A 67year old male hunter failed to meet up with the rest of his hunting party at a pre-arranged time at which point family and friends started a search of the area, after a few hours with no success Fernie SAR were called by the RCMP to assist in the search for the hunter.
Fernie SAR used teams on foot, ATVs and aircraft to search the area Friday afternoon/evening and Saturday morning.
The subject managed on his own to make his way to a Forestry Service Road by around 7pm on the Friday but much further away from where he was originally seen and outside the initial search area. He camped out on the side of the road overnight and in the morning started to walk form the FSR where he was picked up by some passing researchers who drove him back home to Fernie. When at home he realised a search was underway and contacted Fernie SAR to inform us he was back home and safe and well.
Operational period Friday
Notes
Initial search of last known point (arrow marker) and surrounding area, search in direction of travel on paths and rds. Dog search of steeper terrain, ATV search of surrounding forestry rds.
9pm search suspended, overnight camp set up for two members to stay out, lights running by generator and regular check of the rd by ATV.
Operational period Saturday
Notes
Continue search of last known point, also surrounding area of point last seen & camp.
CASARA flying area
11:30am subject called SAR to report that he was home safe & well
Teams recalled in the field, back at Fernie by 14:00, task closed at 15:30 allowing Elkford members to get home.