Ollie man dies after fall from tree stand

OLLIE – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Bureau is investigating a fatal fall from a treestand in rural Ollie in Keokuk County that occurred Thursday.

Raymond Byers, 76, was reported missing after he did not return home from hunting during early muzzleloader season on his property. The Keokuk County Sheriff's Office and the local fire and rescue teams found Byers deceased.

Investigators believe Byers fell from a treestand he was using to hunt.

The DNR continues to investigate the fall, and an autopsy will be performed at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner in Ankeny.

The DNR reminds hunters of the safety tips of using treestands:

' Always properly wear a full body harness or fall restraint device.

' Maintain three points of contact when you are climbing in and out of an elevated stand.

' Always use a haul line to raise up and lower equipment to and from the elevated stand.

' Stands should not be left up year-round. Prior to season you always want to check straps, buckles and climbing steps for wear and tear prior to set up and use.