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Day 2 of search for missing hunter underway

Matt Stensland
A helicopter flies around Meaden Peak on Thursday while searching for missing hunter Richard "Rick" Harkins.
Matt Stensland

— The search continued Thursday for a bow hunter who never returned to camp Monday night.

Routt County Undersheriff Ray Birch on Thursday identified the missing man as Richard Harkins, 41. Harkins is from Minnesota, but Birch could not confirm exactly where.

It is thought the man was in the areas of Sand Mountain and Meaden Peak in North Routt County.



There were 17 people helping with the search Thursday morning, including Routt County Search and Rescue members and two dog teams from Grand County.

Two Colorado National Guard helicopters were doing aerial searches, as well as a Civil Air Patrol plane.



A U.S. Air Force helicopter, based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, searched overnight using infrared equipment capable of detecting body heat.

On Monday, Harkins left to go hunting on his own. He was camping with four other people near the bases Sand Mountain and Meaden Peak west of Steamboat Lake.

Search and Rescue member Jim Linville said parts of the area have heavy timber, making it difficult for search crews to spot people.

The last contact anyone had with Harkins was a text message around 2 p.m. Monday, Birch said.

Harkins is described as a healthy, avid outdoorsman. He had a cell phone with him, but officials have been unable to track it. Harkins also had gear, food and water to camp.

Birch said they were concerned Harkins may be hurt and unable to move.

To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland


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