STILL MISSING! Lost hunter Robert Willis at Dinky Creek in Fresno County CA. Nov 2008

[jackrabbit]

I won't be going into that area this weekend. But I'll make it a point to hunt that specific area a few times during the season -- and I'll certainly be keeping a keen eye out for any possibly related items, especially in drainages.

 

[huntingbret]

I just can't see why there isn't a follow up on this situation, especially when the Fresno Bee mentioned a big search for him a month ago.

 

[FoCoHugh]

I agree Bret. Something doesn't add up. That is why I put forth the idea that he may have left on his own. Someone else put out there that pot growers may be behind it. That made sense until someone pointed out that the altitude was too high for pot growing.

I don't know. It's just sad for his family.

 

[BelchFire]

I don't subscribe to the speculation theory, but someone mentioned that pot growers may have gotten him and moved his truck. THAT makes more sense than anything I've seen yet, but again, it's all speculation until we have some hard evidence.

 

[Lives2Hunt]

I have seen a few stories over the last half dozen yrs where they are finding the remains of people 5-10, 20+ yrs after going missing. Dont start throwing ideas out there "willy-nilly" it may be very offensive to some, esp. family and friends. Bottom line, hes not with his family and friends this hunting season. You have predators (both four legged and two legged-pot growers), perhaps he lost his way and then really...really lost hs way, perishing somewhere out where he loved to be, then yes in the back of many minds may be the idea of "flight" but lets not talk about that, keep it where it came from, in the back of your mind. It should be a sobering reminder, no matter what happened to to him, to be safe out there, let people know where your going and have proper safety equipment, what ever you feel is that. Good luck to all, be safe out there, be ethical and be smart.

 

[FoCoHugh]

Respectfully L2H, I have some experience here. In 1984 when my sister mysteriously disappeared we found comfort as a family in thinking of ways to figure out how she could be gone AND alive. It was a constant flow of hope to think that both could be true.

Regrettably, my sister met with foul play and we never saw her alive again, but wished the whole time that this obvious conclusion were not true, and that our ideas of her being alive and safe were.

So, with regards to his loved ones, I say that I hope you find this gentleman in time, safe and sound, even if the reasons for his disappearance at the time make no sense now or ever.

To each his own, I guess.

 

[Stoops73]

I just read the entire thread, what a horrible tragedy. One thing we can all keep in mind for all of our future hunts is to be safe, well prepared and keep our loved ones informed on our exact hunting plans. I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to the two children, his wife and all of his friends and family. I would like to think that he was happily enjoying his time outdoors and found peace without pain when the incident happened.
Everyone- please be careful and keep safety in mind this and every hunting season

 

[JaegerMeister]

I just read the entire thread, what a horrible tragedy. One thing we can all keep in mind for all of our future hunts is to be safe, well prepared and keep our loved ones informed on our exact hunting plans. I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to the two children, his wife and all of his friends and family. I would like to think that he was happily enjoying his time outdoors and found peace without pain when the incident happened.
Everyone- please be careful and keep safety in mind this and every hunting season

Well said.

 

[Aegis]

FYI 7-10 feet of snow in Dinkey Creek area. No power for most of the last week. Just got power back a couple of hours ago. Biggest storm in many years.

 

[KenR]

Anything new on this?

 

[Aegis]

Still nothing...

 

[iroc6976]

wow im speachless and at a loss for words but it shows how we as americans and hunters care for each other

 

[pathfyndr]

Hope he was found and just no one got word thats a long time to be missing, makes me think twice going up solo to do some scouting this weekend. my plan was to leave a radio in my truck, hike and if anything happens to leave a note and try my radio on the channel i left it on every hour on the hour for 5 minutes this way i don't loose power on my radio.
But i;m the type that over prepares with fire starters, compass, map, those mini pocket nasa looking blankets.
Sad story to read, was hoping to read that he was found.

 

[mrlassiter]

i;m the type that over prepares with fire starters, compass, map, those mini pocket nasa looking blankets.
Sad story to read, was hoping to read that he was found.

That is not being overprepared, it is just being prepared and smart. In the case of the map and compass, who doesn't go out with at least a map drawn in memory and a compass made up of if nothing else, a high elevation viewpoint for orientation? (IE; either know your hunting area or carry the map and know how to use a comapass.) It doesn't take a lot to carry those few items and to me it is essential, those may get you through a night or two until you can figure your way back, or until help arrives, the radio is a good idea as well. And if you need help, lets make sure it is because of an accident of some sort other than you didn't go out prepared and are relying on putting someone else's loved one at risk to come search and rescue you.

I have read this thread every couple months hoping that someone would find him, my thoughts are with his loved ones, as well.

 

[warren nelson]

was wishing that some-one had some news, anyone hunting that area keep your eyes peeled.

 

[Lost_Hunter]

And i thought this thread was about me...

 

[Orygun]

That is not being overprepared, it is just being prepared and smart.

I agree. Makes for a heavy pack. It takes very little time to get turned around in the woods, especially when the cover is thick and there are no landmarks to use for reference.

 

[Sigma]

Is there any new news? Was this guy ever found?

 

[Aegis]

Still no news.

 

[jackrabbit]

Nope, no news. But I still have the situation in my mind when I am up in that area. I frequent other areas near there for the most part, but occasionally fish the area and sometimes deer hunt the area. The snow is still a factor up there right now. But whenever I am up there I will keep my eyes searching, and especially look out for a 30-06 rifle since I seem to recall that is what he was carrying. I hope there can be some closure on this soon.