UPDATE: From the NCSO – “Update, September 9, 2026 at 12 PM. Mr. Kelson has been located safe in Fremont County. The search has concluded.”
(Natrona County, WY) – According to the September 9 Fremont County Sheriff’s Office call log, 68-year-old Rex Kelson of Jeffrey City was reported missing after he failed to return home from an Antelope scouting trip in Natrona County.
The FCSO report states that Kelson was last seen driving a red 2012 Toyota Tacoma and was planning to scout Antelope Hunt Area 72 in Natrona County.
The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the FCSO in the search for Kelson, who was last in contact with friends and family on September 7, according to a post shared on the NCSO Facebook page.
Additional details from the NCSO indicate that Kelson is approximately 6 feet tall and 225 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes.
“The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office was notified yesterday afternoon that Mr. Kelson may be in Natrona County, and search efforts began in Antelope Area 72,” the NCSO post states. “Deputies and SAR personnel searched into the evening before field operations were suspended due to nightfall. Investigative efforts continued throughout the night as additional information was gathered and evaluated. Search operations resumed this morning and are actively underway, with aircraft and ground crews searching the area.”
The NCSO urges folks who may have had contact with Kelson since September 7 and have not yet reported that information to law enforcement to do so as soon as possible.
“We are also asking hunters, recreationists, landowners, and anyone who has recently traveled through Antelope Area 72 or the surrounding area to remain alert. If you have seen Mr. Kelson, his vehicle, or have any information that could assist in determining his whereabouts, please contact the Casper-Natrona County Public Safety Communications Center by calling 9-1-1 or 307-235-8278. Information can also be shared with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office – Wyoming at 307-332-5611.”
The NCSO is also asking the public to refrain from flying drones in or around the search area.
“Unauthorized drone activity could interfere with aerial operations and create a safety hazard for flight crews and search personnel.”