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1.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
Originally I thought I'd ask you all what the best treestand safety lessons you'd learned were.
Then I thought maybe don't limit it to treestand safety...Maybe somebody has a good reminder about some other hunting activity.
And THEN I thought about all the old geezers on here like BillyB and Wild Bob and Luv2, who might have accidentally stepped in some wisdom or a philosophy of hunting at some point that stuck on the bottom of their shoes, that they couldn't shake, and that they'd like to share...Definitely don't limit it to safety topics, I thought...Let these guys get up on the soapbox and bang on about anything they want, if they think it will do the rest of us some good.
So, that's what happened in my brain, and now I'm posting it...
:pop:
Then I thought maybe don't limit it to treestand safety...Maybe somebody has a good reminder about some other hunting activity.
And THEN I thought about all the old geezers on here like BillyB and Wild Bob and Luv2, who might have accidentally stepped in some wisdom or a philosophy of hunting at some point that stuck on the bottom of their shoes, that they couldn't shake, and that they'd like to share...Definitely don't limit it to safety topics, I thought...Let these guys get up on the soapbox and bang on about anything they want, if they think it will do the rest of us some good.
So, that's what happened in my brain, and now I'm posting it...
:pop:
2.) bluecat - 11/03/2015
Concerning safety, my lessons are centered around the butchering process. I watched a video one time where the instructor made a point to say always make sure the knife is below your hand and/or away from your hand. I always try to be cognizant of that fact and it has prevented some slip ups. I tend to go into auto-pilot when working and thinking about this as I do it, slows me down.
Taking care of a cut during all the mayhem would not be fun.
Taking care of a cut during all the mayhem would not be fun.
3.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
One of these days I'm gonna cut myself good inside the chest cavity, either with my own knife or on a broadhead.
4.) bluecat - 11/03/2015
I know what you mean. When you are trying to grab the esophagus with one hand while the other hand with knife is trying to cut that thing while elbow deep in guts, it can get a little dicey.
Bottom line is slow down!
But in keeping with the theme, I do carry a full medical pouch with me when I hunt.
Bottom line is slow down!
But in keeping with the theme, I do carry a full medical pouch with me when I hunt.
5.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
This past spring I thought briefly about buying some protective gloves for fish-cleaning and butchering...This is the one area where they'd probably come in most handy.
6.) Jon - 11/03/2015
Please check your climbing stands thoroughtly prior to use. A few years back, I was using the same Summit climber I have used for many years. It had the cable with 4 swaged blocks that slides into the receiver and has a safety snap that slides over the opening preventing the cable from coming loose.
I had been sitting for several hours and was ready to come down, had already tied my bow and lowered to the ground. I had moved down one step when I went to engage the lower section to the tree and felt no resistance, I looked down and saw the cable hanging free only attached on one side. I tried not to panic and did a weak attempt to squeeze my lack of abdominal muscles and bring my legs up far enough so I could grab the cable with one hand while trying to hold on to the top section with the other hand. This scenario didn't work out very well so I had to come up with option B.
At this point, I was about 16' in the air so falling could have been disasterous. I couldn't get my legs around the tree to shimmy down and I was doing my best to dislodge the lower section from my feet and away from the base of the tree so that when I did figure out how to get down, it wouldn't break my leg(s).
I finally realized if I hung by my hands from the bottom of the upper half, my 6' body added to my 3' arms would mean the fall would "only" be 7' or so. I tried to swing myself away from the tree and let go, tumbling down into some briars. I slowly tried to breathe and move everything ensuring my survival had actually happened, I was alive and no broken bones.
Please check your safety items before you use them. Ensure proper operation and that all the mechanisms are operational. In my case, the locking safety snap didn't have enough friction nor did it have anything keeping it locked and it came unlocked. The new Summit climbers have a different locking mechanism due to this problem. Glad I wasn't a statistic.
I had been sitting for several hours and was ready to come down, had already tied my bow and lowered to the ground. I had moved down one step when I went to engage the lower section to the tree and felt no resistance, I looked down and saw the cable hanging free only attached on one side. I tried not to panic and did a weak attempt to squeeze my lack of abdominal muscles and bring my legs up far enough so I could grab the cable with one hand while trying to hold on to the top section with the other hand. This scenario didn't work out very well so I had to come up with option B.
At this point, I was about 16' in the air so falling could have been disasterous. I couldn't get my legs around the tree to shimmy down and I was doing my best to dislodge the lower section from my feet and away from the base of the tree so that when I did figure out how to get down, it wouldn't break my leg(s).
I finally realized if I hung by my hands from the bottom of the upper half, my 6' body added to my 3' arms would mean the fall would "only" be 7' or so. I tried to swing myself away from the tree and let go, tumbling down into some briars. I slowly tried to breathe and move everything ensuring my survival had actually happened, I was alive and no broken bones.
Please check your safety items before you use them. Ensure proper operation and that all the mechanisms are operational. In my case, the locking safety snap didn't have enough friction nor did it have anything keeping it locked and it came unlocked. The new Summit climbers have a different locking mechanism due to this problem. Glad I wasn't a statistic.
