A large-scale search effort is underway in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest for an experienced hunter who went missing late Friday, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.
Hunter Reported Missing Friday Evening
The missing man, 51-year-old Devon Dobek from Hubbard, Oregon, was reported missing around 6:20 p.m. on Friday. Authorities said Dobek was expected to return home from a solo hunting trip that evening but had earlier messaged a friend, saying he was coming back early after successfully getting a deer.
Deputies later found Dobek’s truck parked near the Fish Creek Trailhead, yet there was no sign of Dobek or the deer, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation.
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Overnight Gunshots and Worsening Weather
During the initial search Friday night, rescuers reported hearing gunshots believed to be from the missing hunter, but despite multiple attempts, they were unable to determine the exact source of the sounds.
Conditions over the weekend were cool and rainy, adding to the difficulty of the mission. Authorities emphasized that Dobek is an experienced outdoorsman and was believed to be equipped with appropriate hunting gear, which could aid his survival in the rugged terrain.
Massive Multi-Agency Search
By Sunday, more than 100 rescuers from multiple agencies had joined the effort to locate Dobek. Teams on foot were supported by drones, ATVs, tracking dogs, and air assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s aviation unit and an Oregon National Guard helicopter.
Officials said they are also working to trace Dobek’s location through cellphone and GPS data, though connectivity in the Mount Hood wilderness remains weak or non-existent.
Ongoing Efforts
Authorities continue to coordinate search operations, covering dense forest areas and rugged trails. The sheriff’s office has not released further details about Dobek’s possible direction of travel or the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information about Dobek’s whereabouts to come forward as the search enters its fourth day.
