One airlifted after fall from tree stand

SHELBURN, Ind. (WTHI) - One man was airlifted after sustaining injuries from a fall while hunting.

Donald G. Pierce, 18, of Jasonville, was injured from an apparent 20 foot fall from an elevated deer hunting stand. Pierce stated he was climbing a tree when a branch he was standing on broke.

Pierce suffered injuries to his back and lower extremities.

Indiana Conservation Officers were contacted at 5:50 p.m. and are investigating the incident.

Pierce managed to make a cell phone call to his mother. She, in turn, contacted a friend of Pierce’s who knew his hunting location.

He was located approximately 4 miles east of Shelburn, approximately a quarter mile from the county road in a wooded area, near C.R. 325 E and C.R. 600 N.

Pierce wasn’t wearing a safety harness at the time of the fall.

His condition is not known at this time.

IC Officers recommend hunters wear the proper safety gear at all times.

Sullivan City Fire Department, Sullivan County Ambulance Team and Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene.