Minnesota man dies in North Dakota waterfowl hunting incident

Ashley, N.D. — The McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office (North Dakota) reported last weekend the details of an incident that resulted in the death of a duck hunter from Minnesota.

According to the sheriff’s office, Christopher Hendricks, 30, of Champlin, was waterfowl hunting Nov. 12 in the Eszlinger Waterfowl Production Area in southeastern North Dakota with a friend.

“Upon shooting a (duck), the mens’ hunting dog was sent into the water to retrieve it, approximately 100 yards from shore,” the report said. “When the dog reached the bird, (the dog) became caught up in a thin sheet of ice and began struggling to free itself.”

Hendricks “removed his bulking clothing and began swimming toward the dog,” according to his friend’s statement to the sheriff’s officers. “He reached the dog, and the two began returning to shore,” the statement said. His friend saw that Hendricks was “showing signs of distress,” so he swam out to assist him.

McIntosh County Sheriff Steven Delzer said Hendricks’ friend was unable to help him.

“The two men were holding onto each other; however, Hendricks eventually let go of (his friend) and slipped below the surface. Fearing for his own safety, (the hunting companion) returned to shore, as did the dog.”

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Hendricks’ hunting friend contacted the North Dakota State Emergency Communication Center around 12:55 p.m., and the sheriff’s office, Ashley Ambulance Service, and Ashley Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the scene. Ashley Fire and Rescue personnel were first on the scene and encountered Hendricks’ friend, who was transported to the Ashley Medical Center for treatment related to exhaustion and exposure.

The Stutsman County Dive and Rescue team responded to the scene, arriving at about 3:15 p.m. and began search operations using a sonar-equipped remote vehicle. Water in the slough was extremely murky, according to Delzer, and the search continued until about 10:20 p.m.

The recovery operation resumed Thursday morning, Nov. 13, at about 10:15 a.m. At the request of Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser, a member of the Dive and Rescue team, the Stutsman County Drone Team joined the operation. Hendricks’ body was found about 1:50 p.m., approximately 40 to 50 yards from shore.

According to the State Forensic Examiner’s Office, no autopsy will be performed because Hendricks’ death was a witnessed drowning with no foul play suspected.

Therefore, no exact cause of death has been determined, according to the sheriff’s office.

In a Facebook message, the sheriff’s office referred to the incident as “a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures while enjoying the hunt. McIntosh County has well-trained and professional first responders and our county is blessed for their service to our residents and visitors.

“We are also fortunate for outside resources that are always willing to assist in a moment’s notice,” the posting stating, followed by a list of those agencies and officials involved in the search and rescue effort.

“The victim’s mother told me, ‘You and your team made us feel as good as possible under these circumstances,’” Delzer wrote. “That is a testimony to the care, compassion, and professionalism of every responder.”

According to his obituary, Hendricks worked for Polaris in Minneapolis and had great appreciation for the outdoors. “Chris was an avid hunter, especially of waterfowl. He enjoyed hiking and built deep relationships with cherished friends through his adventures. Chris loved the outdoors.

He was the happiest when he was out in nature.”

Hendricks obituary stated a funeral service was scheduled for Nov. 23.