Prior to about 6 years ago I never used a harness. I went back to hunt public land (by myself 90% of the time) and started using one. 1st year it was kind of a pain to get used to it. Now it's like 2nd nature and adds very little time to climbing or descending the tree with the rope style tether. I won't climb if I don't have it. This year I bought some better tension relief straps and have them with me at all times. I try to only climb pine trees as the treewalker bites damn good in them but I will climb a oak if necessary. Also, I rarely get higher than about 20 feet, sometimes higher and sometimes lower, just depends. Few years ago I killed a 6pt and I was only about 10 feet off the ground but had really good cover. I simply choose better trees with some type of cover. Bottom line is, if your in a climber, lock on or even a ladder YOU SHOULD BE WEARING A HARNESS. Unforseen things happen while hunting and climbing trees especially in the dark.
