AGFC K9 Unit Locates Missing Hunter

CAMDEN — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission K9 “Hunter” sniffed his way to a reward after tracking down a lost hunter on Poison Springs Wildlife Management Area during the area’s opening week of deer season last week.

Hunter’s handler, Game Warden Doug Martisek, and Game Warden Tyler Asher were contacted by the AGFC Radio Room at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 12 after receiving a call from the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office about the hunter not returning from his hunt like his initial plans had indicated. The game wardens arrived at the missing hunter’s truck, which had been found by Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office staff and deployed Hunter who quickly alerted to a track. The trio followed the track to the hunter’s deer stand, which had been abandoned, and then continued deeper into the woods.

“We followed the track for about 300 yards, and Hunter started popping his head up, searching for scent in the air instead of on the ground,” Martisek said. “About that time we heard the missing hunter shout and we followed his voice the last 50 yards to his location.”

The 77-year-old hunter had gotten turned around in the woods and had sat down at the edge of a pine plantation. Sheriff’s deputies loaded him onto an ATV and brought him out to emergency medical personnel to ensure he was OK. He was released at about 10 p.m. after a quick check.

Hunter was rewarded with a treat and some quality time with his favorite tennis ball.