Hunter Rescued After Being Lost in Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Area

A hunter who spent 14 hours in the woods after being 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 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 Todd Bowman Allegany County Department of Emergency Services Public Information Officer. 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.