(Provided by Indiana DNR)

Despite repeated warnings and publicity about tree stand safety, Hoosier deer hunters continue to suffer injuries from falls.

This week, William (Bill) F. Hundt, age 69 of Bremen was hunting from an elevated tree stand when he fell nearly 16 feet to the ground. Hundt was unable to call for help due to the extent of his injuries and was later found by his son who called 911.

Hundt was taken to Rochester Woodlawn Hospital and then airlifted to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne with shoulder and back injuries. He was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident.

In Starke County, Silas Wait, 25, of Govertown, was climbing into his tree stand, when the support chain slipped and the tree stand platform gave way causing him to fall more than 20 feet to the ground. Wait was air-lifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital for injuries to his head, neck, and chest. He is expected to recover.