Posted on December 9, 2009 at 8:18 PM

Updated today at 10:28 AM

This area is in Northern Arizona.

COCONINO COUNTY – There is a massive search and rescue effort under way for at least eight hunting parties stranded in the High Country.

Deputies with the Coconino County Sheriff's Office are searching for up to 30 people in those parties who are unaccounted for since the snowstorm early this week.

Some of the missing people have used their cell phones to call for help; others have been reported overdue by their families. Children and the elderly are among those stranded.

Rescue crews are focusing on Mormon Lake just south of Flagstaff, the Williams area west of Flagstaff and an area called Shafer Tank. Coconino County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jim Driscol said searchers are checking known camps where the elk hunters may be based.

Officials have been able to contact some of the hunters by cell phone but are concerned as time elapses that they might be running out of food, water and heating fuel. The hunters have not reported any injuries.

Weather is also a concern, as temperatures in Flagstaff were below zero Thursday morning with 2 to 3 feet of snow on the ground, and another storm could be on the way this weekend.

Rescuers on snowshoes, skies and snowmobiles are attempting to reach the hunters. State Game and Fish is assisting in the search, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety is providing the Air Rescue Ranger helicopter.

The only good part about being on a "draw" system for hunting here, is that they can basically trace what
Unit hunters were drawn for---but the territory here is so vast.

So,all you hunters and outdoor enthusiasts - say a prayer.

that is rough country and with the cold temps I sure hope they were well prepared. Keep us posted on how the serch is going Rosie.

Wish i was down there i love wintertime search & resque......Hopefully they were prepaired for a few day's of what Mother Nature can throw at them.....thought's and prayers go out to our blood brother's and sisters...... Yes please keep us posted Rosie...thank's

Well, as of today it was over 60 people that have been rescued
from the woods.  Many places had 3 feet of snow and snowdrifts
to 6 ft. with the 80 mph winds.  Everyone was okay, and most of
them couldn't get out of the woods because of trees blocking all
the access roads.  So this is wonderful news.

That was great new's.....a few tree's in the way aint so bad....thank's Rosie

Glad to hear the good news and no one frostbit or injured.