MILLE LACS COUNTY, Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) – A hunter accidentally shot in the woods needed a dramatic helicopter rescue Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The Minnesota Air Rescue Team was called after deputies found the injured hunter more than a mile into rugged terrain.
The emergency unfolded inside the Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area, near Onamia in central Minnesota.
Rescue crews eventually lifted the injured hunter from the woods and transferred him to an air ambulance.
Deputies Hike More Than a Mile to Reach Hunter
According to the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported accidental shooting involving a hunter.
The injured hunter and his hunting partner were located deep inside the wildlife management area.
Getting to the scene presented a major challenge for emergency crews.
Deputies had to hike more than a mile through difficult terrain to reach the two hunters.
The remote location made it extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to reach the injured man.
Once deputies reached the hunter, they worked to stabilize him and prepare him for evacuation.
Minnesota Air Rescue Team Called for Help
With ground transportation difficult, deputies requested assistance from the Minnesota Air Rescue Team.
The specialized team uses helicopters and trained rescue personnel to reach people in remote locations.
Rescuers used a helicopter hoist to lift the injured hunter from the wooded area.
The operation allowed crews to move him safely out of the difficult terrain.
He was then transported to a secondary location where a North Memorial Air Care helicopter was waiting.
The air ambulance flew the injured hunter to a trauma center for further medical treatment.
Officials Expect Hunter to Survive
Authorities have not released the hunter’s name, age, or exact medical condition.
However, the Sheriff’s Office expressed optimism about his recovery.
Officials said they “fully expect him to survive and recover from his injuries.”
Details about how the accidental shooting happened were not immediately available.
Authorities have not said who fired the gun or what circumstances led to the injury.
Teamwork Makes Difficult Rescue Possible
The rescue required cooperation between local law enforcement, helicopter crews, and emergency medical personnel.
The Minnesota Air Rescue Team combines Minnesota State Patrol aviation resources with specialized rescue personnel from the St. Paul Fire Department.
The team trains for emergencies involving difficult terrain and locations that ground crews cannot easily access.
The Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area contains thousands of acres of forests, wetlands, and remote trails.
Those conditions can make emergency rescues especially challenging.
The Sheriff’s Office credited teamwork and training for the successful evacuation.
Officials said regular training with local and state partners helps prepare crews for emergencies like this one.
Hunting Safety Remains Important
The incident happened during Minnesota’s firearms deer hunting season.
Hunters are encouraged to practice firearm safety and tell someone where they plan to hunt.
Carrying communication equipment can also help emergency crews locate injured hunters in remote areas.
More information about the area is available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Additional information about local rescue operations is available from the Mille Lacs County Search and Rescue Team.
Authorities have not announced additional findings about the shooting.
I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.
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