NORTHWOOD — A missing hunter was found safe early Wednesday morning after spending the night in the woods off Saddleback Mountain Road.
Nicholas Marshall, 67, of Chester, was located by search teams at 1:30 a.m. after he had been reported overdue by a concerned landowner Tuesday night.
The landowner, who had given Marshall permission to hunt on his property, alerted authorities when the hunter did not return at the expected time.
Responding to the call at 9:30 p.m., NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, along with Northwood and Deerfield Police Departments, initiated a search.
They found Marshall’s abandoned tree stand and gear, indicating he had likely pursued a deer he shot earlier.
Despite efforts that included deploying a NH Fish and Game K-9 and signaling with a firearm, Marshall could not be located until voice contact was established hours later.
He was found unharmed and was able to walk out of the wooded area by himself.
Marshall explained he had left behind essential items, such as his flashlight and cell phone, thinking he would quickly recover the deer.
As darkness set in, he lost his way and decided to stay in the woods overnight.
He also misplaced his firearm, which left him unable to respond to the search team’s signals.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and keeping essential gear on hand when venturing into the wilderness.
