Hunter Bags Deer, Then Vanishes in Oregon Forest

Authorities in Oregon are intensifying their search for 51-year-old hunter Devon Dobek, who disappeared Friday in the rugged terrain of Mount Hood National Forest, according to ABC News.

Dobek, an experienced outdoorsman from Hubbard, Oregon, had told a friend he was heading home early after successfully bagging a deer, but he never returned. Concern grew when he missed his expected check-in time, prompting a major search effort.

Deputies later found Dobek’s truck near the Fish Creek Trailhead, but there was no sign of him or the deer. Search teams reported hearing gunshots during the night, believed to have been fired by Dobek, but they were unable to pinpoint his location.

By Sunday, more than 100 rescuers had been deployed despite cold, rainy conditions. The operation has involved ground crews, drones, ATVs, search dogs, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, and an Oregon National Guard helicopter. Authorities are also attempting to trace signals from Dobek’s cellphone and GPS equipment, though spotty reception in the remote forest has complicated efforts.

The search area, heavily damaged by 2020 wildfires, is described as extremely hazardous. “The area is full of fallen trees, making navigation extremely challenging,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Officials note that similar rescues have taken place in the region, including one in July, when a missing mountain biker was found safe after nearly a week in the wilderness.

Anyone with information about Devon Dobek’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office at 503-723-4949.

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