In the rugged expanse of southern Colorado's San Juan Wilderness, a desperate multi-agency search operation is underway for two experienced young hunters who vanished during an elk hunting trip nearly five days ago. As of Tuesday afternoon, authorities have yet to locate Andrew Porter, 25, from Asheville, North Carolina, and Ian Stasko, 25, from Salt Lake City, Utah, despite deploying ground teams, helicopters, drones, and K-9 units in one of the most challenging terrains the region offers.
The duo, both described by family as "savvy outdoorsmen" and physically fit, embarked on the trip with months of preparation behind them. They had been scouting the area for about six months and were set to return to their vehicle at the Rio De Los Pinos Trailhead west of Trujillo Meadows Reservoir in Conejos County. However, the last communication from the pair came on Thursday of last week, after some severe weather swept through the area, potentially complicating their plans.
Their vehicle, complete with camping gear and backpacks, was found untouched at the trailhead, indicating they had ventured deep into the wilderness on foot but failed to return as expected. The remote location, part of the Rio Grande National Forest near the New Mexico border, features steep elevations, dense forests, and limited cell service, making it a hotspot for backcountry mishaps during the early fall hunting season.
Porter and Stasko, who grew up together as natives of Albemarle County in Central Virginia, share a deep bond forged through years of outdoor adventures. Porter, engaged to be married in just a few months, was particularly excited about the trip, according to his fiancée, Bridget Murphy. In emotional statements shared with local media, Murphy has pleaded for public assistance while highlighting the men's capabilities.
"These two boys are very special to us,” Porter’s fiancée said. “Andrew and I are supposed to be married in a few months. They are very savvy outdoorsmen and they’re fit. If they’re able, they will do everything they can to survive."
The Conejos County Sheriff's Office launched the search immediately upon receiving reports of the overdue hunters late last week. What began as a focused effort has since escalated into a "massive" operation involving resources from multiple counties, state agencies, and even local volunteers. Teams are combing the area on foot, ATV, and horseback, while aerial support from helicopters and drones work to scan the vast wilderness from above. K-9 units trained for scent detection have also been deployed to track any possible trails.
Murphy has been at the forefront of coordinating support, using social media to rally experienced hikers, hunters, and locals familiar with the terrain. In a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday, she wrote: "IF YOU ARE QUALIFIED / EXPERIENCED IN HUNTING, HIKING OR SOUTHERN COLORADO TERRAIN PLEASE, I BEG OF YOU, COME TO THE RIO LOS PINOS TRAILHEAD or the surrounding area to help search on foot."
Officials have expressed growing concern as the search enters its fifth day, noting that the recent storms could have led to injuries, disorientation, or hypothermia in the high-altitude environment. "The weather has been a significant factor," a CCSO spokesperson told reporters, emphasizing the ongoing risks from flash floods and unstable ground. Despite the challenges, search coordinators remain optimistic, citing the hunters' preparation and the scale of the response.
As of right now, the search continues around the clock, with no signs of Porter and Stasko reported. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Conejos County Sheriff's Office at (719) 376-5423.
