Colorado Elk Hunters Found Dead After Six-Day Search in Rio Grande National Forest
Two young hunters who vanished during an elk hunting trip in southern Colorado have been found dead, ending a six-day search that gripped the outdoor community. Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, both 25, were discovered in the Rio Grande National Forest on September 18, 2025, after disappearing near the Rio de Los Pinos Trailhead.
The pair were last heard from on September 11, when they used a satellite device to contact family. Their vehicle was later found locked, with gear inside but no sign of the hunters. Fellow outdoorsmen reported seeing them tracking a bull elk the next morning.
The search involved:
Conejos County Sheriff’s Office
Colorado Search and Rescue
Volunteers from multiple states
Helicopters, drones, and dog teams
Severe weather—including fog and freezing rain—complicated the operation.
Porter and Stasko were childhood friends from Charlottesville, Virginia, known for their love of nature and backcountry experience. They had traveled from North Carolina and Utah for the hunt.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Porter’s aunt raised over $78,000 to support the search. His fiancée, Bridget Murphy, provided regular updates and coordinated with rescue teams.
The incident highlights the dangers of wilderness hunting, especially in unpredictable weather. Officials noted that critical gear was missing from the vehicle, suggesting the hunters expected a short outing.
Experts urge hunters to:
Carry backup communication devices
Monitor weather forecasts closely
Avoid venturing out without full gear
The loss of Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko is a tragic reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Their story has sparked conversations about wilderness safety and the importance of community support during search efforts.
For full coverage, read , , and . Let me know if you’d like a wilderness safety checklist or a guide to Game Management Unit 81.
