logo-Iowa-DNRWith three recent accidents involving hunters falling out of tree stands, including one incident in Adair County, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to be careful when setting them up.

According to the DNR, 58-year-old Jeffrey S. Newman of Winterset was found lying at the base of his tree stand at the end of York Road, near the Middle River last Sunday. Newman was conscious when first responders found him, but was in pain from the 20-foot fall. He was transported to a local hospital and then by medical helicopter to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. The DNR determined the stand was loosely hanging by the bottom strap at the time of the accident.

Hunters should always use full body harnesses and remember to maintain three points of contact at all times when climbing in and out of tree stands. Tree stands should not be left up all year and should be examined prior to each season. Finally, the DNR recommends using a haul line when getting equipment in and out of the stand.