UPDATE: The missing hunter, Jackie Bellinger of Indianapolis, was located at approximately 11:20 a.m.

Bellinger made his way to State Road 135 south of the Story area, where he was picked up by a passerby. Bellinger then contacted a family member to advise that he was ok. He was then transported back to the initial search location outside of Story.

Agencies assisting with the extended search included the Brown County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Johnson County Horse Patrol, and VanBuren Fire Department.

Authorities are searching for a Greenwood man who went missing while hunting in the Hoosier National Forest near Story, IN, late Sunday night. Jackie Bellinger was familiar with the woods and had hunted there before. He was trying to get in one last day of deer hunting before the season ended at sundown.

According to information from the conservation department, Bellinger got disoriented after dark and texted his sister, asking her to call their father and have him come look for him. From there, Indiana State Police, Department of Natural Resources officers and the Brown county sheriff’s department got involved.

Bellinger’s father, Jack Bellinger, did go looking for his son, driving around the woods honking his horn. He reportedly said that he honked so much, he blew the horn out.

Searchers are currently scouring the area on foot, ATV and horseback. Police are also using a helicopter and infrared to search by air.

Bellinger is in his 40s, 6′ tall, has blond hair and blue eyes. He is wearing full camouflage and a blaze orange hat. His vehicle was last seen south of SR 46 in the Hoosier National Forest near Elkinsville Rd. at the head of the Mount Nebo trail.

State police say Bellinger was still sending sporadic texts early this morning, but they have since stopped. It is believed his cell phone battery died.

Source: WTHR