A duck hunt on the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge quickly turned into a dire situation for a Juneau hunter Monday afternoon.
At 12:50 p.m. Monday, a woman called 911 from the wetlands to report that she and her dog were stranded there after the tide came up with unexpected speed.
“The tide came up a little faster and more than they anticipated and when they went to walk out, the water was too deep in any direction,” Capital City Fire/Rescue Assistant Chief Chad Cameron said Tuesday.
At 1:22 p.m., CCFR responders were able to locate and secure the hunter and her dog. They were returned safely to shore, without any injuries.
Cameron said he didn’t know the exact breed of the male dog, but said the dog had black, shaggy fur.
“That dog was cold,” Cameron said. “I will tell you that.”
He said it was a bit of a rare case, one that happens only once every couple years by his estimation. He said hunters and hikers can avoid a situation such as this by checking online tide tables that are available at Western Auto or other stores that provide them.
“Just plan your hike and keep a watch handy,” Cameron said. “Watch the water and watch your escape routes. I always tell people to watch your escape route, and maybe have a backup plan.”
