Checking out ladder stands before the season last year. Club work day. I was up 15 ft in an old 2 man stand that we were moving to another tree. One guy was holding the ladder while I climbed up to secure it at the top. As I was putting the strap around the tree the stand started falling backwards. The guy holding the ladder said he had it but the tubing connecting the top part to the ladder had become weak from corrosion and was giving way under my weight. I saw a 3 inch sappling as I was falling backward and was able to grab it and ride it down, slowing my fall. Nothing hurt but my pride but could have been bad.


jmlane