Fugitives on the Run in Montana and Washington

In a dramatic series of events, two former U.S. military members have become fugitives, with one apprehended and the other still evading capture. Michael Paul Brown, 45, was recently caught after allegedly shooting four people at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana. Meanwhile, Travis Decker, 33, remains at large in Washington state, accused of murdering his three young daughters on May 30. Both cases have mobilized local and federal law enforcement agencies, deploying helicopters and ground teams to navigate the challenging mountainous terrain in pursuit of these individuals.

Insights from a Special Forces Veteran

To gain insight into the tactical and psychological elements involved in these manhunts, Fox News Digital consulted retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer Mykel Hawke. Known for his expertise in survival tactics, Hawke emphasized that despite their military backgrounds, neither Brown nor Decker received elite-level survival training such as the Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) course. This lack of advanced training limits their ability to remain undetected indefinitely.

Challenges of Wilderness Survival

Hawke highlighted the difficulties of surviving in the wilderness while evading capture. Essential needs like food and water pose significant challenges. Without pre-packed supplies, fugitives must rely on hunting and foraging, which often requires staying in one place for extended periods. Water sources must be treated to avoid illness, typically through boiling or chemical purification methods.

Navigational and Shelter Concerns

Navigating remote areas without GPS devices is another hurdle due to the risk of being tracked. Instead, fugitives must depend on maps and compasses or local knowledge. Shelter is crucial as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Without proper gear, they must construct or find natural cover.

The Inevitable Footprint

Ultimately, Hawke asserts that survival strategies boil down to hiding or running. Both options carry risks; hiding eventually leaves traces while running increases the likelihood of mistakes leading to capture. A reward of $10,000 was offered for information leading to Brown’s capture, while up to $20,000 is available for tips directly resulting in Decker’s arrest.