Hunter survives nearly 3 weeks stranded in California wilderness after truck gets stuck

November 5, 2025

An experienced hunter who vanished in the California wilderness for 20 days has been found alive by another group of hunters in what authorities are calling “nothing short of a miracle.”

Selma resident Ron Dailey, 65, was discovered Saturday along the Swamp Lake Trail in the Sierra National Forest, according to a statement from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Dailey, who has underlying medical conditions, had been missing since Oct. 13, when he failed to return from a hunting trip near Shaver Lake, prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation, officials said.

After his grueling trek — during which Dailey reportedly went six days without food as his legs began to give out — Dailey’s wife, Glenda, said he has since received medical treatment.

He then reportedly drove down a “jeep road,” where he realized he could not turn back and became stuck, forcing him to continue farther down the trail.

“I don’t know why, but I did,” Dailey said. Despite following trail signs, Dailey said the rough terrain tore up his truck, leading him to remain on a “rocky plateau” for several days. Fox