7.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
That's a great reminder. I had a somewhat similar situation when loaned a climber to use on a dog drive. On my own stands, I have a tether to connect the upper section to the lower, so you can't lose the lower (at least not all the way to base of the tree, anyway, LOL---Keep the tether short!). Naturally, this climber had no such tether and I didn't have my own vehicle with us to rummage through to find something. It was "You get in that tree out there, and hurry before something busts out into the cutover ahead of the drive! Go!"
Make a long story short, I lost the platform on the climb down after the drive. The climber portion was the type you sit on, so I could sit there in relative calm and plan my escape. I had tree tethers I could use to lower myself and then bear hug and then slide/jump down the rest of the way, plus I wasn't up too high. It was more embarrassing than anything else, as a bunch of people watched my slow maneuvering from a distance, all while they're chomping at the bit to get to the next block to be driven, LOL.
Anyhoo, the big lesson is don't use a climber without the platform tethered.
Also, don't try to adjust your platform for angle on the climb unless you know exactly what you're doing. It's usually very hard to prevent the cable or traction belt or whatever from doing what it did in Jon's case. Ask me how I know, LOL.
If your stand or traction belt/cable will allow it, attach a dowel (with paracord, etc. ) to one end of the belt/cable so that it dangles out the end of the belt or cable tube on your end. It will act as a stop if your locking mechanism fails (on that side), or as a way to adjust the belt/cable in or out on the climb, with little or no risk that the cable (again, on that side) is going to slip free by accident and leave you in Jon's predicament.
Make a long story short, I lost the platform on the climb down after the drive. The climber portion was the type you sit on, so I could sit there in relative calm and plan my escape. I had tree tethers I could use to lower myself and then bear hug and then slide/jump down the rest of the way, plus I wasn't up too high. It was more embarrassing than anything else, as a bunch of people watched my slow maneuvering from a distance, all while they're chomping at the bit to get to the next block to be driven, LOL.
Anyhoo, the big lesson is don't use a climber without the platform tethered.
Also, don't try to adjust your platform for angle on the climb unless you know exactly what you're doing. It's usually very hard to prevent the cable or traction belt or whatever from doing what it did in Jon's case. Ask me how I know, LOL.
If your stand or traction belt/cable will allow it, attach a dowel (with paracord, etc. ) to one end of the belt/cable so that it dangles out the end of the belt or cable tube on your end. It will act as a stop if your locking mechanism fails (on that side), or as a way to adjust the belt/cable in or out on the climb, with little or no risk that the cable (again, on that side) is going to slip free by accident and leave you in Jon's predicament.
8.) Wild Bob - 11/03/2015
Good points all, and good topic Swampy.
I guess the biggest single most important lesson that I've learned over the years in regards to safety boils down to: Know you your hunting partner or the people you are hunting with.
Some would call me picky or persnickety or may be even anal...but I'm choosey about who I hunt with for a number of reasons, but the biggest concern is just plain safety.
I guess the biggest single most important lesson that I've learned over the years in regards to safety boils down to: Know you your hunting partner or the people you are hunting with.
Some would call me picky or persnickety or may be even anal...but I'm choosey about who I hunt with for a number of reasons, but the biggest concern is just plain safety.
9.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
I think that's right. I don't let anybody with a loaded weapon (unholstered) walk behind me, whether I know them or not. I learned that lesson really early on. It's a sick feeling to turn around to check on whoever you're leading and find that his muzzle's pointed right at you, and has been the whole time you've been hiking. I've also had to get over any shyness about telling people to "Point that thing somewhere else, dammit" in parking lots, on porches, getting in and out of vehicles, etc.
10.) Jon - 11/03/2015
After all the years I've known Swampy, this proves my point. There's absolutely NO TOPIC that swampy doesn't have some related story applicable to himself.
I could say that I was perched in my sniper hide 327Klicks south of Panjab, watching three rags dig a hole with IED material in their hands when I had to make a decision on engaging them which would potentially identify my hide or allow them to bury the IED and risk the lives of American troops.
Swampy would come up with something related. The man is a legend
I could say that I was perched in my sniper hide 327Klicks south of Panjab, watching three rags dig a hole with IED material in their hands when I had to make a decision on engaging them which would potentially identify my hide or allow them to bury the IED and risk the lives of American troops.
Swampy would come up with something related. The man is a legend
11.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
No, I think you would have me there, LOL...
Also, probably nothing relating to motorcycles or repairing engines. :fire:
Also, probably nothing relating to motorcycles or repairing engines. :fire:
12.) DParker - 11/03/2015
- File a flight plan. That is, make sure your spouse/significant other/whomever knows exactly what area you're hunting...with GPS coordinates if you have them.
- Stop playing Angry Birds on stand. Conserve your phone's battery in case you actually need it in an emergency.
- Make sure you have a roll of TP.
- If you think that engaging will compromise your position, call in an air strike. Those fly-boys don't have anything better to do anyway.
- Stop playing Angry Birds on stand. Conserve your phone's battery in case you actually need it in an emergency.
- Make sure you have a roll of TP.
- If you think that engaging will compromise your position, call in an air strike. Those fly-boys don't have anything better to do anyway.
13.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
Good call on all of those, but especially 1 and 2, LOL.
