So, I am a relatively new hunter and have been lurking the forum to gain knowledge and laugh at some of you goobers. I figure that I should make my first post self-deprecating. This past Sunday evening, I was hunting a WMA. I picked a tree to climb that was much fatter at the bottom. I had to start the climber out above my head while standing on the ground. I attached the bottom piece, threw the top piece on top of it, did a pull up to get on the bottom piece, and then attached the top piece. I climbed the tree with no issue. I had a very exciting hunt where I saw nothing. I climbed down at dark, but of course couldn't go all the way down because of the fat trunk. I was all kinds of paranoid about jumping out because it is hard to judge distance in the dark, even with a flashlight, plus I am scared to death of heights. I finally worked up the courage to hop out. I was quite suprised when I realized I had not disconnected myself from the safety strap. So, I was dangling in my harness 4 inches from the ground. I had to pull myself back up to undo myself from the tree strap.

Lol the joys of tree climbers. Welcome.

Welcome to the forum. Climbimg trees that are big at the bottom can be a pain. Sometimes its all there is. to defeat this you place your bottom on tree at an angle. it levels out as you go up. If you start with the base lever, as you climb it tilts down. It takes time to learn how much of an angle to use. Never , NEVER try to adjust the stand while up a tree ! When you get to the level you intend to hunt I suggest you use a ratchet strap to lock the stand top in place(I always do) It is very easy to bump the stand top and have it fall to the bottom part when you are standing. Always use a safety harness ! HUNT SAFE

Welcome aboard! Take pictures next time and post them.

Thanks for all of the advice. I do all of the things you said. This particular tree was so wide at the bottom that angling it wasn't enough to make it work. By the way Perch, I look forward to saying something that pisses you off and getting one of those epic private messages. Also, I am hoping to make it to Winston County to hunt once this year. I am thinking about taking that girl that was killing bucks while on the rag a few years back. Imagine what you could kill on a night hunt in Winston County with her laying in pile of corn.

Welcome aboard! Strong start.

"been lurking the forum to gain knowledge"...LOL!

Welcome and it's awesome you can laugh at yourself........cause we definitely will

Haha!!!now that's a way to make an introduction

Based on your experience at the WMA, it sounds like you've already learned a helluva lot from us. Bunch of azzhat geniuses on here! You should fit right in! Welcome aboard!

Dr. B

That would have been awesome! Seeing two footies dangling above the ground with another pic looking up at the climber!

Dr. B

Be careful out there. Glad to see you are wearing a harness Good luck going forward!