At 0748 hrs on a cold bitter Saturday morning with the wind chill temps in the single digits Station 32 was dispatched for a water rescue in the Chopawamsic Creek.  As Engine and Boat 532 were responding, additional information was given stating that units were responding for 2 duck hunters. 1 hunter was stuck in the mud up to his chest and the other was nearby in a canoe. Upon receiving the info and arriving on scene at the boat ramp, Engine532's officer (Capt. T. Wheeler) established command and requested additional resources.  The request brought Truck 531, Medic 531, Brush 531, Medic 533, as well as Engine and Boat 517 from Prince William County.  Battalion 531 responded also to the area of Russell  Rd where he could make visual contact with the hunters as well as verbal contact with cell phone to which he received the number from the assistance of the Quantico Fish and Game office.         After encountering several difficulties with the boats trying to make their way to the hunters, due to the very shallow waters and the icing on the boats, also facing the amount of time the hunters have been stranded in the frigid waters, Command made the request for a helicopter from the US Park Police. Within 20 minutes US Park Police Helicopter "Eagle 1" arrived on scene and quickly sized up the situation.  Once ready Eagle 1 hoovered about 60feet above the water and lowered down their winch with the rescue sling. Once the sling was secured around the hunter stuck in the mud, he was slowly lifted up a short distance and brought over to the shoreline to the awaiting rescuers.  Eagle 1 then lowered down a rescue basket for the hunter in the canoe.  He was raised all the up into the helicopter and Eagle 1 landed at the nearby airfield where the Quantico ARFF Crash Crew and Medic 533 were standing by.  Despite the frigid temps both hunters were dressed very well for the weather and after being checked out by the medic crews, both men refused transport to the hospital.  Last units cleared the scene at 1109 hrs.

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