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Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures #1816196
08/16/16 10:34 AM
08/16/16 10:34 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 19,982
Northport, AL
GomerPyle Offline OP
Impatient Stinky Britches Wearin’ Off-Roadin’ Guru
GomerPyle  Offline OP
Impatient Stinky Britches Wearin’ Off-Roadin’ Guru
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 19,982
Northport, AL
As bow season gets nearer and I'm still without a place to hunt this year, it's looking more and more like I'm going to be stuck hunting public land.

This means, despite my dislike (near phobia) of using a climber, I'm probably going to have to make myself do so if I want a realistic chance at killing a deer.

With that said, what would y'all say most climber accidents/failures are attributed to? Doing something stupid or legit equipment failure (no wrong-doing on the user's part)? I have a limited budget which means I'll probably be looking at used stands if/when I buy one, and I have little experience using them. I always wear a harness but the last thing I want is to find myself hanging from a tree, in the middle of public land where a cell signal may be weak/nonexistent.


Last edited by GomerPyle; 08/16/16 10:35 AM.

There are 3 certainties in an uncertain world:

1. All Politicians Are Liars
2. All Gun Laws Are an Infringement
3. Taxation Is Theft
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816198
08/16/16 10:37 AM
08/16/16 10:37 AM
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Huntsville
jono23 Offline
14 point
jono23  Offline
14 point
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 8,032
Huntsville
The only time I have had a slip (so far) was when I was nervous and afraid to use it. When I'm confident in the stand, I make more deliberate movements which help me.

Also one time I went in at dark blindly into public land and started climbing a tree, and the teeth of the summit wouldn't dig in at all. It was terrible.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816230
08/16/16 11:05 AM
08/16/16 11:05 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 495
Birmingham, AL
CPalmer72 Offline
4 point
CPalmer72  Offline
4 point
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 495
Birmingham, AL
I was once scared of climbers as well. A few pointers or things I do....
Use a life line. I slide mine up the tree as I go. Stay connected from the time you leave the ground.
Use a full 20 ft our however long life line, not a short 5-6 ft one. If it is long enough to reach the ground, you can always get down without falling.
Keep a phone in your pocket in case something happens.
Climb pine trees, as the climber will dig in the softer bark and not slip. Hard trees are a bad idea, atleast until you get comfortable, because the stand can slip a lot easier.

Look at the summit stands. They bite very well. Also, look at Third Hand Archery and get the stabilizer straps. Not only do they keep the top and bottom connected at all times, they also are pulled tight and make the stand extremely stable once you're in place.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816276
08/16/16 11:36 AM
08/16/16 11:36 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 19,982
Northport, AL
GomerPyle Offline OP
Impatient Stinky Britches Wearin’ Off-Roadin’ Guru
GomerPyle  Offline OP
Impatient Stinky Britches Wearin’ Off-Roadin’ Guru
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 19,982
Northport, AL
CPalmer, thanks for the feedback


There are 3 certainties in an uncertain world:

1. All Politicians Are Liars
2. All Gun Laws Are an Infringement
3. Taxation Is Theft
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816292
08/16/16 11:51 AM
08/16/16 11:51 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 31,681
Slidell, La
perchjerker Offline
Freak of Nature
perchjerker  Offline
Freak of Nature
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 31,681
Slidell, La
Always use strap to hold top in place on tree. I use a ratchet strap. Its easy to bump the top and have it fall when you stand to shoot without one. Go slow, go in early and take your time. Soon it will become second nature. I love a climber, but Im particular about the brand I use. I prefer one made in the USA.They are expensive, but a TREEWALKER is a safe stand, great bite on tree. As said before wear your harness EVERYTIME you leave the ground. Try to avoid trees with real hard bark, like a walnut. Hunt safe

Last edited by perchjerker; 08/16/16 11:53 AM.

Thomas Jefferson. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Life is too short to only hunt and fish on weekends!

If being a dumbass was fatal some of you would be on your death bed!

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816295
08/16/16 11:54 AM
08/16/16 11:54 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,153
Leeds
S
Smells Offline
8 point
Smells  Offline
8 point
S
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,153
Leeds
Practice before you go.
Practice before you go.
Practice before you go.
Pick the right tree.
Don't pick the wrong tree.
Wear a whistle around your neck, check that it works (they don't always), and learn SOS.
Practice before you go.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816301
08/16/16 11:59 AM
08/16/16 11:59 AM
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 190
Huntsville AL
F
Fezzik Offline
3 point
Fezzik  Offline
3 point
F
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 190
Huntsville AL
agree with the practice part, and IMO not all climbers are created equal when it comes to how sturdy they feel in the tree. If your current climber doesn't feel sturdy then I would borrow/try others till I found one I like.
Also, check out third hand archery stabilizer straps. I would add those to any climber; with those you have the confidence that your bottom cant slide down will climbing and once in position and pulled tight your top wont get bumped and drop.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816316
08/16/16 12:11 PM
08/16/16 12:11 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,779
LASW
turkey247 Offline
10 point
turkey247  Offline
10 point
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,779
LASW
Gomer - you are in the market for one of the older, rock steady API's. They will be in your budget range. Yes - they are heavy, but the solidity you are looking for is the trade off. I drop weight by taking all the extra crap off, especially the seat, and replace with a mesh seat.

