A 77-year-old hunter who suffered chest pains was rescued by helicopter Thursday morning north of Durango.

La Plata County Search and Rescue learned of the man’s situation about 8 a.m. Thursday. He was in the upper Hermosa Creek area about 23 miles north of Durango and 6 miles southwest of Durango Mountain Resort.

“We were able to get a pretty accurate location from the 911 call,” said Butch Knowlton, director of search and rescue.

A helicopter was sent to the coordinates, but rough terrain and high altitude prevented it from landing.

“The outfitter and companions in the camp moved him farther up the ridge to an area where the helicopter could get in safely and get him out,” Knowlton said.

The man was loaded onto the chopper and en route to Mercy Regional Medical Center by noon, Knowlton said.

Further information about the man’s identity and his condition were not immediately available Thursday.

shane@durangoherald.com