Jackson County, CO – A 57-year-old hunter from Illinois was rescued Sunday afternoon after spending two nights lost in the Rawah Wilderness in northern Colorado, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The man had separated from his group on September 22 and sent a final text at 3:21 p.m. saying he was lost. Authorities received a call around 6:38 p.m., but worsening weather and nightfall made it unsafe to launch an immediate search.
On September 23, ground crews with Jackson County Search and Rescue, assisted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, began combing the snowy, cold, and windy backcountry. Air support was unavailable due to the weather, and after about 10 hours the search was suspended overnight.
Efforts resumed September 24 with additional agencies, search dogs, and aircraft. Conditions remained difficult, with cold temperatures, snow, and rugged terrain slowing progress.
That afternoon, the hunter was able to make several 911 calls that helped rescuers pinpoint his location. Around 1 p.m., he was spotted and airlifted to safety. Officials said he was in good health and credited his survival to staying calm, building a fire, and using his gear to keep warm.
The hunter endured two nights in the Rawah Wilderness during winter storm conditions. Officials praised the coordination of multiple agencies, noting that teamwork between ground teams, K9 units, and air support was key to the successful rescue.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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