Also, I realized I DO have a couple of motorcycle stories, so I'm gonna ask to substitute anything related to indoor electrical wiring. :wink
Also, I realized I DO have a couple of motorcycle stories, so I'm gonna ask to substitute anything related to indoor electrical wiring. :wink
14.) bluecat - 11/03/2015
[QUOTE=DParker;36034]- File a flight plan. That is, make sure your spouse/significant other/whomever knows exactly what area you're hunting...with GPS coordinates if you have them.
- Stop playing Angry Birds on stand. Conserve your phone's battery in case you actually need it in an emergency.
- Make sure you have a roll of TP.
- If you think that engaging will compromise your position, call in an air strike. Those fly-boys don't have anything better to do anyway.[/QUOTE]
Gonna add one thing that is probably obvious but keep your cell phone on your person. If you fall and get hurt, the phone's is not gonna help you if it is up in a tree.
- Stop playing Angry Birds on stand. Conserve your phone's battery in case you actually need it in an emergency.
- Make sure you have a roll of TP.
- If you think that engaging will compromise your position, call in an air strike. Those fly-boys don't have anything better to do anyway.[/QUOTE]
Gonna add one thing that is probably obvious but keep your cell phone on your person. If you fall and get hurt, the phone's is not gonna help you if it is up in a tree.
15.) luv2bowhunt - 11/03/2015
[QUOTE=Jon;36029]After all the years I've known Swampy, this proves my point. There's absolutely NO TOPIC that swampy doesn't have some related story applicable to himself.
I could say that I was perched in my sniper hide 327Klicks south of Panjab, watching three rags dig a hole with IED material in their hands when I had to make a decision on engaging them which would potentially identify my hide or allow them to bury the IED and risk the lives of American troops.
Swampy would come up with something related. The man is a legend[/QUOTE]
:clap: I thought I was the only one who noticed that. Hehehe.:co:
I could say that I was perched in my sniper hide 327Klicks south of Panjab, watching three rags dig a hole with IED material in their hands when I had to make a decision on engaging them which would potentially identify my hide or allow them to bury the IED and risk the lives of American troops.
Swampy would come up with something related. The man is a legend[/QUOTE]
:clap: I thought I was the only one who noticed that. Hehehe.:co:
16.) luv2bowhunt - 11/03/2015
[QUOTE=bluecat;36037]Gonna add one thing that is probably obvious but keep your cell phone on your person. If you fall and get hurt, the phone's is not gonna help you if it is up in a tree.[/QUOTE]
No cell service where I'm hunting so it wouldn't even help. Biggest lesson I've learned is to slow down and make sure every movement with the tree stand, hanging, climbing, hooking up, is deliberate and careful.
Torn ACL and strained MCL because I got in a hurry and jumped down from the last step. No reason for it to happen, just got careless for a second.
No cell service where I'm hunting so it wouldn't even help. Biggest lesson I've learned is to slow down and make sure every movement with the tree stand, hanging, climbing, hooking up, is deliberate and careful.
Torn ACL and strained MCL because I got in a hurry and jumped down from the last step. No reason for it to happen, just got careless for a second.
17.) Swamp Fox - 11/03/2015
Okay, add another item I don't have any stories about: scrapple. :wink
18.) Wild Bob - 11/03/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;36040]Okay, add another item I don't have any stories about: scrapple. :wink[/QUOTE]
Isn't that something that you eat???
Isn't that something that you eat???
19.) Triton Rich - 11/04/2015
[B]I had an eye opening tree stand installation this year. On several of our stands that are safely on private property, we leave the stands up after the seaseon and simply remove the safety ropes and loosen the straps to allow the tree to grow over the summer. I went to tighten the straps on one such tree. After I dis so, I did the customary hop up and down on the stand to make sure it's secure. One of the cables broke and the stand sagged abruptly! I was able to clamp my arms around the tree as I suddenly realized I hadn't tied in the safety rope or hooked up my harness. I put the rope up then removed the stand and got another. This time I was harnessed in. The stand was a little squeaky so I went to tighten the upper strap one more notch, BANG! Strap broke and I again had to grab the tree. At least this time I wouldn't have fallen far. A new ratchet strap and the stand was finally ready to go. The main lesson naturally is to always hook up your harness first. Also, check the stands and other equipment and replace as necessary. We also probably need to take down all the stands and store them over the summer to slow down the rust. [/B]
20.) Wild Bob - 11/04/2015
Good point Rich, I've left a couple of my ladder stands out all year as well and had similar situations where settling occurs, straps getting weak, etc. Strap yourself in first...because you never know.
In regards to my post on know your hunting companions; as Swampy pointed out - gun safety comes to mind first and foremost; but I've had this driven home while bow hunting as well. My concern when bow hunting is usually less from a safety concern, but more from an ethical stand point. I don't like hunting with guys that take iffy shots, and then want you to do all the work to help find and fix their mistake. Or even worse yet, just want to give up and not even follow through trying to adequately track a wounded animal.
When I'm going out and staying in a camp, my pickiness for the right companions (lessons learned) becomes even greater...I won't tolerate a slouch in camp. Been through that once...and once was enough! I'll bust my balls to help my partners; but I expect the same in return. I know that skill levels vary and not everyone always has experience with everything...but I at least ask that everyone try to do their part, show the effort and be helpful.
