Safety harness in tree stand?

[Doublelunger]

I was just curious who uses a safety harness. I've never used one , they're kind of a hassle.

[wayner]

I use the hunters safety system vest. Very comfortable and easy to use. Plus I have been known to fall asleep in the stand 

[h20hunter]

So is not being able to walk. Think about that.

[Ridgeratt]

Maybe be awkward but I still can get home.
My hunting buddy fell out a stand only damage was the stock on his #1 ruger and the scope. Both repairable.

Couple of years ago I went in to a tree stand of mine and had the neighbor kid sitting in it.He tried to convice me it was his,except he couldn't unlock it. 

I had him get down saddled him up in my safety harness and told him to drop it on the back porch that evening.

[Stickerbush]

I dont have one so I dont use one. I know its bad but I felt safe without it.

I am planning on getting one though, I dont hunt from a stand too often 

[turkeyfeather]

I use the hunters safety system vest. Very comfortable and easy to use. Plus I have been known to fall asleep in the stand 

I use the same one and purposely set the strap so I can lean forward just a bit and take a nap, but won't go any farther.

[huntnnw]

the biggest issue is not being in the stand..80% of falls occur climbing into and out of the stand and sadly thats when most people are not hooked to the tree. I built a lifeline this year for $25 with climbing rope and a simple Prusik knot with a carabiner and I stay attached to it when in the tree

[PolarBear]

I use a pretty big climber so I am fairly secure.  I don't use a harness.  My buddy's platform from his climber fell out from underneath him and to the ground this year.  He dropped about 15 feet.  Luckily it just knocked the wind out of him.  I have always tied a line from my platform to my seat frame so if the platform did drop it wouldn't go far and I still had it tethered and could pull it up.  I have been telling my buddy for years to tether his platform but he didn't listen.  It would have saved him from the  drop.  Well, that and the fact the the idiot climbed up a cottonwood in a rain storm and it was slick as snot.   

[dkecoleman]

If your thinking about it, take a look at the Muddy line, they are fairly comfortable and not too bulky

[Duffer]

I'm pretty much a Freedom guy. Wanna ride your motorcycle without a helmet? cool. Wanna drive without a seatbelt? Fine. Wanna use your treestand without a harness? sure.

.... but don't convince yourself that the 15 - 20' fall won't hurt you that much. Last Fall @ the RMEF banquet I chatted with a young gent who fell about that same distance. He skipped the harness. He's now paralyzed from the waist down and damaged from the neck down. Now, family members bathe him and he'll never again get to use the 'family jewels'. Consider that is all I suggest.

Also, if you are someone who "would wear one but just don't have one or can't afford one"? PM me and I'll send you one FOR FREE!

I bought a vest. I wear it. I don't want someone else wiping my azz yet. I'm not THAT OLD! 

[RadSav]

I'm pretty much a Freedom guy. Wanna ride your motorcycle without a helmet? cool. Wanna drive without a seatbelt? Fine. Wanna use your treestand without a harness? sure.

.... but don't convince yourself that the 15 - 20' fall won't hurt you that much. Last Fall @ the RMEF banquet I chatted with a young gent who fell about that same distance. He skipped the harness. He's now paralyzed from the waist down and damaged from the neck down. Now, family members bathe him and he'll never again get to use the 'family jewels'. Consider that is all I suggest.

Also, if you are someone who "would wear one but just don't have one or can't afford one"? PM me and I'll send you one FOR FREE!

I bought a vest. I wear it. I don't want someone else wiping my azz yet. I'm not THAT OLD! 

Could not agree with you more.

Most common of all hunting accidents!  Hard to find someone in the Eastern states that hunt and doesn't know someone who was killed or paralyzed from falling from a treestand.  I know plenty from each category.  I would never ever allow myself, family, friends or clients into a tree stand without a controlled descend harness system.

[MikeWalking]

Several years back I got to talking with a friend that worked in the same building  I did.   A neighbor had asked him to weld up his broken stand, an aluminum one.  He said No, didn't think he was good enough to do it well.

The owner found someone else to do it.  A few nights later my friend is outside doing some yard work and the other guys kid comes screaming into his yard, yelling to call 911.

His Dads welded stand snapped while he was sitting in it in the backyard , no harness.  Broke his neck.  What does it cost, vs?

[jaymark6655]

YES!
1. I am afraid of heights (mostly that range because there is a good chance fall wont kill you immediately and you will lay there and suffer).
2. Have heard of severl guys having the chains or straps (it was one of those 2000 lb yellow ratchet straps) holding their stand in the tree snap just last week. 

[luckyman]

I won't climb in a stand that isn't very secure. Once I mount the stand as it was designed I place a lag bolt underneath so there is something solid for the stand to sit on, than place a racket strap around the tree and stand.

Once it feel secure I climb in but never use a harness. If I'm tired I come down and hunt from the ground.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

I owe it to my wife and kids to wear one....and I really enjoy life...so I always wear one... and generally I have a homemade prusik system on my stands so I don't leave the ground without a safety (except when  initially set up.. but I need to get into the habit of using a safety then too)