It didn’t take long for authorities to find a missing elk hunter in northern Michigan. Ninety minutes after receiving a call, Tim Rosochacki, a conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, found a 78-year-old man in Otsego County.
“Green Timbers has big, rolling hills that could easily become confusing to anybody who is unfamiliar with the area,” Rosochacki said. “Everything looks very similar and there are very few land indicators.”
The man was helping his son look for elk when he got lost, the sun started to set and it began to rain. The son contacted authorities who contacted conservation officers working the hunt.
“We strategically place conservation officers to support special events, such as the elk hunt, because these hunts bring more people to the area and many might not be familiar with the landscape,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “You also never know when a medical emergency or another type of incident can happen – we want to make sure we are staffed and prepared. Our officers ensure that everyone stays safe and enjoys a fair hunt. I’m happy to hear that this man was able to continue hunting with his son. Hopefully, they take home an elk.”
(Photo source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources)