Search underway for missing hunter in Mount Hood National Forest

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A search and rescue effort is underway for a hunter who failed to return late Friday.

Hubbard resident Devon Dobek, 51, was reported to be missing in the Mount Hood National Forest, roughly 20 miles southeast from Estacada, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Dobek was expected to returned Friday night but messaged a friend that he would be returning early after getting a deer. He never arrived.

His truck was located near Fish Creek Trailhead off of Southeast Highway 224 and 54 Road, but there was no sign of him.

Clackamas County Search and Rescue began looking for the missing hunter around 10:30 p.m. Friday, but have been unable to locate him. They heard gunshots at various times throughout the night, but have not pinpointed their location.

Efforts to locate Dobek using cell phone and GPS tracking are underway, but have so far been unsuccessful due to the weak at sometimes nonexistent signal in the area.

Additional searchers joined the operation at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and include drone teams, K9s and ATVs. Once the weather cleared up, the sheriff’s office fixed-wing Cessna searched from the air.

Officials also said they “are not asking for additional help from the public” as their trained rescue crews continue.

The search is expected to continue on Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 and reference case number 25-022972.