WAUPACA, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Family and friends are remembering Ryan Giefer, 32, who died from a fall while hunting.
On the night of November 3. Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call regarding a hunter who had not returned home. Giefer was found dead in the woods, after an apparent fall for 15 to 20 feet from his deer stand.
“It’s even more kind of shocking, because he was so smart and safe about everything, when it comes to hunting and fishing and being outdoors.” said his brother-in-law Ryan Vos-Orrington.
An avid outdoorsman, 32 year old Ryan Giefer of Waupaca was born and raised in Central Wisconsin. His family says that he was passionate about hunting and the environment. “He would go fishing and hunting in Canada, all over the country really, with his dad and with his friends. It was a bonding activity.” said Vos-Orrington.
While it’s unclear whether Giefer was using a safety harness, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says they can help hunters stay safer when using a tree stand. “We just really encourage people to use a safety harness then they’re in the tree stand,” said Jake Holsclaw, Recreational Warden of the DNR. He also says to use a safety rope when going up and down the tree stand, if they have access to one.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Rachel, and their three children, ages 5 years to 4 months.
The family has started a GoFund Me page in order to provide support to the Giefer family.
