Michigan DNR conservation officers successful in two search and rescue events this week

Conservation officers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources serve their communities in many ways, including search and rescue efforts in the woods and on the water. Two recent examples occurred in the northern Lower Peninsula.

COs rescue hypothermic campers from Dead Stream Swamp in Roscommon County

Contact: Sgt. Brian Olsen, 989-275-5151, ext. 2727100

Two campers contacted the DNR Report All Poaching Hotline requesting rescue assistance after becoming stranded Friday in Dead Stream Swamp, a wetland consisting of more than 11,000 acres located between Cadillac and Houghton Lake in Missaukee and Roscommon counties. The campers, whose names are not being released, were dropped off at the Dead Stream Swamp by a friend on Friday with the intent to camp for four days. Rain developed during the evening hours and later turned to snow, soaking the campers and their gear. The temperature dropped to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which froze one of the men’s inhalers and caused him to have difficulty breathing. The campers contacted the RAP Hotline around 5 a.m. Saturday, saying they could not self-rescue. Dispatchers contacted local conservation officers, Sgt. Brian Olsen and CO Ben McAteer, who immediately responded to the caller’s last known cellphone location – about 1 mile west of the intersection of Higgins Lake Road and Pine Road in Lyon Township. It took officers about an hour to hike the 1 mile into the swamp, where they found the campers soaking wet in a makeshift shelter. The officers made a fire to help warm the campers and thaw their frozen boots. CO Matt Zultak also arrived on scene to assist. Once the campers were able to put on their boots and pack their gear, it took the group another hour to make it out of the swamp. They were met along the way by CO James Garrett, who helped navigate to a location where EMS was waiting. The group met EMS on Higgins Lake Road, south of Pine Road. EMS evaluated and released both campers at the scene.

Caro man and dogs recovering after falling into AuSable River in Alcona County

Contact: Sgt. Jon Warner, 989-390-9411

A 59-year-old man from Caro is expected to be released from the hospital after his boat capsized Tuesday along the AuSable River in Alcona County.

Accompanied by his two dogs, the man, whose name is not being released, was fishing on a 10-foot boat when he fell into the river while trying to disembark. The water was only 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and air temperature was freezing at 32 degrees.

Using his watch, the man texted 911 that he’d fallen into the river and was having difficulty breathing. The DNR later learned that the man had open-heart surgery two years ago and had recently been feeling ill.

Alcona County Central Dispatch notified local emergency responders of the situation around 2:16 p.m.

DNR Conservation Officers Jeff Panich and Casey Pullum heard the radio communication. Based on the last known GPS coordinates from the man’s watch, they responded to the intersection of Snowmobile Trail LP96 and the Shore to Shore Horse Trail at 3:12 p.m.

Panich and Pullum began walking the horse trail along the river and quickly located footprints in the snow. A short distance ahead, they saw a dog on the trail. Beyond the dog, they located the missing man, who was standing with blood covering his legs and feet. He was missing some clothes.

Panich immediately notified dispatch of the man’s location and requested assistance. After Panich approached the man, he said, “Help me,” and collapsed onto the conservation officer.

While the COs were waiting for medical assistance to arrive, the man became unresponsive. Panich and Pullum quickly pulled him out of the woods to a nearby river access parking lot, 4001 Bridge Landing, located off Federal Route 4001.

EMS and deputies quickly arrived and helped load the man into the ambulance, which transferred him to MyMichigan Medical Center Tawas.

Both dogs were secured and will be returned to the man when he is released from the hospital. The boat has not been recovered.

Alcona County Sheriff’s Department, Alcona County EMS and Curran Fire Department also assisted.

The DNR encourages outdoor enthusiasts to check weather conditions ahead of their trip and to plan accordingly with appropriate clothing and supplies. If venturing onto or near the water, wear a life jacket. Always provide someone who is not with you the details of your plan, including the locations you’re visiting, when you plan to return, and scheduled check-in times.

Michigan conservation officers receive specialized search and rescue training and are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and conducting lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.

The Michigan DNR Report All Poaching Hotline, 800-292-7800 (call or text), is staffed by emergency dispatchers around the clock who utilize equipment and technology to assist the public with natural resource violations and law enforcement officers.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Shelter: It took officers about an hour to hike 1 mile into the Dead Stream Swamp in Roscommon County Saturday, where they found two campers soaking wet in a makeshift shelter.