In regards to my post on know your hunting companions; as Swampy pointed out - gun safety comes to mind first and foremost; but I've had this driven home while bow hunting as well. My concern when bow hunting is usually less from a safety concern, but more from an ethical stand point. I don't like hunting with guys that take iffy shots, and then want you to do all the work to help find and fix their mistake. Or even worse yet, just want to give up and not even follow through trying to adequately track a wounded animal.
When I'm going out and staying in a camp, my pickiness for the right companions (lessons learned) becomes even greater...I won't tolerate a slouch in camp. Been through that once...and once was enough! I'll bust my balls to help my partners; but I expect the same in return. I know that skill levels vary and not everyone always has experience with everything...but I at least ask that everyone try to do their part, show the effort and be helpful.
21.) Wild Bob - 11/04/2015
Thinking about this topic; I got one more little ‘Best Lesson’ which normally is not a big deal but depending on the situation and where you are hunting...it can be a big deal.
I have a key rule... What that is, is this: I always keep my primary keys to my vehicle with me, in my pack. But I also carry a spare 'floater' set of keys in my rig. Who ever is hunting with me; whether it be my son or a friend, or a guest just tagging along; they HAVE TO PUT THAT SPARE FLOATER SET in their pocket or pack and carry them along with them regardless of what type of hunting we are doing or how far or close we plan to be from the truck.
I can't tell you how many times that has come in handy, and saved someone ‘another trip' back and forth between where one of us was and the truck.
A misplaced set of keys, or borrowed and set down haphazardly? All of a sudden worry is not an issue as there is back up. No wasted hunting time looking for them either.
Also this little rule has saved the day several times over the years big time when the keys have gotten locked in the truck (you know; in the excitement of getting stuff out and ready – the ‘I thought you had them, no, I thought you had them’ moments). A spare set is much better than having to break a window out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service!
At a couple of different times I’ve also used the ‘stash a key thing’ and it was OK…but I also lost a key holder once that either got mudded / washed / knocked off somehow. Of course, didn’t know that until I needed it…Any how, either way you do it; a spare key to the rig is invaluable IMO!
I have a key rule... What that is, is this: I always keep my primary keys to my vehicle with me, in my pack. But I also carry a spare 'floater' set of keys in my rig. Who ever is hunting with me; whether it be my son or a friend, or a guest just tagging along; they HAVE TO PUT THAT SPARE FLOATER SET in their pocket or pack and carry them along with them regardless of what type of hunting we are doing or how far or close we plan to be from the truck.
I can't tell you how many times that has come in handy, and saved someone ‘another trip' back and forth between where one of us was and the truck.
A misplaced set of keys, or borrowed and set down haphazardly? All of a sudden worry is not an issue as there is back up. No wasted hunting time looking for them either.
Also this little rule has saved the day several times over the years big time when the keys have gotten locked in the truck (you know; in the excitement of getting stuff out and ready – the ‘I thought you had them, no, I thought you had them’ moments). A spare set is much better than having to break a window out in the middle of nowhere with no cell service!
At a couple of different times I’ve also used the ‘stash a key thing’ and it was OK…but I also lost a key holder once that either got mudded / washed / knocked off somehow. Of course, didn’t know that until I needed it…Any how, either way you do it; a spare key to the rig is invaluable IMO!
22.) Swamp Fox - 11/04/2015
That's a lot better than the key on the back tire or behind the gas tank flap trick, which I was never comfortable with. When I'm by myself, the old magnetic box with a spare comes in handy, but I too have lost one somehow. Would save a lot of time and confusion with hunting companions getting turned around trying to find one another as well.
Camp is much more enjoyable when everyone is willing to pitch in. And almost as low on the "no fun" spectrum as the slacker is the guy who's completely self-contained. He gets all his own stuff done himself, but might as well be on a different planet as far as volunteering anything for others or for the group. Nobody might need anything, and everything might be running smoothly, but it's still points off not to volunteer SOMETHING, LOL. The good thing about spotting one of these guys is you know ahead of time who not to count on in a pinch, LOL.
Camp is much more enjoyable when everyone is willing to pitch in. And almost as low on the "no fun" spectrum as the slacker is the guy who's completely self-contained. He gets all his own stuff done himself, but might as well be on a different planet as far as volunteering anything for others or for the group. Nobody might need anything, and everything might be running smoothly, but it's still points off not to volunteer SOMETHING, LOL. The good thing about spotting one of these guys is you know ahead of time who not to count on in a pinch, LOL.
23.) Swamp Fox - 11/04/2015
And to Rich's point about treestand maintenance:
If anyone has a source for replacement stand cables, I'd like to have it. I found one group out in Oregon or Washington but haven't used them yet as it's a little bet of a pain in the butt to get everything organized here (various measurements and specs, etc.). "Maybe next year" LOL...Plus I have to find their name and address in my notes somewhere. They don't pop up easily on the net. Maybe I should look and see if I've posted it on here somewhere already, LOL.
I've gotten in the habit of replacing cables with chain from the hardware store here and there as I need to, but would really like a source for cable instead.
