OLLIE, Iowa — The DNR Law Enforcement Bureau is investigating a fatal fall from a treestand. The incident occurred in rural Ollie in Keokuk County on Thursday, October 22nd. Authorities say 76-year-old Raymond Byers 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/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 and prior to season you always want to check straps, buckles, climbing steps, etc. for wear and tear prior to set up and use.