November 9, 2016

Vermont hunter found safe by Maine game wardens

A Vermont man was found safe this morning after an unexpected night?s stay in the Maine woods. Brownell Bacon, age 79, from Arlington, Vermont left his camp in Allagash at around noon on November 8 to go deer hunting in the Johnson Brook area. When he failed to return after dark, friends went searching for him. They did locate his vehicle but were unable to make voice contact with him. Friends told game wardens that Bacon was showing signs of dementia.

Game wardens searched on foot and in vehicles throughout the night, trying a variety of noise techniques to establish contact with Bacon. Shortly after 6:00 this morning, Bacon emerged from the woods and onto the road. He came out about 400 yards from his truck shortly after game wardens had fired another series of shots to attempt contact. Bacon was missing a boot, his hat, rifle and keys; at the time of this release, those items had not yet been recovered. Bacon was confused and disoriented and was brought back to his camp and checked by medical personnel from Ambulance Service Inc. of Fort Kent. Fortunately Bacon was dressed in wool clothing which helped keep him warm and dry overnight. Bacon apparently became disoriented late yesterday and was unable to find his way back to his truck. Bacon stated he heard the horns and gun shots of searchers during the night and fortunately made his way out this morning in good health.

Maine game wardens remind all hunters tell someone your hunting plan for the day to include where you are going and when you plan to return. If your trip plans change, be sure to tell someone they have changed. Bring a small pack to include essential items such as food and water, medications, a means to make fire, extra socks, a compass or GPS and a cell phone. All of these items will easily fit into a comfortable pack that will add considerable safety to any trip. These items will not only make an unexpected stay in the woods more comfortable, Maine?s game wardens will have a much easier time locating you should you become lost.