MI: Oceana County deer hunter hospitalized after fall from tree stand

October 5, 2010

Oceana County deer hunter hospitalized after fall from tree stand

OCEANA COUNTY - A 49-year-old Oceana County deer hunter was in fair condition Monday in a Grand Rapids hospital with injuries suffered when he fell while climbing from his tree stand on Friday - opening day of bow hunting season, authorities said.

Edward VanderZanden, 2116 W. Monroe, had to be taken by Aeromed helicopter from an area near 88th Avenue between Monroe and Madison roads in Weare Township to Spectrum Health hospital, said Oceana County Sheriff's Lt. Craig Mast.

Mast said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the 8:15 p.m. incident that occurred when VanderZanden was climbing down from his tree stand, which is 20 to 25 feet off the ground.

"While trying to exit the tree, he fell and landed on his back," Mast said. "The area was surrounded by small downed trees and branches. He landed on a branch on the ground."

It wasn't clear whether VanderZanden was hunting alone when the accident occurred, Mast said.

A 911 call about VanderZanden's accident was made by someone who lives near the hunting area on 88th Avenue, Mast said.

Oceana Emergency Medical Service and Pentwater Rescue assisted at the scene, Mast said.

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