A state wildlife dog helped locate a missing 77-year-old hunter last week after he became lost in the woods on Poison Springs Wildlife Management Area, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
AGFC K9 “Hunter,” along with his handler, Game Warden Doug Martisek, and Game Warden Tyler Asher, began searching shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 12, when the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office reported the hunter had not returned as planned. Deputies had already located the man’s truck, allowing the wardens to deploy Hunter, who quickly picked up a track.
The team followed the trail to the man’s deer stand, which had been abandoned, and continued deeper into the woods. Martisek said the K9 soon lifted his head and began searching the air for scent instead of the ground. Moments later, the wardens heard the hunter shout and reached him after closing the final 50 yards.
Authorities said the man had become disoriented and sat down near the edge of a pine plantation. Sheriff’s deputies transported him by ATV to waiting medical personnel, who evaluated and released him around 10 p.m.
Hunter was rewarded with a treat and time with his favorite tennis ball, AGFC said.
Images via the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
