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Duck Hunter Drowns While Trying To Save Dog In North Dakota
A Minnesota duck hunter died last week in rural McIntosh County, North Dakota, after swimming into an ice-covered slough to rescue a struggling retriever.
Christopher Hendricks, 30, of Champlin, was hunting with a friend on Nov. 12 in the Eszlinger Waterfowl Production Area when the pair dropped a duck over open water. Their dog entered the slough to retrieve the bird and swam roughly 100 yards from shore before becoming trapped in a thin sheet of ice.
According to a statement provided to deputies, Hendricks removed his bulky hunting clothes and entered the water to help the dog. He reached the animal and freed it from the ice, and the two began making their way back toward shore. Hendricks soon showed signs of distress in the frigid water, prompting his friend to jump in and attempt a rescue.
McIntosh County Sheriff Steven Delzer said the men held onto each other briefly, but Hendricks slipped below the surface. The friend, fearing he would also be overcome by the cold, returned to shore along with the dog.
The call for help came in to the North Dakota State Emergency Communication Center at 12:55 p.m. Emergency crews from the sheriff’s office, Ashley Ambulance Service, and Ashley Fire and Rescue responded. The friend was taken to Ashley Medical Center for treatment related to exhaustion and exposure.
A dive and rescue team from Stutsman County arrived at the slough at about 3:15 p.m. and began searching the murky water using a sonar-equipped remote vehicle. The operation continued until late Wednesday night and resumed Thursday morning. With the help of the Stutsman County Drone Team, searchers located Hendricks’ body at 1:50 p.m. Thursday, roughly 40 to 50 yards from shore.
The North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office will not conduct an autopsy, since Hendricks’ drowning was witnessed and no foul play is suspected. His death is classified as an accidental drowning.
Hendricks worked for Polaris in Minneapolis and was known among friends and family for his passion for the outdoors, especially waterfowl hunting. His obituary noted that he was happiest when he was out in nature.
Officials say the incident is a tragic reminder of how quickly cold water conditions can turn dangerous for hunters.
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