Elko County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that the two hunters reported missing on Saturday evening have been found safe. The men were discovered walking on a two‑track road north of Spruce Mountain Road at about 5:10 p.m., after spending the night near their overturned side‑by‑side vehicle.
Timeline of the search effort
According to a Facebook post from the Elko County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first notified of the overdue hunters at approximately 10:40 p.m. on October 24. The men had been hunting in the Shafter area earlier in the day and later told family they were relocating to the Spruce Mountain area.
When the hunters failed to check in, the sheriff’s office launched a search that continued through the night. On October 25, Elko County Search and Rescue, Reach’s medical helicopter, and the Clover Valley Volunteer Fire Department deployed resources to the Spruce Mountain vicinity. Several local citizens also responded to the call and joined the search teams, demonstrating the community’s commitment to neighborly assistance.
Discovery and condition of the hunters
Early Sunday afternoon, searchers located the two men walking along a narrow road north of Spruce Mountain Road. They reported that their side‑by‑side had rolled over shortly after dark on Saturday, leaving them stranded near the vehicle. The hunters were cold and hungry but reported no injuries.
Deputies provided basic assistance, and the men were safely escorted back to the area where additional support could be arranged. The sheriff’s office thanked the volunteers, helicopter crew, and fire department for their swift response and cooperation.
Community response and safety reminder
Elko County residents have long relied on one another during emergencies, and this incident underscores the importance of timely communication and preparedness while hunting in remote terrain. The sheriff’s office encourages hunters to share detailed itineraries with family members, carry reliable communication devices, and be aware of weather conditions that can change rapidly in the high desert.
Authorities also remind the public that the county’s search and rescue resources are available to assist anyone who becomes lost or injured in the backcountry. Prompt reporting of missing persons enables a coordinated response that can save lives.
Looking ahead
The Elko County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the situation and provide any needed follow‑up assistance to the hunters. The department also plans to review the incident to identify any additional safety measures that could benefit the hunting community.
For more information on safe hunting practices and how to contact the sheriff’s office in an emergency, residents can visit the Elko County official website or follow the department’s social‑media channels.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
