Troopers rescue missing Anchor Point camper </MCC HEAD>

Story last updated at 4:46 PM on Friday, July 24, 2009

Troopers rescue missing Anchor Point camper

By Aaron Selbig
Staff Writer

After spending a chilly night alone in a clearing near Pan Lake, a missing 32-year-old Anchor Point man was rescued Wednesday morning by Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers, with the assistance of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a state Division of Forestry helicopter crew.

Justin Decker had been camping with some friends near Lonely Lake Tuesday when he went out with his two dogs at about 8:25 p.m. to collect firewood, according to a Trooper report. When one of the dogs spotted a moose and chased after it, Decker followed into some dense forest and soon found himself lost.

Decker, who had a Leatherman tool and a lighter with him, was able to start a fire and had the wisdom to stay put in an open area until he was found.

"Being in an open clearing makes it easier for spotters to see you. When out hiking it is always best to have items like matches and Leatherman tools in your pockets. Also, Troopers encourage individuals to wear bright colors that stand out against the terrain," said the report.

Decker was spotted by the helicopter at about 10 a.m. and was recovered shortly thereafter. He was hungry but unhurt.

Aaron Selbig can be reached at aaron.selbig.@homernews.com.

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