September 29th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

11:20 AM UPDATE:

 A hunter that was reported missing in the area of the Dans Mountain WMA off Rt-220 Saturday evening was located by DNR Police just after 9 a.m. Sunday, according to Allegany County Department of Emergency Services.

 

“The male subject was located shortly before 9:20 a.m. by Department of Natural Resource Police on the scene. He was alive and in good condition,” Todd Bowman, public information officer for Allegany County Department of Emergency Services said. “The male spent the night in the wilderness. He was evaluated by EMS personnel on the scene and refused further care or transport.”

 

Allegany County DES provided logistical support only to the volunteer fire departments, search and rescue, DNR and EMS units on the scene.

 

A unified command structure was in place with Rawlings Volunteer Fire Department being the lead fire and rescue agency and DNR Police, according to Bowman.

 

“The search began Saturday evening and was suspended around midnight until 7 a.m. today,” Bowman said. 

 

Fire departments on scene included Cresaptown, Rawlings, Bowling Green, Shaft, Midland, Lonaconing and LaVale. Units from Mineral County included Keyser, Fort Ashby and New Creek. Garrett County provided a rehab unit for personnel operating on the scene. Maryland State Police Aviation also responded.

 

“This is the best possible outcome with incidents like these,” Bowman added. “We would urge citizens that are going to be in the wilderness to be familiar with the area and be prepared in the event you become lost or stranded.” 

 

One of the biggest things to remember is don’t panic, make an insulated or shade shelter, depending on the weather conditions, travel with water, or locate clean water, have dried foods that do not need prepared (nuts, fruits, etc), be able to light a fire and charge electronic devices, such as cell phones before entering the forest, Bowman recommended. 

 

9:55 AM UPDATE:

911 reports that emergency services personnel have located the missing hunter.  No futher details have been released.

7:00 AM UPDATE:

Allegany County 911 tells WCBC News that the hunter has not been found, and that the search will continue this morning.

1:00 AM UPDATE

Fire units and volunteers continue the search at this hour.  So far, there has been no contact with the hunter.  :

INITIAL REPORT:

Allegany County 911 reports (7:24 PM) that a search has been undertaken for a hunter reportedly lost in the Dan's Mountain Wildlife Management Area off of Route 220 in Rawlings.

Several fire companies and other volunteers are involved in the search.