A 65-year-old California hunter has revealed how he survived for nearly three weeks in freezing mountainous terrain by rationing his food to just 70 calories per day after becoming stranded during a solo hunting trip.
The Wrong Turn That Started The Ordeal
Ron Dailey from Selma, California, set out on what should have been a routine hunting expedition in the rugged Sierra National Forest on 13th October. After stopping at a petrol station to fill up his pickup truck and purchase an extra bag of peanuts, he took a fateful wrong turn that would lead to an 18-day fight for survival.
The situation quickly deteriorated when Dailey damaged his truck, leaving him stranded just as snow began to fall in the Fresno county wilderness. With limited supplies and deteriorating weather conditions, the experienced hunter knew he faced a serious challenge.
Survival Against The Odds
Dailey took shelter in his vehicle, fortunate to have packed gloves and hats for warmth. He had a solar charger for his phone but couldn't get a strong enough signal to call for help. His survival strategy involved meticulous rationing of his limited food supplies.
He stretched 900 calories of food over two weeks, consuming between 50 and 70 calories daily during that period. To stay hydrated, he drank melted snow. Dailey also demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness by starting a fire using magnesium, flint, toilet paper, old maps and nearby wood.
The Emotional Low Point and Rescue
At his lowest moment, Dailey became convinced he might not survive. He attempted to send farewell texts to his family, writing: "I apologised to them that ... [I] probably won't be there for the rest of their lives. But I'll be watching you from heaven." The messages never went through due to poor signal.
Rather than giving up, Dailey decided to take action knowing the deer hunting season was ending soon. He estimated he walked 10 miles but later discovered it was less than half that distance. During this trek, he fell and lost his phone.
His persistence paid off when three hunters in a vehicle spotted him. In an incredible moment, one of them leaned out the window and called him by name: "Ron Dailey?" The rescue teams from multiple California counties had been searching for him since his family reported him missing.
Life-Saving Advice From Survival Experience
After being brought to first responders and receiving hospital treatment, Dailey was discharged and returned home. The Fresno sheriff's office released video of his interview, though they expressed frustration with negative comments from online trolls questioning his story.
When asked what advice he would give others, Dailey offered this crucial wisdom: "Always, always take more than you need because you never know what's going to happen." His experience serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of wilderness adventures and the importance of thorough preparation.
