Hunters rescued after being swept downriver
Published Friday, September 26, 2008
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Stumble It!FAIRBANKS — Two Fairbanks hunters were rescued from the banks of the Chulitna River last weekend after getting swept down the river while attempting to cross it on a moose hunt.
David Sapp and Jason Herring, both stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, were crossing the East Fork of the Chulitna River near Igloo City at 188.5 Mile Parks Highway on Saturday morning when they were carried down the river, said John Leonard, a ranger at Denali National Park and Preserve who was on the helicopter that picked up the hunters.
“They thought they could wade across,” Leonard said. “They didn’t realize how swift it was or how deep it was.”
Both hunters were able to reach the shore with their rifles and gear, but they were stranded on the west side of the river and couldn’t get back across to their vehicle. The hunters were well equipped but all their gear was wet, Leonard said.
“They had the full gamut of gear, but it was waterlogged and that hindered them being able to warm themselves up,” the ranger said.
Sapp called his wife on a cell phone, and she called Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks about 10 a.m. to alert troopers of the hunters’ predicament and location.
Leonard and Alaska Wildlife Trooper Thomas Lowy of Cantwell were in the area conducting an aerial patrol of the park boundary at the time of the call and were diverted to the hunters’ location, which was about five miles from the nearest park boundary.
“They had gotten their tent set up by the time we got there,” Leonard said. “One guy was out trying to wave us down, and the other guy was in the tent trying to get warm.”
The hunters were about two miles from the Parks Highway, he said. They were stranded for about three hours.
The hunters were cold and wet but neither was injured or required medical attention. They were transported to the Parks Highway and ultimately driven to their vehicle.
Community Discussion
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Reminds me of some other infamous military hunters who decided to drive cross the tundra in their trucks.
I'm glad they are okay. Hopefully this will be a learning lesson for them both. This ride should be billed directly to them. This story is another example of why people who go out into the woods for recreation or work, be prepared to deal with the unknown. They are lucky to have been so prepared this time, and to have had a positive outcome.
Fbksgas,these guys weren't breaking any laws so how is it similar,just unforseen circumstances that came out with a good ending.
Fairbanksgas- how does this remind you of the two hunters that were illegally driving across the tundra? The two situations share very little in similarities. Are you trying to make another point about our military?
The wilderness, even a couple miles from a major highway, is an unforgiving place. Thank goodness the two hunters, who probably should have known better, escaped with a mere "warning" from Mother Nature. Good for them for not immediately going back into the river, but accepting their fate and calling home. Smart.
It seems to me they should pay for the costs of their rescue, but then I am a big supporter of user fees and personal responsibility. The endgame could have been far worse. There are important lessons in this.
There was a time when I found great pleasure in hunting and fishing. Today with so much pressure on the resources, and the astounding amount of equipment needed to be "competitive", the experience is not what it used to be. I find all the food I need at my favorite fishing holes -- the corner University Avenue and Airport Way -- and some times I even venture over towards the Old Steese Highway and the Johanson Expressway to hunt and gather.
For the most part hunting is not a way to save money on meat. Urban hunters do it for "sport", not because game meat is healthier -- I have yet to meet a sportsman who would spend thousands of dollars on equipment, time off, and all that effort, so they can have a healthier meal! And yes, I know some folks hunt from the road, or for subsistence, and wild game is a boon to many a family in need.
I am so glad these two guys survived. Hooray for the Park Service, the State Troopers, and cell phone service!
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