Lincoln County rescue teams assist hiker, hunter

A hike and hunter who had trouble in southern Lincoln County’s wilder places are back in safer environs after local search and rescue teams brought them to safety.

According to information on the group's Facebook page, it started on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 2 when Libby-based David Thompson Search and Rescue were called out for an overdue hiker in the Cedar Creek area.

At about 5:45 p.m., team members embarked on a search for the hiker. Using whistles, searchers found the hiker at about 11:30 p.m. and helped the person get back to the trail.

Then, on Friday. Nov. 4, searchers from David Thompson and Eureka-based Can-Am Lifeline Search and Rescue Association responded to the Yaak for a missing hunter.

After a full day of hiking and tracking in the snow, the hunter was found and everyone returned safely.

Commenters shared their admiration for the work done by searchers and appreciation that everyone returned safely.

Combined, both groups have a total of 99 years experience in search and rescue missions in Lincoln County. David Thompson volunteers have been at it for 53 years while Can-Am has been at it for 46 years.

SAR experts also shared that, “It’s that time of year to check bags to ensure you have what you need for winter conditions and to replace all batteries in headlamps and flashlights.”

Outdoors enthusiasts can expect winter-like conditions to continue this week with snow and frigid weather with low temperatures ranging from below zero to the single digits and highs from the 20s to 30s in the valleys.