Hunter Who Didn't Return From Hunt Found Injured In Woods By K-9

SHELBURNE, NH — NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers were notified of an overdue hunter by a concerned relative Saturday around 7:30 p.m. The hunter identified as Garret Waterman, 35, of Gorham, failed to return from a hunt in the Conner Brook area of the White Mountain National Forest. A search effort ensued with Fish & Game Conservation Officers and a canine responding.

NH Fish and Game K-9 Moxie began searching at approximately 9:20 p.m. and after almost 2 hours of searching and traveling more than 2 miles she and her handler successfully located the hunter.

Waterman had suffered a lower leg injury after a fall from his tree stand which prevented him from being able to bear weight and walk out. With no cell phone coverage in the area he was unable to call for help.

Fortunately, he had told family members where he would be hunting, so when he failed to return, they knew where to direct the responding officers.

Conservation Officers, a state police trooper, family members, and a friend hiked into his location and after his injury was assessed and treated, he was assisted out 2 miles to a Forest Service Road where he was placed in a vehicle and driven from the scene. He was taken to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin for treatment of his injuries.