Two Colorado backcountry hunting incidents: one survivor, one death

Two separate hunting incidents in Colorado last week highlighted the risks of remote backcountry terrain: a 57-year-old Illinois man survived two nights alone in the Rawah Wilderness after becoming lost on Sept. 22, while search teams recovered the body of a 54-year-old Tennessee man from the south San Juan wilderness after a call for help late last week.

In the Rawah Wilderness in northern Colorado, the Illinois hunter texted his party at 3:21 p.m. on Sept. 22 to say he was lost near the Jack Dickens Trail, according to the Jackson County sheriff. His group reported him missing to authorities after 6:30 p.m., but deputies said worsening weather and approaching darkness prevented a search that evening. The hunter, who has military experience, carried warm clothing, a sleeping bag and water, officials said.

Search teams deployed on the morning of Sept. 23 and hunted through snowy, cold and windy conditions for about 10 hours without locating him. Efforts resumed on Sept. 24 and included canine teams and a helicopter. During the search the man called 911 several times, and rescuers found him at roughly 1 p.m. on Sept. 24. He was in good health and, according to deputies, credited...