Whitewater Area Mounted Search Team And Rescue

The Whitewater Area Mounted Search Team and Rescue (WAMSTAR) is a trained, fully equipped unit capable of serving the public as a qualified resource. We assist in locating lost or missing persons in Southeast Wisconsin, primarily in Walworth, Rock, and Jefferson counties. We use well-trained horses that are able to search large tracts of forest, snowmobile/bike trails, open fields and other terrai

n to locate such things as downed aircraft, lost hunters, or hikers lost in the woods. We are strictly volunteer and only participate in searches which are organized by the Sheriff/Fire Department/EMS. All members are required to meet minimum training standards. Most training is located in and around the Whitewater area. Each mounted member own his or her own horse, truck, and trailer. We also accept non-mounted members to assist with command duties, ground duties, public education, and other tasks. We are a 501(3)c non profit organization. We hold fundraisers and welcome donations to assist with buying equipment such as radios, safety equipment, and medical packs or participating in external training opportunities. We also attend public events and offer educational presentations by request. If interested in joining our team, inviting us to an event, hosting a fundraiser, or making a donation please contact us at: [email protected]



Advantages of a Mounted Search Unit:

Horses are valuable searchers. They have highly developed senses of hearing, smell, and sight. They are instinctively aware of their surroundings and will alert on anything out of the ordinary, especially the presence of another human or animal. They can detect something well in advance of the rider. A good mounted team will investigate anything that attracts the horse's attention. By using horse and rider teams we are able to gain the following advantages:

•Mounted teams are better able to perform a quick search and containment due to the fast travel speed without sacrificing clues.

•Mounted teams are not hindered by such things as terrain, climate, ground cover, or length of time missing.

•Mounted teams receive regular training, including simulated rescue missions over actual terrain.