LOST HUNTER FOUND IN THE TWISP AREA

On 10-14-08 at around 2:00 PM Donald A. Swanson, 85 of Tacoma had been hunting with his two brothers off of Lime Creek Road, which is approximately 5 miles from the Twisp River Road. At around 2:00 PM the brothers split up and were to meet back at the vehicle at 3:00 PM. When Swanson did not return the two other brothers searched for him until dark and then at around 7:30 PM they contacted the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office to report that Swanson had not returned.

Members from the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office, Okanogan County Search and Rescue, Aero Methow Search responded to the area and began to search for Swanson. Also assisting in the search were Jerry Browe of Puyallup and Brandon Hergent of Tacoma. Browe and Hergent were also in the area hunting but did not know Swanson, but offered to assist in the search.

The group searched all night long, with temperatures dropping into the twenties overnight. At around 5:30 AM they ended the search and Swanson still had not been located. After a few hours rest the search began again this morning. At around 2:30 PM, Swanson was located approximately five to six miles from his last location. Swanson was located by Browe and Hergent, who gave up another day of hunting to assist in the search.

Swanson was located at the end of a drainage and was actually walking out onto the road when Browe and Hergent found him. Swanson was brought back to the search area and reunited with his brothers.

I can't say enough about Browe and Hergent. These two young gentlemen went out of their way to help someone else in trouble and then to find him was incredible. They deserve a lot of credit.

Swanson was in good condition, except for being cold, tired and hunger. Swanson had gotten turned around and ended up in the drainage, which is some pretty rough country. Swanson hiked until dark and then spent the night in the woods with only an apple and no fire or flashlight. In the morning Swanson continued to hike and eventually was walking out to the road when he was located. Swanson did not require any medical attention and was in good spirits.

When Swanson was located he was asked if he was lost and he stated, no, he was looking for his brothers, he is one tough guy.

Sheriff Frank T. Rogers