Search for Missing Hunter Enters Fourth Day
Clackamas County crews and partner agencies continue search efforts in steep Mount Hood terrain.
MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST, Ore. — November 4, 2025 — The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has entered its fourth day of search operations for Devon Dobek, a 51-year-old hunter from Hubbard, Oregon, who was reported missing Friday evening after failing to return home from a hunting trip near the Fish Creek Trailhead, southeast of Estacada.
A Difficult Search in Rough Terrain
On Monday, approximately 50 trained searchers from multiple regional agencies continued efforts across steep, rugged terrain within an area heavily impacted by the 2020 wildfires. The landscape is filled with downed trees and unstable footing, making progress slow and navigation hazardous.
Despite the return of rainy weather, teams pressed forward with ground searches supported by aerial and technological resources, including drones equipped with thermal imaging and an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter.
Participating agencies include:
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR)
Mountain Wave Emergency Communications
Portland Mountain Rescue
Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue
304th Rescue Squadron (PJs)
Hood River Crag Rats
Marion, Multnomah, and Washington County Sheriff’s Offices
U.S. Forest Service
Coordinated Efforts Continue
Authorities say searchers are covering a wide area of forest and canyons near Fish Creek, where Dobek’s vehicle was located Friday. Crews have been working day and night, with additional air support deployed when weather conditions allow.
The Sheriff’s Office notes that terrain recovery remains a challenge due to burned trees and debris left from the wildfires, making line-of-sight searching and communication particularly difficult.
Dobek, described as an experienced hunter equipped with appropriate gear, was last heard from after texting a friend Friday afternoon that he was heading home early after harvesting a deer. Gunshots believed to be from Dobek were heard that night, but searchers have not been able to pinpoint their location.
Officials say crews will continue to search into the night, and more updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Anyone with information about Dobek’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949.
