Matt Goins, age 34, of Fremont, was hunting from a tree stand in a wooded area behind his residence and was wearing a full safety harness. He unhooked the tether from the tree to climb down, and when he stepped on the top set of climbing sticks, the strap became dislodged. Goins then fell approximately 20 feet to the ground.
From the base of the tree, Goins called his wife, and she then called 911. Goins was transported by ambulance to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne for treatment of his injuries.
Conservation Officers were assisted on scene by the Fremont Fire Department, the Fremont Police Department, and Steuben County EMS.
With Indiana’s deer hunting season now open, Conservation Officers remind hunters to always wear a full body safety harness and life line system to prevent falls anytime their feet are off the ground when hunting from a tree stand, and to always check the condition of their equipment before using it.
For more information see hunting.IN.gov.