An estimated 1,600 people get lost in North American wild lands each year, many of which are hunters who go out alone. Even the most experienced hunters can run into trouble sometimes. People think they are prepared for an adventure, not realizing how easily nature can mislead you. That is why it is important to always let someone know where you will be, keep emergency supplies with you, and have a fully charged phone on hand.

At approximately 10:30 pm on Monday, November 22, 2021, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in NC received a call that 56 year old Michael Edward Abernethy, of Morganton, had gone missing. While on vacation with his family at Myrtle Beach, Michael decided to do some hunting in the Juniper Creek Game Land tract. In a news release the CCSO said, “When he did not return to his family at the scheduled time, they tried calling his cellphone but did not get an answer. His family traveled to the area, locating his vehicle. Inside they found his cellphone, his heavy coat, gloves, and lunch box.”

CCSO called in for backup from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, Columbus County Emergency Management, and Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the latter of which has become known for its aviation unit. The combined emergency response teams deployed the BCSO helicopter and a K9 Unit to help find Mr. Abernethy. It wasn’t until nearly 24 hours after Mr. Abernethy became lost without any emergency supplies that he was found. He was able to hear the noise of the search party and began to move towards the sounds. At around 10 am, Mr. Abernethy was reunited with his family. “He was cold, hungry, and dehydrated,” stated a representative from CCSO, “but OK.”

Though Mr. Abernethy’s rescue was a success, the joint emergency responders realized that 12 hours to search for a person missing in the wilderness is too long, especially when the missing person is not equipped to deal with the elements. So, when the BCSO received a similar call about a missing hunter a few days ago, they decided to use drone technology to speed up the recovery process. A young man, whose identity has not been released, went out to do some wild turkey hunting in the woods of the Pulp Road Game Lands in Winnabow, NC. Luckily, the young man remembered to keep a fully charged phone on him. Though GPS navigation was unavailable to lead him out of the woods, he was able to call 911 for help.

Shortly after BCSO received the call, they met up with NC Wildlife Resources Commission officers to begin searching for the lost hunter. The drone was sent up, and within minutes they were able to locate the man. NC Wildlife Resources Commission then hopped into a BCSO ATV and was led by the drone to the exact location of the missing person. In a Facebook post, the BCSO said, “Thankfully, the young man was okay- exhausted from the scary experience- but unharmed and very grateful!” The impact of the rapid recovery of this individual, assisted by a drone, was not missed by the recovery team. “We are also fortunate to have the resources we do, that were crucial in this rescue mission,” states the BCSO Facebook post. “Great outcome, great day!”