(NewsNation) — The search continues for two elk hunters in the San Juan National Forest Wilderness Area in southwestern Colorado after they were reported missing Saturday.
The Conejos County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead to make contact with two elk hunters who were reported overdue, as covered by local NewsNation affiliate KDVR in Denver, Colorado.
Andrew Porter from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, from Salt Lake City, both 25, were reported missing after they didn’t check in with loved ones at a predetermined time, according to the sherriff’s office.
Deputies could not locate the men but found their car, camping gear and backpacks. Search and rescue operations began shortly after and have involved air operations, ground teams, dog teams, drone teams, ATVs and local volunteers.
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Reports indicate that the hunters’ families have not heard from them since Sept. 11.
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Porter’s fiancé, Bridget Murphy, has posted multiple times on social media since the hunters went missing, requesting additional assistance.
“We NEED more able and willing searchers and crews right NOW. If you have experience and the proper gear—thermal drones, laser lanterns, horses, or other resources—please come help. Every set of eyes and hands matters,” she wrote.
Murphy also highlighted that although the two are experienced hunters, they may have encountered “bad cold storms and fog.”
In one of the posts, Murphy announced a reward of $10,000 for the person or people who locate the two hunters.
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Murphy describes the hunters as “both 6’ fit men, with dirty blonde and light brown hair.” Anyone with information on the hunters’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office at 719-589-5807.
A GoFundMe was also created to aid in the search efforts and, at the time of this reporting, has raised over $65,000.
Local NewsNation affiliate KDVR contributed to this report
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