Madera County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Team locates two overdue hunters

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Madera County Sheriff's Office says they've located the two overdue hunters reported missing near Mugler Meadow in the Sierra National Forest.

We're told the hunters are in OK condition and are heading home.

The Madera County Sheriff's Office released the following statement to Action News:

OVERDUE HUNTERS LOCATED

Madera County - Two overdue hunters have been located by Madera County Sheriff's Search & Rescue Team. They are reportedly in OK condition and are heading home.

More information will be released when made available.

Earlier this morning Sheriff John Anderson announced a search is underway for two overdue hunters, reportedly missing in the area of Mugler Meadow, located in the Sierra National Forest.

Mugler Meadow, off Beasore Road located near Chiquito Ridge, with altitudes of 6,000 to more than 7,000 feet. Beasore and Mugler Meadows are situated in the headwaters of Chiquito Creek. Other landmarks include, Jackass Creek and Granite Creek.

The wilderness, known for its pristine views, is also some of the most rugged terrain in the Sierra National Forest.

The two men missing are a 69-year old Oakhurst man and a 43-year old Salinas man. While the pair did not share with family exactly where they were planning to go deer hunting, it's believed they were heading to this particular area, because they had been scouting the area earlier in the week.

The Sheriff's Office received a call from a family member before midnight last night. Deputies were advised the two hunters were expected home earlier in the night but failed to show up.

Deputies drove to the area (which is more than a two-hour drive from the valley floor, and roughly 1 hour drive from Oakhurst - due to the winding roads), and were unable to locate the vehicle the pair reportedly took when they headed out earlier in the day.

The truck is described as a white F-250, CA License: 6K53598.

Due to pitch-black darkness, the Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Team could not mobilize a foot search team until sunrise.