Last saturday I got to the base of my stand and realized I forgot my lanyard. I turned right around and went back to camp and got it. 15 years ago I fell and shattered my right ankle there is no question "NO HARNESS, NO HUNTING OFF THE GROUND."

Sounds like you came out pretty lucky.  "Like most accidents it only takes a split second and probably could be avoided if we go back thru our actions and think things thru again. Glad you will get another chance.  Enjoy the oppurtunity.

I'm taking my tree stand this weekend.  After reading this I went and bought a lineman's belt and a lifeline to go with a newly purchased harness etc.  My body has a lot of potential energy when it's off the ground!  Good IDEA for anybody!  I'll bet that each of us either knows someone, or "of" someone that has fallenand been hurt.  Think about it.  This is a good thread.

Glad to know your gonna be ok. I'm very prone to making forgetful mistakes. Hopefully this will be a reminder to sit my rear on the ground next time I forget the strap that secures my safety harness to the tree!    I am guilty of climbing anyway!! Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! I will try and not be so stubborn.

I just found out yesterday that a business client of mine fell out of his treestand Saturday morning. He has 7 or 8 broken ribs and a punctured lung and spleen. He was in ICU for 4 days, but is improving. ALWAYS wear a safety harness!

Thanks guys for reading and stay safe!

My cousin fell asleep in his stand this year. No harness. Five fractured vertabrae, broken hip, leg, ribs, shoulder, collapsed lung. He's lucky to be alive and not paralyzed!