Hunters Go Missing in Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest Prompts Extensive Search Efforts
Two young hunters, Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko, have been missing since they set out in southern Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest on September 11, 2025. Their car was found at the Rio Los Pinos Trailhead, where they had planned to depart from.
Porter and Stasko, both described as fit and experienced hunters, had extensively researched the area prior to selecting it for their hunt. Since their disappearance, neither Porter nor Stasko has been heard from or been able to be contacted.
The families of the missing men are seeking additional support and resources to aid in the search. They have launched a GoFundMe webpage to help fund further search efforts and have provided contact information for the Colorado State Police and the Conejos County Sheriff's Office for anyone with information or wanting to volunteer in the search.
A large search effort is underway, involving volunteers and the Conejos County Sheriff's Department. Search teams are using horse teams, drones, helicopters, and 'sophisticated aircraft' to aid in the search.
Rain and cold fog rolled in on the evening of September 11, and the bad weather continued in the area until Sunday. This has made the search challenging, but the search teams remain determined to find Porter and Stasko.
Porter's fiancée, Bridget Murphy, posted a plea for help on social media. She speculated that Porter and Stasko may have left their gear in the car to embark on a quick evening hunt while the weather was clear.
A separate search is ongoing for 19-year-old Andruw Cornett and his 17-year-old brother, Wesley, who went missing while duck hunting in California on December 31, 2024. The body of Andruw Cornett was recovered on the same day, but Wesley is still missing.
A $10,000 reward has been offered for finding Porter and Stasko. Search and rescue teams from Wyoming and Utah have also participated in the search for the missing hunters.
The families and friends of Porter and Stasko are hoping for a positive outcome and are grateful for the support and efforts of the search teams and volunteers.