If anyone has a source for replacement stand cables, I'd like to have it. I found one group out in Oregon or Washington but haven't used them yet as it's a little bet of a pain in the butt to get everything organized here (various measurements and specs, etc.). "Maybe next year" LOL...Plus I have to find their name and address in my notes somewhere. They don't pop up easily on the net. Maybe I should look and see if I've posted it on here somewhere already, LOL.
I've gotten in the habit of replacing cables with chain from the hardware store here and there as I need to, but would really like a source for cable instead.
24.) Bob Peck - 11/04/2015
[B]Treestands:[/B]
1. Wear a safety harness going up and down a tree.
Sadly, we can't get our brothers and sisters to even wear a safety harness let alone make them aware if you're not attached ascending and descending you can get just as hurt.
2. IMHO, there's no problem leaving your stands in place provided you make annual PRE-HUNT visits to examine rusted hardware, frayed straps and the condition of the tree it's in.
3. Remember to tether the top of your climbing stand to the bottom.
I have fallen three times and managed not to kill myself, get paralyzed or suffer serious injury as a result of 1,2 and 3. It's by the grace of God that I'm even writing this.
4. Learn how to recover from a fall in your safety harness by practicing 8' off the ground and with a buddy to assist if you can't figure it out.
It's not a simple matter to recover and the consequences could mean hours of severely restricted blood flow that could cause many long lasting problems, namely death.
[B]General:[/B]
I assume at some point Murphy's Law will intervene and cause some "oh, shitake" moments. I always carry 2 days worth of provisions (water, food, first aid), duplicate communication devices, duplicate navigation, duplicate fire starting materials, extra batteries, survival gear and a PLB even if I'm only going for an easy "day hunt".
Years worth of GPS coordinates are on the fridge with a magnet next to the location. Should I decide to move once I'm in the woods I text the new coordinates to command central (my wife) and wait for a receipt the coordinates have been received. If I don't get a confirmation I don't move (far).
If I head into the mountains all of the above plus a buddy. I ventured out alone for many years but then I realized not only was that dumb but sharing the survival/hunt experience with someone was much more rewarding.
1. Wear a safety harness going up and down a tree.
Sadly, we can't get our brothers and sisters to even wear a safety harness let alone make them aware if you're not attached ascending and descending you can get just as hurt.
2. IMHO, there's no problem leaving your stands in place provided you make annual PRE-HUNT visits to examine rusted hardware, frayed straps and the condition of the tree it's in.
3. Remember to tether the top of your climbing stand to the bottom.
I have fallen three times and managed not to kill myself, get paralyzed or suffer serious injury as a result of 1,2 and 3. It's by the grace of God that I'm even writing this.
4. Learn how to recover from a fall in your safety harness by practicing 8' off the ground and with a buddy to assist if you can't figure it out.
It's not a simple matter to recover and the consequences could mean hours of severely restricted blood flow that could cause many long lasting problems, namely death.
[B]General:[/B]
I assume at some point Murphy's Law will intervene and cause some "oh, shitake" moments. I always carry 2 days worth of provisions (water, food, first aid), duplicate communication devices, duplicate navigation, duplicate fire starting materials, extra batteries, survival gear and a PLB even if I'm only going for an easy "day hunt".
Years worth of GPS coordinates are on the fridge with a magnet next to the location. Should I decide to move once I'm in the woods I text the new coordinates to command central (my wife) and wait for a receipt the coordinates have been received. If I don't get a confirmation I don't move (far).
If I head into the mountains all of the above plus a buddy. I ventured out alone for many years but then I realized not only was that dumb but sharing the survival/hunt experience with someone was much more rewarding.
25.) DParker - 11/04/2015
[QUOTE=Wild Bob;36056]I have a key rule... What that is, is this: I always keep my primary keys to my vehicle with me, in my pack. But I also carry a spare 'floater' set of keys in my rig. Who ever is hunting with me; whether it be my son or a friend, or a guest just tagging along; they HAVE TO PUT THAT SPARE FLOATER SET in their pocket or pack and carry them along with them regardless of what type of hunting we are doing or how far or close we plan to be from the truck.[/QUOTE]
That's an excellent rule, Bob...and one I must confess that I've been remiss in adopting myself when hunting with my son. I'm going to implement it starting this weekend.
That's an excellent rule, Bob...and one I must confess that I've been remiss in adopting myself when hunting with my son. I'm going to implement it starting this weekend.
26.) Swamp Fox - 11/04/2015
PLB's
[url]http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews[/url]
[url]http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/buying-advice[/url]
[url]http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/a/11317/How-to-Best-Use-Your-Activity-Tracker-and-Handheld-GPS[/url]
Add these to the list of things I don't have stories about. :wink "I only know what I read in the papers."
[url]http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews[/url]
[url]http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/Personal-Locator-Beacon-Reviews/buying-advice[/url]
[url]http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/a/11317/How-to-Best-Use-Your-Activity-Tracker-and-Handheld-GPS[/url]
Add these to the list of things I don't have stories about. :wink "I only know what I read in the papers."
27.) DParker - 11/04/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;36062]PLB's[/QUOTE]
PBRs
PB&Js
I'll bet you have stories for those.
PBRs
PB&Js
I'll bet you have stories for those.
28.) Swamp Fox - 11/04/2015
Why yes...Yes I do....
