ROSCOMMON COUNTY (WWJ) – A Lapeer County man is hospitalized after falling more than 20 feet on the opening day of firearm deer season on Wednesday morning.
The 61-year-old Almont man fell from his tree stand around 6 a.m. in the Dead Stream Swamp Area, northwest of Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, according to Michigan State Police.
The man was able to crawl to his backpack, which was still on the ground, and retrieve his cell phone to call his brother and 911.
Authorities found the man’s vehicle and his brother showed up and led MSP troopers from the Houghton Lake Post and Roscommon County Sheriff’s deputy to the victim.
Suspecting possible pelvic, back and chest injuries, troopers requested assistance from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City. Due to the “difficult terrain and distance from any travelable roadway, and considering the incapacitating injuries,” the Coast Guard executed a basket air lift from the scene.
The victim’s condition was not disclosed.
Troopers were assisted by Roscommon Twp. Fire Dept and EMS, Roscommon County Sheriff's Office, a conservation officer from the Michigan DNR, and Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City.