Yes, it's a word - I looked it up to be sure. Comeuppance means "a punishment or fate that someone deserves." I got my comeuppance last week, as I held myself by the chin on the seat of a portable tree stand I bought on Craigslist.

What a deal, I had thought. Three portable tree stands, just $25 each and I already had several sets of steps. I'd been scouting, and had found a nice line of fresh rubs. Wednesday, I thought I'd move one of the stands to the area.I'd attached the four sections of the steps to a large oak tree, and installed a large hook above the steps, where I wanted to place the stand. By tossing a rope over the hook, and back to the ground, I'd been able to stand on the ground and hoist the stand to the spot. I'd tied off the rope, climbed up the steps and cinched the stand to the tree, and also used an extra ratchet strap to secure it.And then I guess God was with me. I was tethered to the tree by my safety harness, and with my left foot on the top step, I stomped on the floor of the stand with my right foot. Both support cables for it snapped, and it fell apart. I lost my balance and found myself supported by my harness, with my chin clenched on the seat of the stand. My legs bicycled and found one of the steps.I don't know what would have happened if I had been seated in the stand when the floor let go. I stood on the steps for a few moments, letting my breathing and heartrate return to normal levels, then removed the stand from the tree. I let it fall to the ground.Time for Plan B. After rapping my chin and shins, I felt like sitting in a trusty ladder stand. But as soon as I was settled, various noises began. Some guy was yelling, seemingly looking for a dog. The school bus had discharged its occupants, and a couple children were soon racing around a field nearby on their ridiculously-loud dirt bikes.Next I could hear the whine of a circular saw, along with hammering, and then what sounded like recess at a beagle rescue. I was reminded of an old Saturday Night Live skit, about people who moved in next door to the Loud Family.I felt like packing it in for the afternoon, but saw three deer headed my way, apparently exiting the noisy area. They trotted near, but slowed to meander and gobble acorns. I was able to grab my bow and get drawn on the biggest doe, which by then was practically under the stand. It was probably the shortest shot I've ever had on a deer, and she only traveled about 70 yards.Yes, just a doe. But for some reason, I was as elated as if she were some Kansas-sized buck. It was possible to have an oasis of peace and quiet, however small, and salvage a hunting experience in the midst of other peoples' use of the outdoors.More than that, I'd learned a lesson I should have learned a long time ago. Getting used equipment that you plan to sit on 15 or 20 feet above the ground is a stupid idea. Let my lesson be a lesson for you - your life is worth the cost of a new stand and a full-body harness.