:p
:p
29.) bluecat - 11/04/2015
I knew a girl once with really big personal locator beacons...
They really were spectacular.
They really were spectacular.
30.) bluecat - 11/04/2015
...and they were real. :wink
31.) bluecat - 11/04/2015
Swampy you got any stories about PFD's? :wink
32.) Swamp Fox - 11/04/2015
LOL...
"I don't know how you guys walk around with those things!"
"I don't know how you guys walk around with those things!"
33.) Swamp Fox - 11/04/2015
"I was in the pool!"
34.) luv2bowhunt - 11/05/2015
[QUOTE=Bob Peck;36060][B]Treestands:[/B]If I head into the mountains all of the above plus a buddy. I ventured out alone for many years but then I realized not only was that dumb but sharing the survival/hunt experience with someone was much more rewarding.[/QUOTE]
I've been thinking about that, but not sure what to do about it. I am 52 years old and I try to stay in good shape, exercise year round, watch what I eat. I don't like to see anyone else when I hunt. No turkey hunters, no squirrel hunters, and most of all no other bow hunters.
So I end up off the beaten path, back in, or in nasty thick areas where no one else would want to go. I don't hunt with anyone, I'm always solo. I make up a map for the wife, showing location I park and where the stand is. No phone service in 99% of the places I'm hunting now. Son-in-laws have no interest hunting where I do and my friends all hunt in their own spots they like.
Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?
Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.
I've been thinking about that, but not sure what to do about it. I am 52 years old and I try to stay in good shape, exercise year round, watch what I eat. I don't like to see anyone else when I hunt. No turkey hunters, no squirrel hunters, and most of all no other bow hunters.
So I end up off the beaten path, back in, or in nasty thick areas where no one else would want to go. I don't hunt with anyone, I'm always solo. I make up a map for the wife, showing location I park and where the stand is. No phone service in 99% of the places I'm hunting now. Son-in-laws have no interest hunting where I do and my friends all hunt in their own spots they like.
Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?
Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.
35.) Wild Bob - 11/05/2015
Luv2...Keep the faith man, charge ahead! :tu:
I think much of what we do and how safe we do it relies on how much we ourselves value the activity as well as ever being mindful of our safety; there are many examples of guys that have lived their whole lives in the bush, and lived to full old age doing dangerous things...
Call me stubborn, but IMO, the first step is being mindful of safety. Don't call it quits unless that is what you really want to do.
I think much of what we do and how safe we do it relies on how much we ourselves value the activity as well as ever being mindful of our safety; there are many examples of guys that have lived their whole lives in the bush, and lived to full old age doing dangerous things...
Call me stubborn, but IMO, the first step is being mindful of safety. Don't call it quits unless that is what you really want to do.
36.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
Every once in a while I come across this quote as "Every hunter hopes that a good death finds him", which I like, because hunters are among the few who confront death on a regular basis and might have a meaningful thought or two about it.
However, the actual line is "Every warrior hopes that a good death finds him" spoken by One Stab in the movie [I]Legends of the Fall.[/I]
****
And, speaking of warriors, and danger, my mind turns to Sir Robin and what life must have been like for that good knight:
[I]Minstrel: [singing] Bravely bold Sir Robin rode forth from Camelot. He was not afraid to die, oh brave Sir Robin. He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways, brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin. He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp, or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken. To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away, and his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin. His head smashed in and heart cut out, and his liver removed, and his bowels unplugged, and his nostrils raped and his bottom burned off and his penis...
Sir Robin: That's, uh, that's enough music for now, lads... looks like there's dirty work afoot.
[/I]
****
So, all in all, until it is time to quit the hunt entirely, retiring to a warm teepee to poke the fire and dream through the embers, there is this:
"[I]Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends." [/I]-----One Stab
However, the actual line is "Every warrior hopes that a good death finds him" spoken by One Stab in the movie [I]Legends of the Fall.[/I]
****
And, speaking of warriors, and danger, my mind turns to Sir Robin and what life must have been like for that good knight:
[I]Minstrel: [singing] Bravely bold Sir Robin rode forth from Camelot. He was not afraid to die, oh brave Sir Robin. He was not at all afraid to be killed in nasty ways, brave, brave, brave, brave Sir Robin. He was not in the least bit scared to be mashed into a pulp, or to have his eyes gouged out, and his elbows broken. To have his kneecaps split, and his body burned away, and his limbs all hacked and mangled, brave Sir Robin. His head smashed in and heart cut out, and his liver removed, and his bowels unplugged, and his nostrils raped and his bottom burned off and his penis...
Sir Robin: That's, uh, that's enough music for now, lads... looks like there's dirty work afoot.
[/I]
****
So, all in all, until it is time to quit the hunt entirely, retiring to a warm teepee to poke the fire and dream through the embers, there is this:
"[I]Some people hear their own inner voices with great clearness and they live by what they hear. Such people become crazy, or they become legends." [/I]-----One Stab
37.) bluecat - 11/05/2015
"Honey, there someone at the door. Something about the reaping?"
:laugh:
38.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
LOL...Excellent catch!
