Hunter Devon Dobek Missing After Hunting Trip in Mount Hood National Forest

The disappearance of 51-year-old hunter Devon Dobek has sparked a widespread and ongoing search effort in the rugged wilderness of Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest. Dobek, described as an experienced and well-equipped hunter, embarked on a trip late last week, only to vanish under circumstances that have raised increasing concern among authorities, volunteers, and the public.

The search has now stretched across several difficult days marked by rain, hazardous terrain, and the lingering effects of past wildfires. Despite extensive coordinated efforts involving multiple rescue teams, specialized equipment, and aerial support, Devon Dobek has not yet been found. His disappearance has drawn attention not only because of the challenging landscape but also due to the clues that have emerged, including reports of gunshots believed to have come from him during the early search period.

The unfolding situation has highlighted both the dangers of backcountry environments and the complexity of modern search and rescue operations. Mounted across steep slopes covered by fallen trees and unstable footing, the search for Dobek is taking place in some of the most physically demanding terrain in the region. As crews continue to work through day and night, the hope remains that Devon Dobek is alive and can be located swiftly. His loved ones, the volunteer rescue community, and law enforcement agencies remain united in their determination to find answers and bring him home safely.

Extensive Search Efforts Mobilized Across the Region

Search operations officially began late Friday evening, after Devon Dobek failed to return as expected from his hunting trip. He had last communicated with a friend earlier in the day, stating that he planned to return early after successfully securing a deer. When he did not come home, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office was notified around 6:20 p.m., prompting an immediate mobilization of search personnel. Authorities soon located Dobek’s truck near the Fish Creek Trailhead, off SE Highway 224 and Forest Road 54. However, neither he nor the deer he had reported obtaining were found nearby.

From the outset, responders faced difficult conditions. Search and rescue teams began working overnight, but what initially seemed like a standard recovery operation soon became complicated by the realities of the environment. The area being searched was heavily impacted by the 2020 wildfires, leaving widespread debris, unstable ground, and large swaths of downed trees that made both visibility and movement arduous. Dense vegetation and uneven terrain slowed progress and introduced new safety risks at every stage of the operation.

As the search expanded over subsequent days, more agencies and expert groups joined the effort. Approximately 50 trained searchers participated on Monday alone, with earlier days seeing even larger mobilizations of over 100 personnel. The teams involved represent some of the most skilled backcountry and technical search units in the Pacific Northwest, including Portland Mountain Rescue, the 304th Rescue Squadron, Hood River Crag Rats, Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue, and various sheriff’s offices from nearby counties. This collaboration reflects the seriousness of the case and the challenging nature of the wilderness area where Devon Dobek is believed to be located.

UPDATE (November 5, 2025): Sheriff’s Office updates search for Devon Dobek – Day 6

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead search and rescue efforts for missing hunter Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood National Forest, southeast of Estacada. Mr. Dobek has been… pic.twitter.com/zVt3SlIJwB

— Rose (@901Lulu) November 6, 2025

Technology has also played a key role in the operation. Multiple drones equipped with thermal imaging have been deployed, offering aerial visibility during both daylight and nighttime hours. Additionally, an Oregon Army National Guard helicopter has supported the mission, scanning steep slopes that are especially difficult to access on foot. Despite these advanced tools, search teams have emphasized that terrain remains a significant barrier. The combination of steep elevation changes, wildfire debris fields, and dense forest has forced searchers to move carefully and deliberately.

Reports of what were believed to be gunshots during the early hours of the search initially raised hopes of locating Dobek quickly. However, despite multiple teams attempting to triangulate the source of the sounds, no definitive location was identified. The possibility that Devon Dobek was attempting to signal for help fueled urgency, but without clearer coordinates, searchers were left to continue sweeping broad sections of the forest floor.

Challenges Presented by the Terrain and Conditions

The region of the search, southeast of Estacada, is known for both its natural beauty and its demanding hiking and hunting conditions. The impact of the 2020 wildfires has exacerbated those challenges significantly. Burned forests often create hazardous environments where fallen trees, eroded slopes, and unstable ground are common. Even skilled outdoorsmen may find navigation difficult under such circumstances. Search crews have emphasized that travel through the area can be slow, physically taxing, and at times dangerous.

Rain has also complicated efforts. Poor weather can obscure aerial visibility, reduce thermal imaging effectiveness, and increase the risk of hypothermia or injury for anyone lost and exposed in the forest. Wet ground also makes climbing and maneuvering treacherous, for both rescuers and the person they are trying to locate. Yet despite these obstacles, search teams have continued operations into the night, determined to use every available hour in hopes of finding signs of Dobek’s location.

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Devon Dobek was described by friends as an experienced hunter familiar with outdoor conditions and equipped with appropriate survival gear. This background is a key factor keeping hope alive among the rescue teams and his community. Experienced outdoorsmen often possess the skills necessary to endure extended time in the wilderness, even under deteriorating conditions. If he has access to shelter, water, and fire, Dobek may still be actively trying to make his location known or working to move toward a more accessible area.

The lack of the deer he reportedly harvested may also hold significance. It is unknown whether Devon Dobek was attempting to transport the deer carcass, whether it was field-dressed in a separate location, or whether some other unforeseen event occurred. Hunters often face physical strain when carrying heavy game over long distances. If Dobek encountered unexpected terrain challenges or an injury, it may have impeded his ability to return.

The absence of direct communication from Dobek since Friday remains the most concerning element of the case. Cell phone signals are often unreliable or nonexistent in the forest, leaving hunters and hikers dependent on manual methods of signaling distress. This situation reflects the broader risks associated with remote wilderness travel: without reliable connectivity or immediate backup, complications can quickly escalate into emergencies.

Community Response and Continuing Search Operations

As days have passed, the search for Devon Dobek has drawn increasing attention and support. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has shared frequent updates on their official channels, including video footage of search operations and images of the rugged environment rescuers are navigating. This transparency has helped maintain public engagement and encourage patience as the search continues under difficult conditions.

Devon Dobek’s family, friends, and community members have remained deeply concerned yet hopeful. They have expressed gratitude for the dedication of the rescue teams and the many organizations contributing time, labor, and specialized expertise. The involvement of so many trained responders reinforces the belief that every possible resource is being utilized in the effort to locate him.

The ongoing search illustrates the collaborative nature of emergency response in remote environments. It demonstrates how multiple agencies and volunteer units can work together to cover large areas efficiently while prioritizing safety. It also reflects the emotional stakes tied to missing persons cases, particularly when the individual involved is experienced and familiar with wilderness conditions. The determination of those involved underscores a shared commitment to finding answers, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

With search teams continuing to work through the nights and into coming days, hope remains that Devon Dobek will be found. The unfolding search serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wilderness areas and the vital importance of safety measures, communication planning, and awareness when entering remote and difficult landscapes. As rescue efforts continue, all eyes remain on Mount Hood National Forest, where every hour of searching brings both renewed urgency and a continued resolve to bring Dobek safely home.