UPDATE: Man flown to hospital after falling out of tree in Diana Bend Conservation Area

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: One man is recovering from possible head and arm injuries after falling out of a tree Tuesday morning, a Howard County official said.

Tyler Mason, Howard County conservation officer, told ABC 17 News that a man was setting up a hunting stand in a tree about 2 miles out on the Katy Trail, and just off the trail, without a safety harness.

Mason said the man lost his balance and fell out of the tree onto his side.

Mason said Howard County deputies and emergency responders were able to find the man quickly and had him taken by Life Flight to University Hospital in Columbia.

The man’s condition has not been released, and Mason said his name won’t be released until his family is notified.

Officials at the Missouri Department of Conservation said tree-stand accidents during hunting season occur often, but are usually not reported by the hunters because the injuries may not be serious.

Staff at the National Bowhunter Education Foundation said tree-stand accidents are the leading cause of injuries in the hunting community.

The foundation said that wearing a safety harness while in a tree-stand is not required by law, it’s the hunter’s choice.

Every tree stand purchased is required to come with a safety video or manual and a regulated harness, NBEF staff said.

Conservation officials said tree-stand safety is taught during the hunter’s education course, which is required for most hunters.

UPDATE 11:18 A.M.: One person was flown to University Hospital.

ORIGINAL STORY: A search and rescue has been executed in the Diana Bend Conservation Area on Tuesday morning.

According to public dispatch, the search began at 10:20 a.m.

More than four emergency units are on the scene, including a helicopter.

ABC 17 crews are on the scene and see officers in an all-terrain vehicle.

ABC 17 crews are talking with authorities to learn whom they are searching for.

Stay with this story for the latest information.