This was my first season hunting from anything like a saddle. I used a DIY sitdrag and a Slomo style platform. 75' of predator rope and I was climbing drt style. But I discovered I am terrible with a throw bag and line so I ordered a climbing stick and tried one sticking to get my line up the first time. This worked great and I could still rappel down. I was impressed that a Blake's hitch would hold my little 6' 3" 270lb frame and I loved how easy it was to stop on the way down to get my platform. And then I screwed up. Last chance i was going to get for the season. Just a few hours until dark so I was going to just one stick and stand on the top step. Thought, why carry that heavy predator rope when I can just use my long tether and rappel down. Hang with a prusik but come down with a figure 8.
Had no luck and started down the tree at dark. Was going well until I stopped for my stick. The second I let go with my brake hand my backup prusik slipped. My boot lace caught on a step of my stick and I wound up upside down. I checked the prusik and unhooked my boot. As soon as I was upright the knot slipped again and I slid/fell the last 8' or so. Landed on my butt and back. Got up slow and pulled my rope down. Gathered everything but the stick and started to leave. That was when I discovered I couldn't lift my feet. Called my brother-in-law for help. Before he could get there I dropped my bow and bent to pick it up. Went to my knees and couldn't get up. BIL took me to the hospital where I was told no broken bones and sent home. Hours later, I got a call from a Doctor at the hospital who said I had a shattered vertebra. He told me not to move and an ambulance was on the way. Back to hospital, surgery the next day, and 3 weeks on my back later I got to go home. I fell February 2nd and I will be in a full torso back brace until June. As bad as all that sounds it was actually a lot worse.
I finally got to look at my rig and discovered my autoblock had melted to my rope from the heat generated when it slipped. It had held fine when I tested it but I guess the added weight of my hunting pack and clothing must have made me heavy enough to exceed its grip. My screw up but a very good lesson. Check your gear and practice with your climbing rig. Thanks for reading this. Yes, I feel stupid. Every day! But maybe someone else will be a little more careful because of my bad example.
Had no luck and started down the tree at dark. Was going well until I stopped for my stick. The second I let go with my brake hand my backup prusik slipped. My boot lace caught on a step of my stick and I wound up upside down. I checked the prusik and unhooked my boot. As soon as I was upright the knot slipped again and I slid/fell the last 8' or so. Landed on my butt and back. Got up slow and pulled my rope down. Gathered everything but the stick and started to leave. That was when I discovered I couldn't lift my feet. Called my brother-in-law for help. Before he could get there I dropped my bow and bent to pick it up. Went to my knees and couldn't get up. BIL took me to the hospital where I was told no broken bones and sent home. Hours later, I got a call from a Doctor at the hospital who said I had a shattered vertebra. He told me not to move and an ambulance was on the way. Back to hospital, surgery the next day, and 3 weeks on my back later I got to go home. I fell February 2nd and I will be in a full torso back brace until June. As bad as all that sounds it was actually a lot worse.
I finally got to look at my rig and discovered my autoblock had melted to my rope from the heat generated when it slipped. It had held fine when I tested it but I guess the added weight of my hunting pack and clothing must have made me heavy enough to exceed its grip. My screw up but a very good lesson. Check your gear and practice with your climbing rig. Thanks for reading this. Yes, I feel stupid. Every day! But maybe someone else will be a little more careful because of my bad example.
