Search And Rescue Fills Its Tag On Opening Day

Search and Rescue Crews were successful on opening day of hunting season near Red Mountain in Northern Gallatin County. A 62 year old Kalispell man became separated from his four Gallatin County hunting partners about 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The hunting party tried to find him, then around 11:30 p.m. notified the Sheriff’s Office.

SAR teams led by the Sheriff’s Office searched the area, and Summit Air Ambulance using advanced night vision equipment with SAR members on board located the hunter near the south fork.

He had built a fire and the team was able to land a short distance away. He was lost but unharmed and given a ride to his truck.

Sheriff Gootkin says there are still many areas of Gallatin County where there ithere is no cell phone coverage. He recommends that back country users be prepared with good old fashioned map and compass as well as supplies like fire starter, extra food and water.