After days of growing concern and uncertainty, the family of Ron Dailey a 34-year-old experienced hunter who had been reported missing earlier this week has confirmed that he has been found safe.
According to family members, Ron was located in the middle of a densely wooded area roughly fifteen miles north of the point where he was last seen.
Search and rescue teams had been combing the surrounding wilderness for nearly three days before a volunteer spotted signs that ultimately led to his discovery.
Ron had set out early Saturday morning for what was supposed to be a short solo hunting trip.
Known for his skill and familiarity with the local terrain, friends and relatives were initially unconcerned when he failed to check in that evening.
However, by Sunday afternoon, after repeated attempts to contact him went unanswered, his family reported him missing to the county sheriff’s department.
What followed was a coordinated search effort involving local law enforcement, volunteer rescue groups, and even fellow hunters who knew the area well.
According to his brother, Jason Dailey, Ron was eventually found “right in the middle of the forest, near a small creek he often mentioned visiting.”
When rescuers reached him, he was tired, dehydrated, and visibly shaken, but otherwise in stable condition.
Authorities later confirmed that he had lost his bearings after unexpected weather conditions rolled in Saturday afternoon. Heavy fog, coupled with intermittent rain, drastically reduced visibility and made it nearly impossible to navigate the rugged landscape.
Ron reportedly attempted to retrace his path but ended up moving deeper into the forest instead of toward the main trail.
When his cell phone battery died, he was unable to contact anyone for help. To conserve energy and stay warm, he built a makeshift shelter using branches, leaves, and a tarp from his pack.
His decision to remain in one location after realizing he was lost was a key factor in his safe recovery, search leaders noted.
Family members expressed immense relief and gratitude to everyone involved in the search effort. “We can’t thank the community enough,” said his mother, Linda Dailey.
“The volunteers, the search teams, the people who shared his photo online they all played a part in bringing Ron home.” She added that the experience has been both terrifying and humbling, reminding them of the power of community and the unpredictability of nature.
Local authorities have since used Ron’s story as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to always prepare for emergencies.
Sheriff Tom Landers emphasized the importance of carrying navigation tools, extra batteries, and notifying someone of one’s exact route and expected return time.
“Even experienced hunters and hikers can get disoriented,” he said. “Weather, terrain, and fatigue can change things quickly.”
Ron Dailey is now recovering at home with his family. Though shaken by the ordeal, he told relatives that the experience gave him a renewed respect for the wilderness and for the people who came together to find him when it mattered most.
