Alberta crews find missing hunter injured in 'rugged landscape'

Search and rescue crews have found a missing hunter alive in the central Alberta wilderness.

Timothy Benedict Campbell, 33, of Calgarydisappeared Saturday morning while hunting with his son and friend in the Williams Creek area, west of Sundre.

Campbell, who isdescribed as a veteran outdoorsman and experienced hunter, leftthe path his group was hiking alongto follow an animal track, but he didn't return.

When Campbelldid not rejoin them, they contacted police, who initiated a search.

Crews found Campbell injured in the woods at about 8:30 p.m. MT and transported him to hospital, Alberta RCMP spokespersonConst. Mike Hibbssaid.

"It's a tremendous success for everyone who was involved," Hibbs said. "It's been a long day for everyone today, searching since early this morning. It's making everyone's emotions up and down but certainly very rewarding at the end of the day."

Full recovery expected

Campbell is in good health, except for minor injuries, about which Hibbs could not elaborate. He's expected to make a full recovery.

Campbell's family members were also on site, searching the woodsfor their loved one, separatefrom the official effort. They drove their vehicles along the back roads,trying to spot him.

"I'm happy that they found my brother," Corey Campbell said. "It's awesome."

Campbell is being transferred from the hospital in Sundre to Rockyview Hospital in Calgary overnight, he said.

The familysaid Campbell knew the area, which includes rolling hills and thick forest, and said he was properly dressed for the elements.

'Rugged landscape'

Drones were used in the search due to the thick woods and difficult terrain, said Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Chief Steve Debienne, whose team drove more than an hour from Rocky Mountain House to help with the search.

"We're looking at quite a rugged landscape, with the melting conditionsthe roads in and out of the area are extremely muddy and some of them are impassable," Debienne said. "We're into the mountainous terrain."

The drones helped crews get a closer look through the thick tree canopy, he said. It appeared the area, though challenging,has long been popular with hunters.

"Like any mountainous area, it's kind of an outdoor enthusiast playground," Debienne said.

Sundre and Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue, RCMPair services and police dog services, and Clearwater Fire Rescue were involved in the official search.