Let's suppose that your in your tree stand and are tied to the tree with your safety line and your tree stand (whether climbing, hanging, or ladder) falls. Now your stuck with a serious decision, that's if or not to cut the safety rope that attaches you to the tree. Why doesn't someone come up with a safety belt system that comes with enough rope and a release unit, so the hunter can lower himself back down to the ground. I don't see much good in cutting the rope and falling(quickly) with something as sharp as a hunting knife in your hand. Or you could hang there until your buddy gets done hunting for the day and comes along, looking for you, and tells you,"there's nothing he can do from where he is, and you'd better cut the rope". By the way, having worked high, in the construction industry for some time, it's always better to tie off in the front, not in the back, so you can help yourself get down. It's hard to reach the rope, when it's behind your back, when your hanging by your own weight, and maybe upside down. This situation has always bothered me. I just can't see the safety in modern safety belts and their use. Looks to me like your just hanging around (forgive the pun) to get hurt. But, then again they aren't cheap and someone has to make money off of us.
