HUNTING FALL: Man Airlifted After Tree Stand Fall

A Centerville hunter was injured when he fell from a tree stand. 

Tuesday morning, 25-year old Blake Havard was hunting deer east of Centerville when he fell approximately 17-feet from his tree stand. 

Havard landed on his backpack containing antlers and calls.  He was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines

Havard was not wearing a harness at the time of his fall.

This is the third personal injury fall from a tree stand reported this year. 

The DNR advises that hunters should never hurry when getting in or out of a tree stand and to climb with slow even movements of no more than 12 inches at a time making sure that proper contact is maintained with the tree or tree stand while moving. Be aware of slippery surfaces due to dew, rain, or frost.