‘A lot of resources’: Search intensifies for missing Fresno County hunter

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The search is intensifying for the hunter who went missing amid a snowstorm in the Fresno County mountains.

Selma’s 65-year-old Ron Dailey left to go deer hunting on Monday, just hours before the storm hit.

“When he came up here, it was not raining and not snowing, and while he was up here, it did start to rain and then very heavy snow,” Search and Rescue’s Scott Weishaar said. “Depending on where he’s at, he could have gotten into an area with his vehicle that was rather easy at the time, and then the rain and snow came in, and he may have not been able to get out.”

Weishaar said teams tracked Dailey’s phone to where he last had service. According to his wife, that was at 50206 Dinkey Creek Rd. in Shaver Lake.

The area was combed, but with no evidence of him or his truck, they expanded the search.

On Friday, Weishaar says teams searched Blue Canyon; no snow, but lots of mud. He says they will also search Wishon, Courtright, and Tamarack, which are currently covered in about two feet of snow.

While the conditions will make it challenging, Weishaar says they have the right equipment and “a lot” of resources.

“Kern County Sheriff’s Office is assisting us. Madera County Sheriff’s Office, our volunteer search and rescue team is assisting. So we’ve got a lot of resources here searching for Mr. Dailey,” Weishaar said.

According to pictures provided by the sheriff’s department, they also have Kern County’s amphibious Sherp ATV on standby. The vehicle can drive through water, mud, and even snow.

But, perhaps most comforting, is the confidence they have that Dailey is prepared.

“He’s a very experienced hunter,” Weishaar said. “He’s hunted this area for about 50 years. His family said he’s extremely familiar with the area, doesn’t use a map or GPS just because he grew up hunting in this area, and has a lot of outdoors experience.”

While it may seem counterintuitive to non-hunters, his timing also points to his outdoor know-how.

“Deer hunters frequently come up and hunt just before a snowstorm because the snow will start pushing the deer downhill. So it’s a very popular time to come deer hunting,” Weishaar said.

Dailey is 5 feet 7 inches tall, 190 pounds, with brown eyes, brown hair, and a white beard. He was last seen driving a silver 2002 Dodge Dakota with California license plate 16028S2. If anyone sees him, his truck, or any sign of him, call the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office at 559-600-3111.