Back in the mid 90's up in Georgia I was already in my climber before the crack of dawn when I heard a rifle shot way across the Georgia hills east of me.I knew it didn't come from my lease as it was very distant.had a great hunt that weekend as the rut was in full overdrive and once I returned to Florida,had a friend who was unable to come to camp that weekend call to make sure I had made it back safely.He had found out a hunter in Crawford county had dropped his rifle from the stand,once hitting the ground the rifle discharged...shooting him through the bottom of the jaw and killing him instantly.very sad that was the shot I later found out I heard back towards the town of Roberta.needless to say my friend did not realize I never set in a stand that I do not have a small short tether rope tide from my stand to where my sling connects to my gun stock.if my gun falls the barrel will be pointed down range and at the ground.
Just think...if your stand goes to fall,you doz off your more than likely to momentarily forget the gun in your hand and when it falls the heavy end is the gun stock and there's always the chance if even the slightest it may hit stock first and send a bullet up and in your direction.
I want even mention a HSS as that is a given...I just don't rely on a guns safety...ever ever!
