Union County Search & Rescue (SAR), with help from Blue Mountain Back Country Riders, successfully rescued an injured hunter in the Eagle Cap Wilderness over Labor Day weekend. The hunter, who was on a solo trip, suffered a knee injury after a fall on Jim White Ridge and was unable to walk. After confirming the hunter was stable via satellite texting, SAR scouts assessed the situation and decided to assist him manually through difficult terrain, staying overnight with him before arranging a horseback evacuation.

On September 1, four back country riders joined SAR to transport the hunter nearly five miles to the Moss Springs Trailhead. The rescue also involved assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, which provided radio communications, and Wallowa County Search and Rescue, which offered additional stock and aviation support. The hunter’s pack llamas were also helped out by SAR during the evacuation.