MI Man Falls 20 Feet From Tree Stand While Hunting Deer: Police

ROSCOMMON COUNTY, MI — A man is recovering after falling more than 20 feet Wednesday morning from a tree stand while hunting deer in Roscommon County, according to Michigan State Police.

The 61-year-old Almont man fell from his tree stand in the Dead Stream Swamp Area, which is northwest of Houghton Lake at roughly 6 a.m. Wednesday, the opening day of firearm deer season, according to Michigan State Police.

After the man hit the ground, he crawled to his backpack, which was still on the ground, and used his cell phone to call his brother and police, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers found the man's vehicle and his brother helped lead troopers to the victim, according to Michigan State Police.

Troopers believe the man suffered pelvic, back and chest injuries. Due to the difficult terrain and lack of a nearby drivable road, and considering the "incapacitating injuries," troopers had the Coast Guard execute a basket air lift from the scene, according to Michigan State Police.

Roscommon Township officials, a conservation officer from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City assisted troopers at the scene.