Lang
10/25/29
The DNR Law Enforcement Bureau is investigating a fatal fall from a tree stand in Keokuk County on Thursday.
76-year-old Raymond Byers of rural Ollie was reported missing after he did not return home from hunting on his property during Early Muzzleloader Season. The Keokuk County Sheriff’s Office and the local fire and rescue teams found Byers deceased. Investigators believe Byers fell from a tree stand he was using to hunt.
The DNR continues to investigate the fall, and an autopsy will be performed at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny.
The DNR reminds hunters of the safety tips of using tree stands:
- Always properly wear a full body harness/fall restraint device.
- Maintain three points of contact when you are climbing in and out of an elevated stand.
- Always use a haul line to raise up and lower equipment to and from the elevated stand.
- Stands should not be left up year-round, and prior to the season you always want to check straps, buckles, climbing steps, etc. for wear and tear prior to set up and use.