PENDLETON, Ore.-Two men who got stranded while shed hunting on Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) land on March 30 were safely located on the morning of March 31.
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) responded to the report of the stranded men around 6:15 p.m. on March 30.
The 54-year-old man and his 32-year-old nephew, both members of the CTUIR, were on the Blue Kettle Ridge above Little Johnson Creek when the ATV they were riding in reportedly broke down.
After the initial call for help, the UCSO reached the men by phone and got their location. The Umatilla County Search and Rescue Unit (UMASAR) and Umatilla Tribal Fire Chief James Hall responded to the call for help.
The stranded men were equipped with water, snacks and warm clothing, and had a fire going while they waited for help, according to the UCSO.
UMASAR and UTFD set out in search of the men on UTVs from Kamela, travelling about 16 miles through snow up to four-feet deep before finding the men around 12 a.m. on March 31.
According to the UCSO, the two men were prepared for the conditions and were able to stay safe during the emergency.
Shed hunting is the search for antlers that deer naturally shed in late winter or early spring. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes shed hunting guidelines online and hunters are advised to stay up-to-date on any closures and the latest weather conditions before hunting
