Injured deer hunter found 4 hours after fall

SHOALS, Ind. — Police say a deer hunter was injured on the ground for about four hours before a hunting partner found him in the southern Indiana woods.

State conservation officers say 46-year-old Randy Scott of Lebanon was in stable condition after being taken by helicopter to the University of Louisville. Officers say Scott was climbing to a tree stand Sunday in a rural area of Martin County when he lost his balance and fell more than 23 feet.

Emergency crews reported Scott was responsive at the scene.

Conservation officers say Scott was wearing a safety harness but hadn’t yet attached it to the tree when he fell.