Missing Maine Hunter Found
At approximately 5:30 PM Sunday, Ralph E. Bubar, age 77, was located in Hammond Township after spending more than 24 hours in the woods.
Mr. Bubar was found by Marty Fitzpatrick, 37, from Littleton, after he and his family went to the end of a dirt road he was familiar with and yelled for him. The Fitzpatricks went to the area after Mrs. Fitzpatrick was alerted to the search for Mr. Bubar while reading the BDN online.
Mr. Bubar responded to Fitzpatrick calling out to him. He was in relatively good shape and was assisted out of the woods by Mr. Fitzpatrick and given a ride where an ambulance met him. He was transported by ambulance to Houlton Regional Hospital to be checked out. At this time, it’s unknown if he needed treatment.
Last night, the Maine Warden Service responded after his vehicle was located by his son west of Houlton after Mr. Bubar failed to return home. Four wardens, including two K-9s were out all night searching and seven more wardens, plus two MWS aircraft searched all day. Maine Forest Service aided in the search efforts (including a MFS helicopter), along with members of the Linneus FD, search dogs and handlers from MESARD, and approximately 50 volunteers.
Mr. Bubar was found more than 1.5 miles northwest from his parked Ford Ranger. A map is attached.
The Maine Warden Service wants to remind people who hunt or fish to let people know where they are going and be prepared by bringing a GPS, compass, cell phone, matches, proper clothing and other useful items.
This was an excellent team effort and had a great outcome.