:laugh:
:laugh:
39.) bluecat - 11/05/2015
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36089]I've been thinking about that, but not sure what to do about it. I am 52 years old and I try to stay in good shape, exercise year round, watch what I eat. I don't like to see anyone else when I hunt. No turkey hunters, no squirrel hunters, and most of all no other bow hunters.
So I end up off the beaten path, back in, or in nasty thick areas where no one else would want to go. I don't hunt with anyone, I'm always solo. I make up a map for the wife, showing location I park and where the stand is. No phone service in 99% of the places I'm hunting now. Son-in-laws have no interest hunting where I do and my friends all hunt in their own spots they like.
Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?
Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.[/QUOTE]
I took the liberty of extrapolating your age at death and multiplied that by the number of posts you contribute each year and came up with the calculation that you probably have 14 posts left in you. :wave: Thought that might bring some comfort.
So I end up off the beaten path, back in, or in nasty thick areas where no one else would want to go. I don't hunt with anyone, I'm always solo. I make up a map for the wife, showing location I park and where the stand is. No phone service in 99% of the places I'm hunting now. Son-in-laws have no interest hunting where I do and my friends all hunt in their own spots they like.
Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?
Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.[/QUOTE]
I took the liberty of extrapolating your age at death and multiplied that by the number of posts you contribute each year and came up with the calculation that you probably have 14 posts left in you. :wave: Thought that might bring some comfort.
40.) bluecat - 11/05/2015
I have a ritual that I perform before every hunt. I let my inner warrior become very still and then I mutter, "this collarbone ain't gonna break itself" before I haul ass up the tree.
41.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
[QUOTE=bluecat;36110]... and came up with the calculation that you probably have 14 posts left in you. :wave: Thought that might bring some comfort.[/QUOTE]
It would be a great disappointment and absolutely no fun at all if he used them wisely...:-)
Plus I'm nominating this for Post of the Year, LOL
It would be a great disappointment and absolutely no fun at all if he used them wisely...:-)
Plus I'm nominating this for Post of the Year, LOL
42.) luv2bowhunt - 11/05/2015
[QUOTE=bluecat;36110]I took the liberty of extrapolating your age at death and multiplied that by the number of posts you contribute each year and came up with the calculation that you probably have 14 posts left in you. :wave: Thought that might bring some comfort.[/QUOTE]
:tu: Not afraid to die, just wondering at what point is it a really bad idea to hunt alone.
If I do die soon, there's a huge upside for you guys. I'm sure Jon will have cigars and party hats for all 6 of you that post on here.
:tu: Not afraid to die, just wondering at what point is it a really bad idea to hunt alone.
If I do die soon, there's a huge upside for you guys. I'm sure Jon will have cigars and party hats for all 6 of you that post on here.
43.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
Of course, the downside will be that we'll have no one left to troll, except Bullz-I, who is surprisingly resistant to our broadcast frequency..
44.) bluecat - 11/05/2015
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36113]:tu: Not afraid to die, just wondering at what point is it a really bad idea to hunt alone.
If I do die soon, there's a huge upside for you guys. I'm sure Jon will have cigars and party hats for all 6 of you that post on here.[/QUOTE]
More cake and pie for all of us!
If I do die soon, there's a huge upside for you guys. I'm sure Jon will have cigars and party hats for all 6 of you that post on here.[/QUOTE]
More cake and pie for all of us!
45.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
Well, that and the fact that you'll be gone, of course...:wink
46.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36113]:tu: Not afraid to die, just wondering at what point is it a really bad idea to hunt alone.
If I do die soon, there's a huge upside for you guys. I'm sure Jon will have cigars and party hats for all 6 of you that post on here.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;36114]Of course, the downside will be that we'll have no one left to troll, except Bullz-I, who is surprisingly resistant to our broadcast frequency..[/QUOTE]
Well, that and the fact that you'll be gone, of course... :wink
If I do die soon, there's a huge upside for you guys. I'm sure Jon will have cigars and party hats for all 6 of you that post on here.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;36114]Of course, the downside will be that we'll have no one left to troll, except Bullz-I, who is surprisingly resistant to our broadcast frequency..[/QUOTE]
Well, that and the fact that you'll be gone, of course... :wink
47.) Swamp Fox - 11/05/2015
And....We lost him...
:tap:
Luv2, if you're out there somewhere...Come back toward the light...Come back!...
LOL
:wave:
:tap:
Luv2, if you're out there somewhere...Come back toward the light...Come back!...
LOL
:wave:
48.) Jon - 11/06/2015
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36089]I've been thinking about that, but not sure what to do about it. I am 52 years old and I try to stay in good shape, exercise year round, watch what I eat. I don't like to see anyone else when I hunt. No turkey hunters, no squirrel hunters, and most of all no other bow hunters.
So I end up off the beaten path, back in, or in nasty thick areas where no one else would want to go. I don't hunt with anyone, I'm always solo. I make up a map for the wife, showing location I park and where the stand is. No phone service in 99% of the places I'm hunting now. Son-in-laws have no interest hunting where I do and my friends all hunt in their own spots they like.
Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?
Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.[/QUOTE]
LUV2, I'll miss you.
I don't think anyone should change their routine especially since yours gets you away from the million goobers who hunt Pa like the rest of em. Everyone dies sometime, might as well die doing what you love.
