Mt. Vernon man died Sunday in tragic chukar hunting accident
By Logan Bagett on Monday, October 19th, 2026 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
BAKER COUNTY – A Mt. Vernon man has died following a chukar hunting accident in Baker County last weekend. Baker County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Ashley McClay informed our newsroom that Anthony Van Cleave, 49, of Mt. Vernon was chukar hunting with his son and son’s friend on Sunday afternoon when he suffered a fatal fall.
At approximately 3:10 p.m. on October 18th, Baker County 9-1-1 Dispatch received a call regarding a man who had fallen while hunting and was possibly deceased. Multiple personnel across several emergency agencies responded to the scene near the Moonshine Mine Recreation Site on Snake River Road. Mr. Van Cleave was discovered on the ridge approximately 600 yards above Snake River Road. Personnel at the scene determined he had succumbed to his injuries sustained from the fall in extremely steep terrain.
The Baker County Search and Rescue Ropes Team was activated and assisted with the recovery.
**Photo from Baker County Sheriff’s Office**
