When the Sky Turns Against You: A Wake-Up Call for Backcountry Hunters

Out in the wild, when mountains rise and weather roams free, every hunter knows there is no room for complacency. Recently, the hunting community was shaken by a tragic event that serves as a stark reminder of nature’s raw power. Two young elk hunters — Andrew Porter and Ian Stasko — lost their lives in Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest when lightning struck.

Their story is not just a news headline. It’s a lesson for every backcountry hunter who dares to push beyond the beaten trail.

The Story Behind the Headlines

Porter and Stasko, both 25 years old, were seasoned outdoorsmen. Their last communication came via satellite device on September 11. When rescuers located them near the Rio de los Pinos Trailhead, the coroner confirmed what no one wanted to hear: a lightning strike had ended their lives instantly.

This tragic incident came just days before another hunter was found dead in the nearby South San Juan Wilderness — another sobering reminder of how quickly conditions can turn fatal in high-country terrain.

The Dangers You Don’t See Coming

Every hunter knows the wilderness comes with risk. But some dangers strike without warning:

Lightning: A bolt of electricity hotter than the surface of the sun, capable of killing instantly.
Rapid Weather Shifts: In Colorado’s mountains, blue skies can collapse into thunder in minutes.
High-Altitude Exposure: Peaks, ridgelines, and meadows make you a prime target.
Isolation: When storms hit, rescue is often delayed or impossible.

Why Preparation Is Key

Success in the field isn’t only measured by the harvest — it’s measured by making it home. Preparation is your most valuable weapon.

Six Survival Priorities Every Hunter Should Carry:

Weather Reconnaissance – Study forecasts, know thunderstorm patterns, and plan your days around safer windows.
Communication Devices – Satellite messengers and GPS trackers aren’t luxuries, they’re lifelines.
Storm Strategy – Avoid tall trees, ridgelines, and open meadows. Seek safer ground when skies darken.
Time Discipline – Be off the ridges before midday when storms peak.
Gear Readiness – Carry a tarp, layers, and a survival kit. Seconds matter when skies turn violent.
Hunt as a Team – Share awareness, make conservative calls, and keep each other safe.

The Caribou Gear Mindset

At Caribou Gear, we honor the wilderness by respecting its dangers. Our gear is designed for hunters who demand reliability when conditions are unpredictable. But even the best equipment cannot replace sound judgment, humility, and preparation.

The loss of Porter and Stasko is a sobering reminder that the backcountry doesn’t negotiate. It demands respect.

As you prepare for your next hunt, don’t let confidence blind you. Let preparation be your anchor. When thunder rolls through the canyons and lightning tears the sky, may you have the foresight to step back, stay safe, and live to hunt another day.