[ShellShock]

We're really getting deep into the year, and I felt it appropriate to share a tragic event in my life as a cautionary tale for all of you that enjoy hunting from a tree stand as much as I do.

The morning of October 22, 2005 was cool and crisp with with a light rain that fell through most of the day. One of my friends, Lee Staggs, had gone out for a day of hunting. Several hours later, paramedics were frantically trying to save his life.. but it was too late.

So what happened?

The tree stand that Lee was using saw pretty good use, as did his boots. Throw in a light but consistent rain, and it becomes a recipe for disaster. At some point during the day, Lee slipped and fell from his stand, breaking his neck. His hunting partner found him later that day, but there was nothing he could do. Lee was gone.

A lot of people share stories around here, so I thought I would share Lee's story so that his death will not be in vain. He died doing what he loved, but his death was entirely preventable. Always make sure your stand is well maintained and that it has an anti-slip and fall-arrest/fall-prevention system is in place. Lee was an experienced hunter, but a simple slip cost him his life.

RIP Sidney "Lee" Staggs

[G. Green]

Thanks for sharing ShellShock. I bet everyone that reads that will think of it when they climb in a tree stand.

[wirehunt]

What can I say, sorry doesn't really cut the mustard.........

There ain't no tree stands around here.

[Dookiebutt]

Spread this message. Perhaps another hunter will read this and be saved.


Sorry for your loss.

[Palladin8]

I am truly sorry you lost your friend. I hope this will help others learn from this and not repeat it. My friend was luckier as he didn't have any permanent damage from his tree stand fall but he spent many weeks in ICU and the hospital in general from the fall. I would be a good thing if everyone would use the safety harness' like the ones Oxford had posted on another thread. I would sure like to not hear another tragic story like this one.

[big boomer]

Back when I did safety training we found out that more people were getting injured and worse from tree stands than from firearms. Its important to remind everyone to be careful. So sorry about your friend.

[bigbuddy21]

sorry for the loss of your friend, but if one hunter reads this and doesn't get hurt then you did a good thing.

[blueice]

Sad to hear about your loss, Shellshock....Safety, should always be job number one.....Excellent tip...

[Windwalker]

Thanks for the post. Sorry for the death of your friend. Maybe his story can keep someone else from being killed or injured.