VENANGO TWP — A deer hunter was injured Monday afternoon when he fell about 15 feet while trying to get into a tree stand in woods in northern Butler County, authorities said.

The man, believed to be in his 40s, suffered moderate injuries, said Ryan Enscoe, an assistant chief for the Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department.

Authorities did not immediately release the man’s name. He was taken to Butler Memorial Hospital for treatment. His condition was not known this morning.

The accident happened on the ninth day of Pennsylvania’s bow-hunting season.

The man was wearing a harness, according to emergency officials, but the safety device was apparently unfastened when he fell. Enscoe said he believed the man landed on his side. Rescuers said he was accompanied by another person, possibly his son.

Firefighters from Marion Township in Butler County and Emlenton in Venango County and an Emlenton Ambulance crew assisted the Eau Claire VFD.

Enscoe did not know if the man was hunting or scouting deer at the time of the accident on private property about 500 yards off Route 38 near the Hilliards gas station.

“He was conscious and talking when we got to him,” Enscoe said. “He was in discomfort and uncomfortable when he was put on a back board.”

An Eau Claire firefighter’s all-terrain vehicle was used to transport paramedics deep into the woods to reach the man.