In the early 1970's I spent a year working on a remote drilling project on the upper tributaries of the Porcupine River, near the Alaska Yukon border. This is an area of wild, pristine, trackless wilderness, about as far from civilization as you can go in North America. Word reached us that a search was underway for a hunter who had gone missing in the area near our camp. We were asked if we would use our helicopter to assist in the search. We were glad to do this of course, but to no avail. Fall turned to a brutally cold winter with hurricane force winds, deep snow and temps to -50 F. We would watch for any signs of the missing man anytime we were airborne. No signs.
Over the past 50 years I would sometimes wonder if this hunter eventually wandered into some bush villiage with some hair raising survival story to tell. That was the outcome I had hoped for but it was not to be. A few days ago I happened on this news story detailing how remains had been found in 1997 and identified using DNA last December. That closes the book on this missing persons case. (Just one of thousands in Alaska). The hunter has gone home to his family. I cannot imagine the anguish they have experienced over the past 50 years not knowing what had happened to him.
Interesting story to say the least!!! Survival in the wild is very tough, but sounds like they had some form of closure!!! It can happen really fast and very often tough to get answers.
Slammer!!!
We watch "Life Below Zero" and "Port Protection".
On several occasions, it's mentioned that if something were to happen when they're out hunting, fishing, getting wood, or clearing trails...if they're alone, they might not be seen again.
There is some rough country there.
Edited by - OldNavyGuy on 02/04/2023 16:52:22
It is best not to hunt alone in bear domain.
I ice fish in some miserable conditions and I usually don’t fish alone just for safety reasons, but I’ve been alone out 5-13 miles off shore on the ice myself and always pucker a little bit when it’s time to fire up the 4x4 or snowmobile to go home!!!
Thank God for cell phones!!! I ALWAYS have one AND a portable charger in case $hip happens. I also let someone know where I’m fishing!!! That wasn’t the case when I was younger and Less smart !!!
Slammer!!!
I know that heavy feeling hoping your vehicle starts when you're in the middle of nowhere.
I knew a guy that lived on the east coast. His brother just disappeared & everyone feared the worst.
A hunter found his bones, a gun & a Crown royal bottle 30 years later.
Bob, mine would be my bones and a Kesslers bottle, an old Buck gentleman’s knife , and a Ruger snub nose .357 !!! Just sayin………..what a way to die !!! Oh, and a graphite Ugly Stick ice fishing rod in my grip !!!
Slammer!!!
Edited by - slammer on 02/04/2023 18:06:21
quote:
Originally posted by slammerBob, mine would be my bones and a Kesslers bottle, an old Buck gentleman’s knife , and a Ruger snub nose .357 !!! Just sayin………..what a way to die !!! Oh, and a graphite Ugly Stick ice fishing rod in my bones grip !!!
Slammer!!!
Probably worse ways to go...
You got that right Jim !!!
Slammer!!!
Sheenjack. Great story, though sad ending. If I ever get up your way I am sure we could exchange hours of oil field stories. I have spent much of my life on remote drilling locations. Though none nearly as remote as your locations. Bodies and death included. Yet many fun experiences and “did good deeds” experiences as well. I am too old now but still go out, but on jobs of 5-14 days only now. The pdc bit and down hole motors etc has changed the biz. Brad
Edited by - rinemb on 02/05/2023 05:14:47
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