Tragic news was shared FROM The Great Sand Dunes National Park on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 14, when the Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue team shared news that the body of a deceased hunter that was recovered from the park in late October.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana native Lance Walker was on a hunting trip when he was supposed to return on the evening of October 30th. Walker’s hunting partywhich included his brother, began searching for him through the SOS feature on their Garmin Satellite device on October 31.

When his body was discovered, he was pronounced dead. It was on rough terrain so lifeguards had to be called to assist.

AVSAR, Saguache County Search and Rescue, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the National Park Service teamed up for the complicated recovery.

In the end it took seven team members and several different types of equipment, but the mission was finally completed by the end of November 1st.

The cause of Walker’s death is unknown, although it is officially described as a “tragic accident” by the rescue team.

“Captain Walker was the owner of Fish Commander Guide Services in Grand Isle, LA. He was committed to providing his clients with a first-class experience when bringing them fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, ensuring that they not only bring home plenty of fish, but also unforgettable memories,” a section of the obituary said or. “But Lance’s passion for fishing was second only to his passion for hunting. His adventurous spirit led him on hunting trips across the country, always in search of another trophy deer or elk with a bigger stand than his previous win. Lance enjoyed his hunting trips with his children, father, brothers, grandchildren and friends, who will all cherish their adventures with him.”

Great Sand Dunes National Park itself is not open to hunting, but Walker was a licensed and licensed hunter for the legal National Preserve section of the park. It provides an interesting and somewhat reserved hunting experience.

While not particularly dangerous in itself, one can never be too safe when preparing for a hunting trip. This is especially so if one intends to break away from the party. Hunters of all experience and skill levels are prone to accidents, so it’s very important to watch every possible orientation before going on a trip.