Hunter Safety

[Pinpoint]

Well here goes,

One week ago Saturday, (the end of the controlled hunt) my father had shot a doe and was so focused on her that he stepped off his homemade stand and fell approximately 14ft. He broke his neck in two places. While he has full movement of his arms and legs, he still has to have his second of two surgeries today hopefully to repair the damage.

I share this story only to emplore to all you guys and gals out there BE SAFE. If you are using homemade wooden tree stands be sure to use a harness, or completely box your stand in so you can't step out of it. One guy in our group had his iphone and 911 was able to use GPS tracking to send paramedics to our location. It all happens so fast and life changes in an instant.

It will definately make me think then next time I'm in the field. Be sure someone knows where you are, when you are to return etc. I know these are basic rules we all know, but sometimes, myself included, risks are taken. My fathers story could have been very different, especially if he were alone out there.

Good Luck to all who are still trying to fill tags, but again, BE SAFE.

James

[shaftthrower]

Hope everything goes alright for your father.

[georgiaboy]

Best wishes for your dad!!

[DanO]

Man that's every hunter's nightmare. So focused you make a huge error. Hope he recovers fully and quickly. You're right about your cautions. Tragedies like this remind me not to cut corners.
Dan O.

[agingcrossbower]

I hope everything turns out for the best for your Dad. Prayers sent.

[muskyman454]

i hope all goes well for him.

[wabi]

Hope his recovery is quick and complete!

I've read 2 news articles in the past week about serious/fatal accidents here in my area (OH/IN/KY).
One hunter was gored by a buck that was down but still alive, and another fell from a tree stand (it said his safety strap broke when he fell) and was impaled on a limb.

It's very easy to become so focused on the hunt to the point where safety is forgotten or ignored!

[one shot scott]

Man, I hope your father makes a full recovery. After the shot when adrenalin is pumping thru the system its easy to make a mistake.

[frisky]

Best of luck, prayers sent

[roland]

sorry about your dad hopeing he has a full recovery

[Cyclonic]

Sorry about your dad's fall. Hope he recovers soon!

[Big58cal]

Sorry to hear that about your dad. Hopefully he'll make it through everything.

Any time that someone is up in an elevated stand of some sort, they should have a full body harness on that is in good working order. Full body harnesses aren't cheap, but you can't put a price on your life.

[VixChix]

So very very sorry to hear of your Dad's accident!

Every hunter's worst nightmare... and that of his family.

I don't leave the ground without a harness. (Knowing me, I'd trip on a bootlace in the stand or something.) I do my best to encourage others I hunt with to do the same... you just never know.

[Normous]

We all need a little reminder about safety now and again, thanks. Sorry you father was hurt like that, my wish is that your father heals well.

[papa bear1]

Hope you're dad make's a full recovery I fell 3 yr's. ago & broke my neck, After surgery and 2 steel plates in my neck . I am lucky to still be hunting. Nowaday's i hunt very carefully; But thank god i'm still hunting;; EVERYBODY! please use all safety equiptment available ;; if not for yourself do it for you'r family & friends

Dave