My Ordeal - A firsthand lesson in Treestand safety...

Very frightening

I'm just in shock & awe of this happening. That's insane. Couple inches or couple more foot-lbs of impact energy and you'd be paralyzed. I'm very glad you're going to recover. Hope that goes well. Also glad you shared it as a warning to all; thanks.

So, don't take this the wrong way...

OK, class, what part of "Always Use a Harness" did we not understand? :p :)
 
Last edited:
You did good. Not too long ago I read about a fellow falling asleep in his stand and falling out. He broke his back as well but ended up paralyzed.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe it will help someone else be a bit more careful.
 
That is somethin else my man its a good thing you had a phone on you and people looking out for you or things wouldve been pretty bad.

Heal up quick eh.
 
I'm always the most nervous climbing up and down those stands. Now I'll be even more nervous.

Thanks for sharing the story, I'll try to be even more cautious, and I'll pray for your speedy and full recovery. Try not to get too discouraged during the recovery, and work hard in physical therapy.
 
For me the most dangerous part is transitioning from the top of the climbing sticks, positioning myself ONTO a strapon stand - that can be precarious. Once I get more than 6 or 7 feet off the ground, the harness is on the tree, on strapon & climbing stands. I'll admit that on large 2-man buddy stands, I do not use a harness at all, either climbing or when on top - ladder stands are far safer than a climber or a strapon with sticks or steps.
 
Thanks to all for the kind words of encouragement. I'm up and about more the last couple of days. I went to the Spine Center at UNC today to get the stitches out and all is well so far. The incision is healing well with no signs of infection. I go back in a month for another set of Xrays and at that time they'll make the call on whether I'm healed up enough to go back to work and to shed the brace. I'm a desk jockey so work should be a go at that point. I may still be in the turtleshell though. Damn thing is hot is my only complaint. But hey at least I'm alive to complain right?:D
 
Sounds good to me. Hope you don't mind but I won't be repeating my skydiving act. :)

I asked at the doctor's office yesterday when I could head back to the range. I got dirty looks from both the doctor and my wife when I started quoting recoil energy tables. :(
 
Amazing... wow.

Thank you so much for the story...very well written and quite descriptive. I am really sorry about what happened to you. You went through a lot .. and for something that you love doing. You're story actually brought a tear to my eye thinking about all of the pain you went through.

I haven't actually gotten my new treestand yet (was going to within a few weeks) and ALWAYS planned to use a harness NO MATTER WHAT... this story just seals in my intentions.

Please get well soon and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hopefully you will make a full recovery and can get back out in the field SOON. I recommend that Black Rifle for the most complete recovery, too. ;)

Nick
 
I'm a truly sick man :)

I got tired of just carrying my little .32NAA whilst out and about the last couple days. I'm more used to a the comforting weight of a .45 on my hip. The trouble is the turtleshell brace I have to wear comes down past my hips and makes belt carry of a weapon impossible.

I went to Gander mtn. last night and purchased an uncle mikes belt slide nylon holster and adapted it to fit the velcro straps that hold my turtleshell back brace in place. I am now back to normal in terms of my daily armament :D.

My wife was perplexed as to why I was doing this. I reminded her that now more than ever I would be unable to fend off an attack without a defensive firearm. I also reminded her that criminals tend to prey on the weak. The walker I've been using the last week makes me feel like a gigantic target.
 
Here's wishing you a speedy recovery. Share the story with as many people as possible man. Hunter/treestand saftey cannot be stressed enough.
 
Consider yourself blessed, and Thank God that you are not paralyzed. It truely is miracle you aren't paralyzed or dead. Hope you get better soon...
 
Now that made me laugh so hard I'm hurting now. LOL. But it was worth it. I'll make a tactical walker that will rival the tactical wheelbarrow. :D
 
I will say though that I am using the walker less and less each day. I had it with me at the Lexington Gun show on Sat (yeah I'm feelin that good that I'm hittin the shows :)) but that was just cuz I expected a lot of walking. Around the house I don't have to rely on it at all. If we go into a store like Walmart or Target I'll get one of those little old fart carts and cruise around on it. I usually get funny looks at 34 asking to use one unless I leave the top of my button down shirt open just enough for them to see the back brace. As if the limp isn't enough :rolleyes:

Either way like I told WA in a PM a little while ago, they've changed my pain meds to milder versions and I'm as comfortable or more without as much of the narcotic side effects. Hopefully in a few weeks I'll be back to normal. Or as normal as I started anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top