Authorities Searching for Missing Idaho Hunter

McCALL, Idaho (KTVB) -- A Boise hunter had been missing more than three days and now a massive search is underway in the Payette National Forest. KTVB was at the search camp today where family and friends of 53-year-old Joe Salas have gathered near a remote mountain top.

Joe and some friends and family members were camping near the Bear Pete Trail Head about 20 miles north of McCall. The hunters turned back at 10:30 a.m. Saturday because of rain and Joe was nowhere in sight. Now nearly 50 people are helping in the search. Idaho County is heading up the search effort. Undersheriff Jim Gorges says they are looking for Joe in a very remote and steep area. So far, search crews have covered about 15 squares miles.

The Idaho County Sheriff's Office, Idaho County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, Valley County Search and Rescue, in addition to Two Bear Air and Life Flight helicopters have been involved in the search. A helicopter that uses infrared was brought in from Montana, but failed to find anything. Joe was last seen wearing an hunter's orange hat and camo clothing.

We are told that Salas was not prepared to be out overnight and was not dressed appropriately for cold and snowy weather. His family and friends are hopeful because Joe has a military background that he can survive.