A hunter from Eden Prairie spent a cold day lost in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge before being found by searchers on Friday evening.
Michael Polanski, 38, had been hunting with two other men in a remote area of the refuge, located about 15 miles northeast of Detroit Lakes, and failed to meet up with them at the end of the day. He was reported missing about 6:20 p.m.
An extensive search was conducted, according to the Becker County Sheriff's Department, and the lost hunter was found by Frazee Fire Department members about three hours later.
The three men were hunting in an "extremely primitive" area of the refuge, with few trails and a number of bogs.
Polanski said he began tracking a deer earlier in the day and had "gotten turned around."
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When he was found, he had a reduced body temperature indicating slight hypothermia, but he did not require medical attention other than that administered by emergency workers at the scene.
His hunting companions were Richard Rudquist of Bloomington and Patrick Moga of Plymouth.
The sheriff's office was assisted at the scene by Frazee fire and rescue workers, DNR officers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel, St. Mary's ambulance personnel, and White Earth tribal police officers.
