IDAHO COUNTY, ID – A 55-year-old hunter was rescued in the Idaho backcountry after suffering a medical emergency that left him unable to return to camp on his own.
According to Idaho County officials, dispatch received a call on the evening of October 1, 2025, at approximately 7:05 p.m. reporting that the man required medical assistance. While he was not lost, his condition prevented him from walking or riding his horse back to camp. He had been hunting with his party when the incident occurred.
Rescue efforts were initially delayed due to poor weather conditions, which made it unsafe for crews to reach the location that night. At first light the next morning, Life Flight made two attempts to reach the hunter, but difficult terrain and continued adverse weather forced them to stand down.
The Idaho Air National Guard was then called to assist. Using a helicopter equipped with a hoist system, Guard personnel successfully reached the man, lifted him from the area, and transported him to a designated site where Life Flight crews were waiting. He was transferred and flown to the hospital for further medical care.
Idaho County officials expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of both Life Flight and the Idaho Air National Guard, noting that their quick response and specialized capabilities ensured the safe evacuation of the patient.
