Fremont County Search and Rescue teams located a separated hunter safe on Sunday night after bystanders provided a critical tip during an evening operation in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Rescue personnel were dispatched to the Warm River Butte area at 8:30 p.m. after reports indicated a man had become separated from his hunting partner. Upon arrival, crews determined that the missing individual’s cellphone was unavailable and could not be pinged, complicating initial location efforts.
Two search teams were deployed to the west end of the butte while Air Idaho conducted an aerial grid search of the terrain. The operation continued into the night as ground units expanded their coverage area.
The breakthrough came at 10:30 p.m. when a separate group of hunters, who were calling elk nearby, reported hearing a voice. The sound originated from an area approximately three miles west of the initial search zone, near Fish Creek Road.
Searchers followed the tip and located the missing hunter at approximately 11:30 p.m. He was found in good condition and stated he did not require medical attention.
The hunter explained that he had decided to stay put after sunset to make himself easier to find for rescuers. He set up a fire to maintain body heat while waiting for search teams to arrive.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by Air Idaho and other personnel involved in the recovery effort.