Massachusetts Hunter Injured After Falling From Tree Stand In New Hampshire

NEW DURHAM, NH — A hunted from Massachusetts was injured Tuesday after falling from a tree stand in New Hampshire.

Around 11:30 a.m., New Hampshire Fish & Game was told about an injury in New Durham. Conservation officers were sent to Class IV Road along with New Durham police, firefighters, and Alton firefighters. The hunter was about a half mile into the woods.

Joseph Bethoney, 56, of Medfield, MA, injured his right ankle after moving tree stands from one location to another, and while climbing one of the stands while trying to secure a ladder, it fell backward.

“He jumped off about eight feet from the ground, sustaining an injury to his right ankle,” Lt. Bradley Morse of fish and game said. “Bethoney felt that his ankle was broken and called 911 for assistance.”

A New Durham firefighter and a Conservation Officer were able to carry Bethoney to the awaiting OHRV. The OHRV transported Bethoney approximately two miles down the road to an ambulance. The ambulance transported him to Huggins Hospital in Wolfeboro for evaluation and treatment.

“This is a good reminder to use safety straps and harnesses while climbing in and out of tree stands and make sure they are secure before climbing up,” Morse added.

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