By Scott Carlson, NP Post
18-year-old Noah Pettit along with his brothers and his dad John has fallen in love with hunting.
Over the last year, John's Facebook feed has been full of him and his boys hunting and learning the trade together. From deer to waterfowl, the Pettit's have found a new love in hunting.
On Wednesday evening, at around 5:00 pm, Noah went duck hunting by himself along the South Platte River near Hershey.
Knowing the temperatures were extremely cold, John says Noah took two pairs of boots with him, one being a pair of muck boots.
John says Noah was wearing the muck boots to place his decoys and didn't think the water would be too deep. However, as Noah stepped off the bank he realized the water was deeper than he expected, and water filled his boots.
John says Noah got the wet boots off, put on his dry boots, and attempted to retrieve his decoys but the boots got wet and became frozen.
John says Noah was able to contact him by phone and as John headed towards Noah's location he repeatedly attempted to contact him again, but there was no answer. It was later learned that Noah had dropped his phone and was unable to move to reach it.
At this time, John says he called the North Platte 911 Center and they immediately dispatched the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Sutherland Rescue and the Lincoln County Dive Team.
Rescue workers and deputies were able to locate Noah and found that he had removed some clothing to cover his feet in an attempt to keep them warm.
John says Noah was extremely cold and was transported by Sutherland Rescue to Great Plains Health in North Platte.
"If he hadn't been able to call me he would not have made it out on his own, we owe a special thanks to the rescuers, they were awesome," John said.
He says doctors miraculously did not find any frostbite but did find some less severe frostnip.
Staff at Great Plains Health warmed Noah's body temperature and treated him for some minor injuries before releasing him.
"We just want everyone to know that Noah learned a big lesson to make sure and be prepared for extreme weather and hunt with a partner," said John.
Noah is at home recovering.