The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters to be sure and check any safety equipment prior to use, especially that which has been left out year-round, after an Indianola man was injured Sunday. Officials report that 24-year-old Bobbie Joe Stephens fell from a tree stand on private property in southern Warren County while hunting deer. Stephens, who fell about 23 feet into a ravine suffered a broken ankle. He told DNR officers that he had not been able to hook up his safety harness, but was able to call a partner for help after he fell. An investigation at the tree stand found the straps had been broken due to weather exposure as they had been left in place since last season.
