Abstract: A manually-releasable apparatus for arresting a hunter's fall from a tree stand is described herein. The apparatus comprises a satchel with two compartments, one compartment containing a controlled descent device and the other compartment containing a reel upon which a safety strap is wound. The safety strap is attached to the tree and passes through the controlled descent device and then is wound onto the reel. The hunter's safety harness is attached by means of a tether to an eye in the controlled descent device, which is attached to a safety belt secured to a tree. The apparatus quickly arrests a hunter's fall and then allows the hunter to manually release the braking mechanism within the controlled descent device once the hunter has freed himself from obstructions and is in a position to descend to the ground.