Elk NetworkMissing Elk Hunter Found Dead in Washington

General | December 2, 2017

Two weeks after he was reported missing, authorities found the body of an elk hunter in southwestern Washington.

Joel Presler set out on a hunting trip in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Search crews found his pickup on November 11 on a forest service road in deep snow. A week-long search turned up no results.

After much of the snow melted, search and rescue personnel returned to the area and found his body about 100 to 150 yards from the truck. They found some of his personal items, including his pack and clothing, nearby. They said that was “indicative of hypothermic behavior” as those experiencing hypothermia will shed clothing under a false belief they are overheating.

(Photo source: Skamania County Sheriff’s Office)