diff --git a/fwdpy11/headers/fwdpy11/gsl/gsl_error_handler_wrapper.hpp b/fwdpy11/headers/fwdpy11/gsl/gsl_error_handler_wrapper.hpp
index 8f64b6866..d2e84fef2 100644
--- a/fwdpy11/headers/fwdpy11/gsl/gsl_error_handler_wrapper.hpp
+++ b/fwdpy11/headers/fwdpy11/gsl/gsl_error_handler_wrapper.hpp
@@ -33,6 +33,9 @@ namespace fwdpy11
      * The handler is restored via the destructor,
      * so this class is like a "smart pointer" for
      * turning off the handler.
+     *
+     * NOTE: this object is instantiated at the START
+     * of evolvets.
      */
     {
       private: