Indiana Conservation Officers are encouraging hunters to routinely inspect all tree stands, straps and equipment, in addition to properly wearing a safety harness when hunting from or erecting an elevated stand.
That advisory comes after an incident Saturday when a Borden, Indiana man fell from his tree stand while setting it up in Orange County.
44-year-old Stephen Welp was preparing for the upcoming deer hunting seasons when he fell 12 feet on Patoka Reservoir property . He was putting his stand up when a strap loosened and the stand feel. He was erecting the 12 foot ladder stand alone and was not wearing a safety harness. He broke his leg in the incident.