seemed pretty reasonable.
I think they're about $79-$89 a piece. I have two of them, and I plan to buy more. They're pricy but after tragic stories like yours, I don't mind spending the money. Glad you're on the mend. God bless!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on June 03, 2014, 05:06:00 PM
Another system that I've used is this: I use my linemen's belt to climb up to the bottom of the stand, then, while leaving my linemen's belt attached, I connect my back harness above the tree stand seat. Once that is done, I unhook my linemen's belt, kneel on the stand and adjust my back harness higher up the tree. I do the reverse coming down. This system may work better given the number of stands that you have.

Another tip is to run a line from above the tree stand with a prussic knot for each stand. It's cheap and would keep you connected at all times.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 03, 2014, 05:17:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
Another system that I've used is this: I use my linemen's belt to climb up to the bottom of the stand, then, while leaving my linemen's belt attached, I connect my back harness above the tree stand seat. Once that is done, I unhook my linemen's belt, kneel on the stand and adjust my back harness higher up the tree. I do the reverse coming down. This system may work better given the number of stands that you have.

Another tip is to run a line from above the tree stand with a prussic knot for each stand. It's cheap and would keep you connected at all times.
Thanks for the tips. I like idea about keeping the linemans built attached until you hook up with the main tether. I could do that pretty easy with no new equipment.

I can also see me using my climber more. If you hook up before you leave the ground they have to be a bit safer. The only problem is I'm still hunting out of a mid 90s Ol Man, so I think it's time to upgrade there as well. Might try a treewalker.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Stringwacker on June 03, 2014, 05:43:00 PM
Kyle,

That's a good thing about the archery teams for the school. I assume it would be AIMS associated? At one time I was told there were nearly 130 schools on the program. I know Todd and yourself would do a great job with this.

Sorry that you are going to miss Tannehill this weekend. It could have been a worse outcome. You don't want any memorial shoots in your honor:)

After falling from a stand and also having the wonderful experience of hunting upside down out of a climber (hung by my boots in the stirrups) I have finally got it through my thick skull to be connected. I use those three packs of HSS lifelines you mentioned....every tree, every time. I use a quick connect system from the line strap to the tree so I'm unhooked about three seconds as I switch the clamp over. Still working on eliminating that small exposure. I never unhook until I slightly bounce on the stand to test it...then remain very still as I swap the connection! It takes a long, long time to erase the memory of falling.

I like the Treewalker. Puts an absolute death grip on the tree. No slippage. Works great with a HSS "Rope Style" tree strap. I know one fellow that uses the full HSS lifeline and just lets it hang behind his stand as he climbs. He pulls it up when he gets all set. I asked why he did that and he replied...if something happens I want to be able to wrap the rope around my legs and slide all the way to the ground. Makes sense I guess.

Prayers for a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 03, 2014, 06:19:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Stringwacker:
Kyle,

That's a good thing about the archery teams for the school. I assume it would be AIMS associated? At one time I was told there were nearly 130 schools on the program. I know Todd and yourself would do a great job with this.

Sorry that you are going to miss Tannehill this weekend. It could have been a worse outcome. You don't want any memorial shoots in your honor:)

After falling from a stand and also having the wonderful experience of hunting upside down out of a climber (hung by my boots in the stirrups) I have finally got it through my thick skull to be connected. I use those three packs of HSS lifelines you mentioned....every tree, every time. I use a quick connect system from the line strap to the tree so I'm unhooked about three seconds as I switch the clamp over. Still working on eliminating that small exposure. I never unhook until I slightly bounce on the stand to test it...then remain very still as I swap the connection! It takes a long, long time to erase the memory of falling.

I like the Treewalker. Puts an absolute death grip on the tree. No slippage. Works great with a HSS "Rope Style" tree strap. I know one fellow that uses the full HSS lifeline and just lets it hang behind his stand as he climbs. He pulls it up when he gets all set. I asked why he did that and he replied...if something happens I want to be able to wrap the rope around my legs and slide all the way to the ground. Makes sense I guess.

Prayers for a speedy recovery.
Yep it's AIMS. I think there are actually about 50 districts, which means more total schools like the figure you mentioned, if memory serves.

Yep, we may be slow learners, but at least we get another chance to hunt another day!

I may need to get a treewalker, I've heard they hold a tree like no other.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Mojostick on June 03, 2014, 06:27:00 PM
Ask yourself how much a wheelchair, wheelchair accessible van and retrofitting your house for a wheelchair would cost, then multiply that by medical expenses. My guess is it's far more than some "fall guy" setup's.

Hunt treestands with the assumption that eventually you're going to have some sort of falling/slipping incident and plan accordingly. Guys will practice with bows all year and scout many hours, but then don't give tree safety the respect it deserves and demands. If anything, the priority should be on safety first and everything else is just the gravy of fun. It doesn't matter if you don't get a shot in a season, but it sure matters that you're safe in a tree.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Dry Creek on June 03, 2014, 09:49:00 PM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004HW5J6M?pc_redir=1401599696&robot_redir=1

Kyle check these out these are the ones I have.
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: jkm97 on June 03, 2014, 10:16:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Dry Creek:
 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004HW5J6M?pc_redir=1401599696&robot_redir=1  

Kyle check these out these are the ones I have.
Just ordered one!
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: KSdan on June 03, 2014, 10:40:00 PM
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: KSdan on June 03, 2014, 11:02:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by longbow fanatic 1:
[QB] Another system that I've used is this: I use my linemen's belt to climb up to the bottom of the stand, then, while leaving my linemen's belt attached, I connect my back harness above the tree stand seat. Once that is done, I unhook my linemen's belt, kneel on the stand and adjust my back harness higher up the tree. I do the reverse coming down. This system may work better given the number of stands that you have.

This is critical as all the systems you guys are talking about are for a pre-set stand.  However, whether it is a pre-set hang-on or even a ladder- the first ascent to set-up has no "fall guy" or other systems.

I never leave a stand and set-up every sit anew.  I do it 100 times every fall.  I do what Longbow stated.  ALSO- I think leaving the strap to the harness loose seems like suicide to me (see it on vids all the time).  I do as Longbow Fanatic- BUT THEN, once I stand I slide the rope around the trunk high above my head.  I adjust the prussic so it is tight when I sit. If I am going to stand for a while I cinch the prussic up even tighter. . . . THIS WAY I NEVER CAN FALL!.  I actually have tension on my upper back harness which gives me a stability that keeps me from losing balance and even helps secure my position to shoot. If I were step off the stand I would not fall 6"!

Hope that helps and makes sense.

Great post, follow-up, and tips.  

Dan in KS
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: Mint on June 04, 2014, 10:11:00 AM
I just brought to the top a thread about tree stand safety that a member posted last year using to belts to get into your tree stand so you are always attached to the tree. I used it this year and it worked like a dream on all my setups that did not have life lines. It is a light weight set up too and cost me about $40.

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=131634#000006
Title: Re: Treestand Accident
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on June 04, 2014, 02:03:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by jkm97:
 
QuoteOriginally posted by Dry Creek:
  http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004HW5J6M?pc_redir=1401599696&robot_redir=1  

Kyle check these out these are the ones I have.
Just ordered one! [/b]
That's exactly what I was talking about. Safety line and prussic knot. Great price!