First missing hunter of season found safe and sound

PENTICTON – It’s a sure sign of fall. Penticton Search and Rescue have rescued its first lost hunter of the season.

On Friday, the missing man’s hunting partner called 911 when his friend was overdue. He was able to give the Penticton SAR team an accurate GPS location of the last time he had seen his companion.

The search team jumped into a helicopter and quickly spotted the missing hunter. He had built a fire and they saw the smoke.

The hunter was back at his camp within 2-and-a-half hours of being reported missing.

Penticton Search and Rescue is reminding hunters that the days are getting shorter and that the higher elevations have heavy frost and snow.

“It is more often the elements that compromise searchers to complete a task quickly and safely,” SAR team leader Ryanne Volrich said.

Here are some tips for a safe hunting season:

– Tell someone where you are going and when you are due back and stick to these plans.
– Know your limitations.
– Take all appropriate equipment including extra food, water, and fire starting supplies.
– Dress for the weather with layers.
– If your head to toe in Camouflage, it is helpful to have a bright color on the inside of your jacket that can be used as a signalling device.
– The Adventure Smart website has excellent resource materials for all outdoor activities and is worth checking out.