Mat-Su

Alaska hunter missing for 4 days found alive in Petersville area

A 49-year-old Butte man was found safe Wednesday, four days after going missing when he walked away from a Petersville moose hunting camp.

Charlie Hull was spotted around 1:30 p.m. by the Alaska State Troopers helicopter that had just dropped search teams in the area, according to troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters. The helicopter saw Hull near the Kahiltna River and Hungryman Creek. The helicopter relayed his location to ground teams, who found and identified him as the missing hunter.

Hull's condition wasn't immediately known. He was flown by helicopter to be medically evaluated, troopers said.

Along with troopers, other entities involved in the search were the Alaska Incident Management Team, MATSAR, Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, Petersville SAR Group, Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and Alaska National Guard.

Hull's hunting partner also led a small search group.

Hull woke around 7 a.m. Saturday and told a companion he planned to set up a scope and look for moose behind camp, but didn't return. He took with him a firearm and rain gear. His hunting party called troopers Saturday evening, and the search began that day.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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