NOVEMBER 4, 2024|
Photo – James Johnson and his truck – Courtesy CCSO
A missing Encampment hunter was found last week unharmed.
On the evening of Wednesday, October 30th, the wife of Encampment resident James Johnson called the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office to report that her husband had not returned from a hunting trip that morning. Sheriff Alex Bakken explained that deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers attempted to locate Johnson throughout Wednesday night. However, Sheriff Bakken said the large search area made the initial rescue attempt unsuccessful.
The following morning, October 31st, the sheriff’s department located Johnson’s green, four-door, 2003 Chevrolet Silverado flatbed near Jones Creek, off Forest Road 550. Sheriff Bakken said multiple search and rescue teams were dispatched to the area, and Johnson was found unharmed.
Sheriff Bakken explained that Johnson got lost while hunting south of Encampment. Recognizing his predicament, Sheriff Bakken said Johnson took the necessary actions to ensure his survival.
Sheriff Bakken said Johnson was lost for roughly 24 hours. Freezing temperatures and recent snowfall could have resulted in a very different outcome, said the sheriff.
Sheriff Bakken thanked his deputies, Carbon County Search and Rescue volunteers, and Classic Air Medical for locating and safely rescuing the missing hunter.
