Missing Hunter and His Dog Still Sought in Trinity County

A Manchester man and his dog have not been seen for almost a week after they went missing while hunting in southwestern southeastern Trinity County near the Soldier Ridge area. Extensive searches on foot, with dog and by helicopter have not located the pair.

Trinity County Sheriff’s Office press release:

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

On October 22, 2014 the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing hunter in the Soldier Ridge area located in the southern part of Trinity County. The reporting party stated Dave Stornetta was hunting on the north side of Soldier Ridge at approximately 7:00am and was to return to the trail head around 12:00pm. When Stornetta did not return the hunting party began to search for him, and at approximately 8:00pm they contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report that Mr. Stornetta was missing. 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

The Sheriff’s Office gathered information on the area, put a search and rescue team together and responded to the Soldier Ridge area the morning of October 23, 2014. An initial hasty search was conducted in the area where the hunting party stated that Mr. Stornetta was supposed to hunt. 

Friday, October 24, 2014

On October 24, 2014 approximately 46 ground searchers, 4 K-9 teams and two helicopters, from 11 different agencies were used to search the area. A 2.5 mile radius was searched by ground from Dave Stornetta’s last known point. Helicopters were able to search a significantly larger area. 

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Due to severe weather and the potential danger to searchers the search was suspended on October 25, 2014 and was to resume on the morning of October 26, 2014. 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

On October 26, 2014 search and rescue efforts resumed with assistance from 64 ground searchers, 3 K-9 teams and two helicopters. A 5 mile radius was searched by ground with air operations extending to a 20 mile radius. 

Monday, October 27, 2014

On October 27, 2014 search and rescue efforts resumed again with 49 ground searchers, 1 K-9 team and one helicopter. A 5 mile radius was again searched by ground and air operations again extended to a 20 mile radius. As of October 27, 2014 at approximately 7:00pm the operational phase of ground searchers was transitioned to patrolling the area during daylight hours in conjunction with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.