Hunting is one of the safest of sports with one exception — falls from tree stands. One may think that with millions of men and women carrying high-powered rifles in pursuit of deer and other big game, accidental shooting would be a regular occurrence. Thankfully, it’s not, due to blaze orange requirements, hunter safety courses, and a safety minded culture among sportsmen. Tree stand falls, however, continue to be a problem.
Every tree stand sold in America comes with a standard safety harness, and if you don’t like that safety web look to Scent Blocker’s Recon Spiderweb bibs and Hunter Safety System vests. These and other brands wear like jackets, are easy to use, and can save your life if you fall.
Fox News reports the sad case of an Indiana hunter who was so badly injured from a tree stand fall that he chose to terminate his life support:
One day after a life-altering injury, Tim Bowers was presented the grim choice of whether he wanted to live or die. When the avid outdoorsman was seriously hurt in a hunting accident on Saturday, doctors told Bowers he would be paralyzed and could be on a ventilator for the rest of his life. That grim diagnosis prompted an unusual request from relatives: Could Bowers be brought out of sedation to hear his prognosis and decide his own fate?
After getting approval from doctors, Bowers, 32, chose to take no extra measures to stay alive. He died Sunday, hours after his breathing tube was removed.
