Lost Hunter Survives 2 Nights Alone During ‘Intense’ Snowstorm. Finally, He Was Able to Call 911 

A 57-year-old hunter from Illinois was found alive in the Colorado wilderness after spending two nights exposed to winter storm conditions.

According to a news release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), authorities received a report around 6:38 p.m. local time on Monday, Sept. 22, that a hunter had gone missing in the Rawah Wilderness area.

A caller told officials that the man had become separated from his group earlier that afternoon. His last communication was at approximately 3:21 p.m., when he indicated he was lost.

The caller added that the missing hunter, who has military experience, was equipped with warm clothing, a sleeping bag, and water.

Rescuers initially attempted to locate the hunter via his phone, but his location could not be determined. Due to the approaching night and severe weather conditions, authorities postponed search efforts to ensure their own safety.

The following day, a full search operation was launched, the JCSO said.

“Searchers faced snowy, cold, and windy conditions, and air support was unavailable due to the weather,” officials stated. “After approximately 10 hours of extensive ground operations, the search was suspended for the night.”

Operations resumed on Wednesday, Sept. 24, but rescuers again faced harsh winter conditions, including cold temperatures, snow, and challenging terrain in the Rawah Wilderness, the JCSO added.

Early that afternoon, the missing hunter managed to place several 911 calls that were routed to authorities. Around 1 p.m., rescuers finally located him alive.

“He was found to be in good health and credited his survival to staying calm, starting a fire, and using his sleeping bag and clothing to stay warm,” the JCSO said. “The hunter ultimately survived two nights in the Rawah Wilderness during winter storm conditions.”

The hunter’s identity has not been disclosed, nor has it been confirmed whether he received medical treatment. PEOPLE contacted the JCSO on Monday, Sept. 29, for additional details.

In a separate statement, the Routt County Search and Rescue noted that an “intense early season snowstorm” had made the rescue particularly challenging. The statement also referenced the recent deaths of two hunters in southern Colorado, who were struck by lightning.

According to the Forest Service, the Rawah Wilderness is located at the southern end of the Medicine Bow Mountain Range in north-central Colorado and encompasses 73,868 acres.

The JCSO expressed gratitude to the various organizations and agencies involved in the search, stating: “Their dedication, expertise, and teamwork, from ground teams and K9 units to air support and coordination across multiple agencies were vital to bringing this search to a safe and successful conclusion.”