Early Sunday evening, Plumas County Search and Rescue was called to assist in locating an overdue 71-year-old hunter in the Foreman Creek area, near the Bucks-Oroville Road.
The man and his brother had set out hunting around 7:00 AM with plans to reunite at their Jeep by 11:00 AM. When the hunter failed to return, the Sheriff’s Office was notified just after 5:00 PM.
PCSAR members responded quickly, with some personnel arriving on scene before dark. Teams began searching the rugged and fire-scarred terrain, which presented steep slopes, heavy brush, and numerous downed snags — all of which made searching especially difficult.
A CHP helicopter from Valley Division was requested to assist with a thermal (FLIR) flyover. While ground teams continued working, SAR personnel spotted the glow of a small campfire roughly a mile from the area where the brothers had planned to hunt — far off the expected path. Believing it might be a critical lead, SAR personnel made their way to the site.
Once accessed via a ridge road, the fire was confirmed to have been made by the missing hunter himself. Thankfully, he was in good condition. He shared that he’d spent most of the day walking, crossed multiple creeks, and had fallen three times before realizing he was lost. As nightfall approached, he built a fire and prepared to wait until morning to find his way out.
SAR members walked the man out to the road and reunited him with his very relieved brother.
We want to thank CHP – Valley Division Air Operations for their rapid response. Although their helicopter was cancelled before arriving on scene, their readiness to assist with FLIR capabilities is an incredible resource that adds safety and speed to rural SAR missions like this one.
In the wilderness, even the most experienced can get turned around. What saved this situation was preparedness — a calm head, a warming fire, and a community of volunteers ready to act. We’re grateful this story ended the way we always hope it will: with everyone home safe.
