Summary: Be careful how you tie off your excess bridge line.
2 weeks ago, I was headed in a new spot right outside of a bedding area. I knew there was at least one buck and a handful of does consistently bedding in this area. Being as quiet, I bump a handful of deer not sure what they were as it was still dark. I shut off my headlamp and waited a good 5 minutes. I timed it. It felt like a lifetime. As I took my next step the blowing started and I was officially busted. I was PISSED to say the least.
Given that is was pitched black outside I continued to my tree. Quietly and quickly climbed the tree and set up my platform. Once on the platform, I setup my tether, clipped in to what I thought was my bridge and released my lineman's belt. After getting everything setup, I realized I need to rotate my platform about 20 degrees. I tighten my rope man sat in the saddle and pulled up my feet up and rotated the platform. All my weight was on my tether and bridge.
After getting situated, I realized that something was off. I tried to adjust the prusik knot on my bridge but it wouldn't budge. That's when I noticed it.
Before entering in the woods I had cinched down my bridge and tied a simple over hand knot across my waist with the excess bridge rope to prevent any hang ups sneaking in. Being frustrated with what had just happened, I had clipped my tether into my excess bridge line. The knot at the end of my bridge hung up in my over hand knot and stopped me from falling. Needless to say I broke out into a cold sweat.
Take away: Stay calm. Keep a clear head. Tuck your excess bridge line in a pouch not tied across your waist.
2 weeks ago, I was headed in a new spot right outside of a bedding area. I knew there was at least one buck and a handful of does consistently bedding in this area. Being as quiet, I bump a handful of deer not sure what they were as it was still dark. I shut off my headlamp and waited a good 5 minutes. I timed it. It felt like a lifetime. As I took my next step the blowing started and I was officially busted. I was PISSED to say the least.
Given that is was pitched black outside I continued to my tree. Quietly and quickly climbed the tree and set up my platform. Once on the platform, I setup my tether, clipped in to what I thought was my bridge and released my lineman's belt. After getting everything setup, I realized I need to rotate my platform about 20 degrees. I tighten my rope man sat in the saddle and pulled up my feet up and rotated the platform. All my weight was on my tether and bridge.
After getting situated, I realized that something was off. I tried to adjust the prusik knot on my bridge but it wouldn't budge. That's when I noticed it.
Before entering in the woods I had cinched down my bridge and tied a simple over hand knot across my waist with the excess bridge rope to prevent any hang ups sneaking in. Being frustrated with what had just happened, I had clipped my tether into my excess bridge line. The knot at the end of my bridge hung up in my over hand knot and stopped me from falling. Needless to say I broke out into a cold sweat.
Take away: Stay calm. Keep a clear head. Tuck your excess bridge line in a pouch not tied across your waist.