I hunt in Big Cypress most of the time by myself. Where I go there are many days that there is no one at the gate when I get there. Only a few of us hunt this area. I had a scare a couple seasons back and have been thinking about it lately. If it had gone the wrong way it's very likely that no one would find me for quite some time. I haven't seen buggy tracks besides mine in this area in a couple years. I've decided to get a harness and been looking at this one from the Guide.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=693766
Does anyone have one of these or know some one that does? Is it really worth the extra $ to be able to lower myself down keeping in mind that I probably won't have any help if something happens? Any other suggestions maybe? Whatever I get will be light weight because of how warm it is down here. Thanks guys.
Allen posted about that one a while back,great harness but 6 lbs and not cheap. because of vertigo I don't go too high 10-15' tops (can't take the tree swaying) and another reason I keep the tether so tight, even if I fall I can easily get back into the stand. if the stand should break I would have to bear hug the tree and cut loose and slide down the tree. I know I'd get scuffed up a little but hopefully no broken bones. my old seat of the pants mdl was about the size of a fanny pack and app 2 lbs ( hi tech in the early 90's) the new vest types look more comfortable,easier and quieter to put on etc. if youre gonna go over 15' I'd say it's not the time/place to cut corners.
hunter safety system is the way to go
I am never too worried about climbing up or down the sticks but once up there I mount the tree strap very high and keep the strap between my harness and the tree very short, just enough to sit down. My hunting partner is a bit heavier and had a blown achilles a couple years back, he doesn't trust himself climbing up or down, he purchased a climbing belt with a rope that he uses to climb up and down the tree using that prussic knot. He literaly pushes that knot up 2 to 3 feet at a time while he climbs and reverses the procedure on the way down. I will try to find out what it is and let you know.
with the prussic system you are always attatched and doubly so when in the stand and tethered. I didn't use it but would use the linemans belt when climbing and descending. they say most falls happen getting in and out.
