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What started as a routine spring turkey hunt ended in tragedy last month after searchers found the body of a missing Ohio hunter deep in Colorado’s backcountry.
According to reporting from CBS Colorado, 27-year-old Kaden Sites was found deceased after more than a week of intensive search efforts near Mount Shavano in Chaffee County.
Sites, a resident of Toledo, Ohio, was reported missing after failing to return from a turkey hunting trip and missing a scheduled doctor’s appointment later that day.
The disappearance immediately triggered a large-scale search operation.
Over eight days, more than 100 volunteers, law enforcement personnel, search-and-rescue teams, dog teams, drone operators, and helicopter crews combed through some of Colorado’s toughest mountain terrain. Searchers reportedly logged more than 6,000 combined hours while covering roughly 20 square miles using detailed grid-search patterns.
Investigators focused much of their effort near the Blaine Cabin Trailhead, where Sites’ truck was discovered near Mount Shavano. His cellphone was also found inside the vehicle with a dead battery.
Family members told reporters that Sites was highly experienced outdoors and very familiar with the area.
His mother reportedly described the mountains as essentially his “backyard playground,” noting he had hunted and explored the region numerous times before.
That familiarity made the disappearance all the more puzzling.
As the search entered its second week, authorities began transitioning from large-scale grid searches to more targeted operations. Search managers discussed bringing in cadaver dogs and asked volunteers to coordinate closely with officials to avoid disrupting potential search areas.
Then came the news nobody wanted.
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that volunteer searchers located Sites’ body near Tabeguache Creek, approximately 1.5 miles from where his truck had been left.
Authorities say foul play is not suspected.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said, “Chaffee County has lost a wonderful member of our community which has left a void in our hearts. There was always a measure of hope that Kaden would be found alive.”
The cause of death remains under investigation.
For hunters, hikers, and anyone who spends time in remote country, the story is another sobering reminder that even experienced outdoorsmen can encounter trouble in the backcountry. Spring turkey season often sends hunters into steep, isolated terrain, sometimes alone and far from immediate help.
This time, despite thousands of search hours and an army of volunteers, help came too late.
[H/T: 9News, KKCO 11 News]
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
