BILLINGS - A hunter from Billings died of hypothermia early Tuesday after getting lost in the backcountry of Sweet Grass County and spending the night outdoors.

Gordon Longenecker, 49, was unconscious but alive when rescuers found him in a remote area between Big Timber and Reed Point around 11 p.m. Monday, but died several hours later in a hospital, officials said.

Longenecker's hunting partner reported him missing Sunday evening after the two got separated, said Kerry O'Connell, a spokeswoman with the Sweet Grass County emergency services office.

Sweet Grass County search and rescue crews launched a ground search Sunday night.

The Yellowstone Air Service in Big Timber and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls were called to do an air search but were unable to take off because of snow and fog, O'Connell said.

"Unfortunately, we had a huge weather problem," she said.

Search dogs picked up Longenecker's scent Monday afternoon and tracked him into the backcountry for about six miles.

Crews then loaded Longenecker onto a four-wheeler and transported him about two miles, where they met up with an ambulance.

Search and rescue officials said Longenecker didn't appear to be equipped to spend a cold night outside. He is survived by a wife and two children.