My buddy Ted brought his old dog and pup for a ride in the truck Weds, he stopped at a spot he knew to hold birds and opened the door, the old dog jumped out and disappeared into the briars. The young dog held back with Ted. They walked into the brush to find the old girl DJ pointing a bird. As Ted got in and busted the bird, DJ layed down and couldn't catch her breath. Ted picked her up and carried her back to the truck with the young pup following.
DJ took her last breath at 0130 yesterday morning. She went out just like she should have and I want to go that same way.
True story by the way, it made me very sad yet happy for DJ.
So I end up off the beaten path, back in, or in nasty thick areas where no one else would want to go. I don't hunt with anyone, I'm always solo. I make up a map for the wife, showing location I park and where the stand is. No phone service in 99% of the places I'm hunting now. Son-in-laws have no interest hunting where I do and my friends all hunt in their own spots they like.
Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?
Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.[/QUOTE]
LUV2, I'll miss you.
I don't think anyone should change their routine especially since yours gets you away from the million goobers who hunt Pa like the rest of em. Everyone dies sometime, might as well die doing what you love.
My buddy Ted brought his old dog and pup for a ride in the truck Weds, he stopped at a spot he knew to hold birds and opened the door, the old dog jumped out and disappeared into the briars. The young dog held back with Ted. They walked into the brush to find the old girl DJ pointing a bird. As Ted got in and busted the bird, DJ layed down and couldn't catch her breath. Ted picked her up and carried her back to the truck with the young pup following.
DJ took her last breath at 0130 yesterday morning. She went out just like she should have and I want to go that same way.
True story by the way, it made me very sad yet happy for DJ.
49.) Swamp Fox - 11/06/2015
:applause:
50.) Bob Peck - 11/06/2015
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36089]Not sure when it becomes just stupid to do what I do. At what point do you say, "OK I'm done with the wilderness adventure" and start doing what everyone else does and hunt between the houses, beside the new strip mall, or along the roads in flat terrain?[/QUOTE]
There's the practical side and the psychological side.
Practically speaking, I don't have a huge list of fellow hunters I trust with my life or who are proficient enough or level headed enough to watch my six.
And then there's those epic drags or packing out the meat when another body helping out is fantastic. It's impractical for me to invite a friend each time I attempt a "wilderness adventure" so I simply limit the amount of times I might plan one of those to maybe 3 or 4. Does this have any direct correlation to being "safer". Heck no. It's an illusory "everything in moderation" approach. To add another layer of control I bring enough technology to be of concern to homeland security.
On the psychological side loneliness is a double-edged sword. Controlling it is the secret to survival and peace-of-mind you can only get solo. On the other edge of the sword, not controlling it and letting it get to me leads me right to wanting to share. Sharing (at least for me) is fulfilling.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36089]Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.[/QUOTE]
If you've not read "Know Hunting" by Dr. Dave Samuel you should. Men our age (hunter or not) are at a very different place in our hunting "career" than the youngers. Mortality (as in ours) and questioning how long we can keep doing what we love is normal.
I can think of allot worse ways to go than Hatchet Jack!:dig:
There's the practical side and the psychological side.
Practically speaking, I don't have a huge list of fellow hunters I trust with my life or who are proficient enough or level headed enough to watch my six.
And then there's those epic drags or packing out the meat when another body helping out is fantastic. It's impractical for me to invite a friend each time I attempt a "wilderness adventure" so I simply limit the amount of times I might plan one of those to maybe 3 or 4. Does this have any direct correlation to being "safer". Heck no. It's an illusory "everything in moderation" approach. To add another layer of control I bring enough technology to be of concern to homeland security.
On the psychological side loneliness is a double-edged sword. Controlling it is the secret to survival and peace-of-mind you can only get solo. On the other edge of the sword, not controlling it and letting it get to me leads me right to wanting to share. Sharing (at least for me) is fulfilling.
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;36089]Been thinking about that a lot these days. Grandpa died at 59, Dad died at 58, Uncle died at 60. I feel great but.....who knows.[/QUOTE]
If you've not read "Know Hunting" by Dr. Dave Samuel you should. Men our age (hunter or not) are at a very different place in our hunting "career" than the youngers. Mortality (as in ours) and questioning how long we can keep doing what we love is normal.
I can think of allot worse ways to go than Hatchet Jack!:dig:
51.) DParker - 11/06/2015
52.) Swamp Fox - 11/06/2015
[I]Makes You Think[/I]
by Swamp Fox
[I]Hatchet Jack must have had a good life.
If he'd married he'd have had him a wife.
While wrasslin a bear,
He had quite a scare
And was glad he'd avoided the strife.
[/I]
by Swamp Fox
[I]Hatchet Jack must have had a good life.
If he'd married he'd have had him a wife.
While wrasslin a bear,
He had quite a scare
And was glad he'd avoided the strife.
[/I]
53.) Bob Peck - 11/06/2015
[QUOTE=DParker;36153][/QUOTE]
Loved that movie from the day it came out and never get tired of watching it. My parents thought I was nuts but I started winter camping after seeing this film.
[/QUOTE]Loved that movie from the day it came out and never get tired of watching it. My parents thought I was nuts but I started winter camping after seeing this film.