Lost hunter survives two nights alone in remote, snowy wilderness, CO cops say
BY Herschel Smith
1 month, 2 weeks ago
A lost hunter survived two nights alone in a remote and snowy Colorado wilderness area, deputies said.
The man from Illinois texted his group he was lost at 3:21 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Rawah Wilderness area, near the Jack Dickens Trail, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
His hunting group contacted authorities after 6:30 p.m. to report the missing 57-year-old man, deputies said.
But rescuers couldn’t search for him that evening because of “deteriorating weather conditions and darkness approaching,” authorities said.
The hunter, who has military experience, was prepared with warm clothing, a sleeping bag and water, deputies said.
Search teams spread out to find him the morning of Sept. 23 amid “snowy, cold and windy conditions,” deputies said. They looked for 10 hours but couldn’t find him, describing the area as having difficult terrain.
More efforts continued Sept. 24, and included using search dogs and a helicopter to find him.
During the search efforts, the missing hunter called 911 several times, and he was found at about 1 p.m. Sept. 24, deputies said.
“He was found to be in good health and credited his survival to staying calm, starting a fire, and using his sleeping bag and clothing to stay warm,” deputies said.
This ended nicely, but it could have been far worse. Again, carrying essential survival gear is a must in the bush. Don’t go out without it. Fire starter, large bore firearm, tarp, parka, tactical light, knife, water, energy bars and cordage. He carried a sleeping bag, which was smart and probably didn’t weigh much if it was down-filled. Another good option is mylar survival blankets.
By the way, here’s a nice option for emergency fire starter (although I’ve never done it exactly like this before).
On September 30, 2025 at 4:50 am, jrg said:
Learned this from an outdoor book by Len McDougall years ago. Melt a small can of paraffin (double boiler for safety). Immerse cotton sash cord (window blind) and allow to soak, then pull out and allow to dry. Cut into lengths (I use plastic film containers – you get about 20 in one of those). Each length burns like a 5 minute candle. When you have your supply of tinder and kindling ready to go before lighting, an easy and inexpensive way to start a fire. Will NOT take a ferro rod spark, at least mine won’t. But standard lighter will easily do.
One sash will supply a few bottles of these accelerants. What takes the most time is waiting for paraffin to melt completely.
On September 30, 2025 at 4:51 pm, Matt said:
I would use waterproof matches instead of safety matches. Other than that its great idea.
On October 1, 2025 at 10:36 am, xtphreak said:
He had signal to call 911, but they couldn’t track his phone for approximate location?
Unless he was moving, any ping should have been close.
He had signal to call 911, but couldn’t send a location pin?
T-Mobile lets me send text, location pin to 911 via starlink satellite which I think is better, but still they should have been able to get close off a 911 cell call.
Another item that’s handy is a light weight saw.
I have one by Wyoming Knife Co.
Comes apart into 3 pieces + blades, stows in leather case.
Includes bone saw blade for dressing game.
Allows cutting firewood for bigger fire, better shelter supports.
A small filter like a Sawyer weighs 2 oz, add an empty 20 oz drink bottle and you can refill your canteen when necessary.
Sounds like he did everything right except sending a location pin and of course, becoming lost.
Have a Good Day
On October 13, 2025 at 2:02 pm, Fishlaw said:
I always have a hard time figuring out how people get lost in most of the lower 48. His phone had signal, but no GPS? No map and compass?