Decorah hunter is lost in Montana

(Photo courtesy of Park County, Montana Sheriff's Department)

The U.S. Forest Service says Mark Rollins of Decorah has been reported missing in the Porcupine area of the Crazy Mountains northeast of Wilsall, Montana.

Rollins had been seen by a group of hunters September 20th in the area of Campfire Lake.  However, the hunters became concerned when Rollins had not returned to his vehicle as of Tuesday.

Rollins is an experienced back country hunter, according to the Park County Sheriff, Scott Hamilton.  The group of hunters who saw him on September 20th said he was well-equipped and prepared for an extended stay.  He is also in good physical condition, with no known medical conditions.

Tuesday afternoon a team of people searched the Porcupine Trail on motorcycles, while a Park County Sheriff's Deputy rode as a spotter in a helicopter.  Tuesday night a flight mission was conducted by Two Bear Air, using night vision and other technologies to search the areas of Campfire Lake, South Fork Shields River and Elk Creek.

Search efforts resumed Wednesday morning, including the use of two dog teams, two ground teams, a horse team and an aerial search by helicopter.