Hunter's Ordeal: 18 Days Alone in Frozen Wilderness
A 65-year-old California hunter has recounted his remarkable survival after spending nearly three weeks stranded in the frosty wilderness of the Sierra National Forest. Ron Dailey from Selma endured an incredible 18-day ordeal that began on 13 October when he took a wrong turn during a solo hunting trip in Fresno County.
The Desperate Struggle for Survival
Dailey's situation became critical after he damaged his pickup truck and became stranded, with subsequent snowfall complicating any chance of escape. The experienced hunter demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, taking shelter in his vehicle and using packed gloves and hats to stay warm. He managed to start a fire using magnesium, flint, toilet paper, old maps and nearby wood.
His most astonishing feat was rationing his limited food supply. Dailey stretched just 900 calories of food over two weeks, consuming between 50 and 70 calories daily during this period. He maintained hydration by drinking melted snow, while his solar phone charger proved useless without a cellular signal.
Emotional Farewell and Miraculous Rescue
At his lowest point, Dailey attempted to send farewell texts to his family, though they never went through. "I apologised to them that I probably wouldn't be there for the rest of their lives," he recalled in an interview with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. "But I'll be watching you from heaven."
Rather than surrender to his circumstances, Dailey made a crucial decision to search for help as deer hunting season approached its conclusion. During his trek - which he estimated at 10 miles but was actually less than half that distance - he fell and lost his phone. Fortunately, three hunters spotted him on 1 November and miraculously recognised him by name, having followed news of his disappearance.
Safety Lessons from a Survival Expert
After receiving hospital treatment and being discharged, Dailey expressed gratitude to the rescue teams from multiple California counties who had searched for him. When asked what advice he would give others, the survival veteran offered straightforward wisdom: "Always, always take more than you need because you never know what's going to happen."
The Fresno Sheriff's Office later shared video of Dailey's account, expressing frustration at negative online comments questioning his story. His experience stands as a powerful testament to human resilience and the importance of preparation when venturing into wilderness areas.
