CDCR officer finds missing hunter during trip

November 26, 2025

Correctional Officer A. Miranda and his two friends found a missing hunter in late October.

A missing hunter is home safe for the holidays thanks to a California State Prison-Corcoran correctional officer and his two buddies.

In late October, Correctional Officer A. Miranda and two of his friends, brothers Ignacio and Ramon Martinez, were on a hunting trip above Shaver Lake. While in the woods hoping to come across a buck, they saw what appeared to be another person on a hillside.

“We thought we saw just another hunter,” Miranda said. “As I looked through the binoculars, I noticed something was off. The hunter was sitting along the trail hunched over with his head resting on his left hand.”

Hunter was missing for weeks

As they approached, they recognized the man as lost hunter Ron Dailey. The man, who had been featured in recent news reports, stood up and started waving his arms and yelling for help. Dailey had been missing for nearly three weeks.

After making their way to him, they found he was in need of medical attention.

“When I began offering first aid to Ron, he asked me to clear his firearm,” Miranda said. “Ron’s hands were bloody so he couldn’t do it. After clearing the firearm, I proceeded with first aid.”

Miranda and his friends were able to reconnect the missing man with his loved ones. Dailey was thankful to be found as he was getting desperate. At the time, there were several search and rescue teams putting in a lot of man hours for Dailey.

Dailey’s family members, especially his wife, stay in touch with Miranda and his friends. They even have plans to reunite for a celebratory dinner.

Meanwhile, Dailey’s family members are flying in from out of state to meet Miranda and the Martinez brothers.

Story by Lt. Justin McIntyre, California State Prison-Corcoran
and Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).