MOSCA, COLORADO – Search and rescue (SAR) teams recovered the body of a hunter in the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve on November 1 following a multi-agency response. Lance Walker, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was reported missing on October 31 after he failed to return to his hunting camp near Sand Creek on the northern edge of the park. Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR), Saguache County Search and Rescue (SAGSAR), and Great Sand Dunes National Park (GRSA) coordinated efforts to locate and recover Walker, who was found deceased by a family member.
Walker’s hunting party raised the alarm using an SOS feature on a Garmin satellite device when he did not return to camp on October 30. His brother, who set out on foot to search, discovered him in a rugged, hard-to-reach area. Search and rescue teams faced challenging terrain and severe weather as they coordinated their response under a unified command.
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A ground team of over 20 SAR members from AVSAR, SAGSAR, and Chaffee County Search and Rescue – South (CCSAR-S) responded to confirm Walker’s location. Due to nightfall and the difficult terrain, rescue teams postponed the recovery until the next morning, November 1. The technical extraction required repeated rope operations, including multiple lowers and raises, in order to reach a location accessible to air support. High winds prevented some aerial assets from assisting, leading the SAR members to complete much of the operation on foot.
On November 1, team members from AVSAR, SAGSAR, and CCSAR-S managed to transport Walker’s body to a higher landing zone, where the DFPC Flat Iron Helitack team was able to airlift him to the command post. By 9 p.m., all responders had exited the field.
The unified command team extended condolences to Walker’s family and expressed gratitude to all who supported the operation, noting the dedication of SAR volunteers who braved hazardous conditions to bring Walker home.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips for Hunters
This incident underscores the importance of taking several safety precautions while hunting or trekking in remote wilderness areas:- Stay Together: Hunting parties are advised to stick together whenever possible, especially in challenging terrain.
- Carry Navigation Devices: Devices with GPS and SOS capabilities, such as satellite messengers, can be critical for quick response but should be used alongside established check-in routines.
- Prepare for Overnight: Carry enough supplies, including emergency shelters, warm clothing, and a first-aid kit, to remain safe if delayed.
Consider purchasing a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (COSAR) card, which supports local search and rescue teams: https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program
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