Trust me on this one.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816398
08/16/16 02:14 PM
08/16/16 02:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 8,387
A
Atoler Offline
14 point
Atoler  Offline
14 point
A
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 8,387
I think most people with a fear of heights, simply haven't spent enough time in the air. Get one, wear your harness, and go to climbing.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816404
08/16/16 02:22 PM
08/16/16 02:22 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 15,506
Montgomery
bamaeyedoc Offline
Old Mossy Horns
bamaeyedoc  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 15,506
Montgomery
Used API or Summit is what I would go with. Safety vest and DO NOT let your feet leave earth without it on. DO NOT remove it until safely back on the ground.

Dr. B


AKA: “Dr. B”
Aldeer #121
8-3-2000
Proud alum of AUM, UAB, and UA
Member of Team 10 Point
2023-2024 ALdeer Deer Contest Winners

Glennis Jerome "Jerry" Harris
1938-2017
UGA Class of 1960
BS/MS Forestry
LTJG, USNR



Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816440
08/16/16 02:49 PM
08/16/16 02:49 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 28,954
Fosters, Alabama, USA
Shaw Offline
Administrator
Shaw  Offline
Administrator
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 28,954
Fosters, Alabama, USA
I've had a climber slip a couple of inches before, nothing major though. Most accidents are due to operator error. Number one mistake is getting in too big of a hurry. Now a ladderstand, them sumbitches will break your neck, literally. I know. But, I was doing something stupid.


"I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it." Captain Woodrow F. Call

ShawBuilt Custom Bowstrings
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816513
08/16/16 03:38 PM
08/16/16 03:38 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 292
Florence, AL
jtillery Offline
4 point
jtillery  Offline
4 point
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 292
Florence, AL
Turkey247 has it right. My first stand was an API Star. Still use it today, although I'm either going to trade or sell it for a lighter stand since I have so far to walk. That thing is rock solid. Sharp teeth to dig in and its really comfortable.

Like you, I was scared to death. Practice at home, and practice like you would hunt. (Pull your gear up, test shooting position, etc) The biggest thing for me to build confidence was to practice.

Find a harness your comfortable with as well. I hated the idea of those seatbelt type that came with my stand, so I bought a vest style from HSS.

Lots of good info from this thread.

Last edited by jtillery; 08/16/16 03:39 PM.
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816524
08/16/16 03:45 PM
08/16/16 03:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 292
Florence, AL
jtillery Offline
4 point
jtillery  Offline
4 point
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 292
Florence, AL
If you want to try out this API, just let me know. You can use my harness and climb one of these trees in my backyard if you want. I didn't have anyone to show me how to do it when I first started. My dad was as scared as I was. So I'll be happy to help if I can.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816562
08/16/16 04:08 PM
08/16/16 04:08 PM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,635
Longwood, FL
J
jlbuc10 Offline
Booner
jlbuc10  Offline
Booner
J
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,635
Longwood, FL
Climb a pine in a tree walker. I'm usually more worried about getting stuck to the tree than I am about falling off.

Last edited by jlbuc10; 08/16/16 04:08 PM.
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816583
08/16/16 04:19 PM
08/16/16 04:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 133
Pensacola, FL
S
Steiner Offline
3 point
Steiner  Offline
3 point
S
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 133
Pensacola, FL
Lots of good advice. The only thing I would add is to always carry at least one screw-in tree step. I have never had an accident in a climber, but the take away that I got from someone that has is the screw in step was the best thing he had with him. Statistically most accidents occur at the very beginning while you are getting in the climber and the very end of your climb when you are repositioning. I always slow down and take my time during these periods.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816590
08/16/16 04:25 PM
08/16/16 04:25 PM
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 15,952
Brierfield
Beadlescomb Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Beadlescomb  Offline
Old Mossy Horns
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 15,952
Brierfield
I limited out using a ground blind in the forest last year


We will burn that bridge when we get there
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: Beadlescomb] #1816887
08/17/16 03:13 AM
08/17/16 03:13 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,153
Leeds
S
Smells Offline
8 point
Smells  Offline
8 point
S
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,153
Leeds
Originally Posted By: Beadlescomb
I limited out using a ground blind in the forest last year


I'm seriously considering doing this. I love a climber. I love being up in a tree. I also love the morning hunt and the time it takes me to get set up makes me always feel rushed. I know the obvious answer is to leave earlier but it's already close to 2 hours from the time my feet hit the floor to the time I'm in position ready to shoot and there's also the noise. The world seems to be quietest just before day break and I always feel like everything within a mile can hear me climbing a tree in the morning.

I think a ground blind, though I've never used one, would be much faster and quieter in the mornings.

Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816969
08/17/16 04:25 AM
08/17/16 04:25 AM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 293
Alabama
Muddybucks7 Offline
4 point
Muddybucks7  Offline
4 point
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 293
Alabama
Just stay away from them slick oaks and you'll be fine


beauties in the eye of the bowholder
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: Beadlescomb] #1816978
08/17/16 04:30 AM
08/17/16 04:30 AM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 12,916
Old Florida
Geno Offline
Booner
Geno  Offline
Booner
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 12,916
Old Florida
Originally Posted By: Beadlescomb
I limited out using a ground blind in the forest last year


What kind of blind do you use?


Whoever is happy will make others happy too. Anne Frank
Re: Climbing Stand Accidents/Failures [Re: GomerPyle] #1816998
08/17/16 04:49 AM
08/17/16 04:49 AM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Lincoln, Alabama
B
blumsden Offline
12 point
blumsden  Offline
12 point
B
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,648
Lincoln, Alabama
Gomer, if safety is a concern, and it should be, check out Austin treestands. They are just like the old buckshot stands. Your completely surrounded by a handrail while climbing and hunting, unlike summit's and api's. This stand is solid as a rock on a tree and climbs easily. Very comfortable, and versatile. Thank me later.

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