Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a tree stand accident around 7 a.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 5 in the North Webster area.

NORTH WEBSTER — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a tree stand accident that occurred around 7 a.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 5, near North Webster. Jimmy Ritchie, 49, from Ligonier, was preparing to hunt from an elevated tree stand before falling nearly 16 feet to the ground.

Emergency personnel from multiple agencies were on scene to assist with transporting Ritchie out of the woods.  Ritchie was airlifted to Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne with leg and back injuries. Ritchie was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident.

Agencies who responded to Ritchie’s aid include North Webster EMS, North Webster Fire, Parkview Samaritan, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana Conservation Officers.

Falls from tree stands are the leading cause of deer hunting accidents in Indiana, accounting for almost half of all accidents. Many occur while a hunter is ascending or descending from the stand. With deer season here, conservation officers offer several safety tips while hunting from an elevated position.

Hunters should inspect their tree stands and hunting equipment to ensure they are safe before using. They should also only use a tree stand that has the approval of the Treestand Manufacturers Association and make sure to read the manufacturers warnings and instructions before installation.

Hunters should wear a full-body, fall arrest harness system that meets TMA standards. Single strap and chest harnesses should not be used. Never leave the ground until the full-body, fall arrest harness system is on. Always have three points of contact with the tree when climbing and descending.

A hunter should never climb with anything in his hands or on his back. A haul line should be used to lift a gun, a bow or other gear into the stand. Firearms on a haul line should be unloaded with the action open and muzzle pointed downward.

Other safety tips include hunting with a buddy, telling someone the exact location of your tree stand before heading into the woods, getting a full night’s rest before a hunt, and making sure a cellphone, whistle, flare or some other signal device is on your person at all times. Most cellphone calls to 911 can get a GPS location and assist emergency personnel when responding to remote areas. A free tree stand safety course is available online at www.hunterexam.com/treestandsafety.