WB
I de-barked one side of a good size pine tree
Monday, January 27, 2020, 09:08

and ruined a brand new pair of underwear. I was using a Hillbilly "improved" copy of a very popular and expensive climbing tree stand. As long as you sat down on the "seat" fully and released NO pressure pulling up the feet part it worked great. Part of the improvements were some longer and sharper spikes on the foot part. My struggling with this modification's effectiveness is what allowed me to release some tension on the seat part and plummet a notable distance. I sold it for what I paid for it, figuring I was just too absent minded to use such a device.

We commonly make "Ladder Stands" from good 12' 2x4's and a 1/2" plywood platform with a V-cut. You install a chain and "boomer" around the top to keep it on the tree. A lock too if you want it to be there when you come back. Once while trying to reach around the tree to get the other end of the chain I rolled the stand off the side of the tree, with me in it. It's an odd think, similar with motorcycle accidents, time sort of stands still. I had several moments to think in mid-air. I thought do I holler, or yell, since I am actually falling, but there is no one to hear me. Nah, I'll just fall quietly. I did make a humorous and loud "OOOOFF" when I hit the ground and my breath all expelled by force. I thought that odd and unexpected. I was bunged up a little since I landed on some small rocks mixed with grass, and the ladder landed on me a little. I learned a lesson though. Not kosher to do that by yourself and always take a "length cheater" so you can stay neutrally balanced on the tree.