Jackson Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Missing For Three Days, Hunter Found Safe Near Prospect (Photo) - 11/12/26

Video of Helicopter Flight available for download: https://vimeo.com/1246429578

 

JCSO Case 26-5801

 

PROSPECT, Ore. – A missing hunter was found safe Wednesday, November 11, after spending more than 72 hours lost in the remote wilderness near Prospect. Despite three days outdoors in cold temperatures, the 60-year-old man was in good condition.

 

The hunter, who went missing Sunday, November 8, walked out of the wilderness and was located by fellow hunters Wednesday at 10:26 a.m. on the 900 Road near County Line Road outside Prospect. He was taken to a nearby Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) checkpoint, where he reunited with family and friends.

 

Before the hunter was located, an extensive search effort was underway involving law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers. Search methods included using ground personnel, k9 teams, multiple airplanes, and a helicopter. During the search, JCSO deputies and SAR personnel expanded the search area and requested assistance from the California Oregon Regional Search and Rescue (CORSAR) task force. More than 50 SAR personnel and approximately 80 community volunteers participated in the search.

 

JCSO extends its sincere appreciation to the SAR teams and community volunteers who dedicated their time and resources to helping bring the hunter home safely including SAR personnel from Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, and Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Wilderness Safety Tips: What to Do If You Get Lost

 

JCSO SAR reminds everyone heading into the wilderness to prepare for the unexpected. If you become lost, remember these important safety tips:

 

Stay put: Once you realize you're lost, stop moving and remain in a safe location. Continuing to wander can make it harder for rescuers to find you.

 

Call for help: Dial 911 if you have cell service. Provide your location or GPS coordinates if available, and conserve your phone battery.

 

Stay warm and dry: Find shelter from wind and rain, add extra clothing, and avoid unnecessary physical activity that could lead to exhaustion.

 

Make yourself visible: Wear bright clothing, use a whistle, flashlight, or other signaling device to help rescuers locate you.

 

Plan ahead: Before heading outdoors, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Carry essential survival supplies, including extra food, water, warm clothing, and a navigation device.

 

Remember: Being prepared and staying in one location can significantly improve your chances of being found safely. For more information on becoming a SAR Volunteer go to https://www.jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/sheriff/divisions/search_and_rescue/index.php

Attached Media Files: HELO1.jpg, HELO2.jpg, SAR1.jpg, SAR2.jpg, SAR3.jpg, SAR4.jpg,

Missing For Three Days, Hunter Found Safe Near Prospect (Photo) - 11/12/26

Video of Helicopter Flight available for download: https://vimeo.com/1246429578

 

JCSO Case 26-5801

 

PROSPECT, Ore. – A missing hunter was found safe Wednesday, November 11, after spending more than 72 hours lost in the remote wilderness near Prospect. Despite three days outdoors in cold temperatures, the 60-year-old man was in good condition.

 

The hunter, who went missing Sunday, November 8, walked out of the wilderness and was located by fellow hunters Wednesday at 10:26 a.m. on the 900 Road near County Line Road outside Prospect. He was taken to a nearby Jackson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) checkpoint, where he reunited with family and friends.

 

Before the hunter was located, an extensive search effort was underway involving law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers. Search methods included using ground personnel, k9 teams, multiple airplanes, and a helicopter. During the search, JCSO deputies and SAR personnel expanded the search area and requested assistance from the California Oregon Regional Search and Rescue (CORSAR) task force. More than 50 SAR personnel and approximately 80 community volunteers participated in the search.

 

JCSO extends its sincere appreciation to the SAR teams and community volunteers who dedicated their time and resources to helping bring the hunter home safely including SAR personnel from Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, and Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Wilderness Safety Tips: What to Do If You Get Lost

 

JCSO SAR reminds everyone heading into the wilderness to prepare for the unexpected. If you become lost, remember these important safety tips:

 

Stay put: Once you realize you're lost, stop moving and remain in a safe location. Continuing to wander can make it harder for rescuers to find you.

 

Call for help: Dial 911 if you have cell service. Provide your location or GPS coordinates if available, and conserve your phone battery.

 

Stay warm and dry: Find shelter from wind and rain, add extra clothing, and avoid unnecessary physical activity that could lead to exhaustion.

 

Make yourself visible: Wear bright clothing, use a whistle, flashlight, or other signaling device to help rescuers locate you.

 

Plan ahead: Before heading outdoors, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. Carry essential survival supplies, including extra food, water, warm clothing, and a navigation device.

 

Remember: Being prepared and staying in one location can significantly improve your chances of being found safely. For more information on becoming a SAR Volunteer go to https://www.jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/sheriff/divisions/search_and_rescue/index.php

Attached Media Files: HELO1.jpg, HELO2.jpg, SAR1.jpg, SAR2.jpg, SAR3.jpg, SAR4.jpg,