The search is on for a man that has been missing since Christmas afternoon. 47-year-old Keith Gilcrease of Butte La Rose went hunting Tuesday morning and has never returned. Gilcrease’s wife received a call from him around 12:15 Tuesday afternoon, when he stated that he was on his way back to their home on the Atchafalaya River, but after he didn’t return, Gilcrease was reported missing.

Fox News Louisiana’s Stephanie Cloy was near the Atchafalaya River today where officials, family and friends continued their search. “We’re trying to search the immediate area where he was supposed to be hunting at and any of the shortcuts he might have taken trying to get back to his house,” explained Lieutenant Darryl Moore, Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement.

Keith Gilcrease who never made it back to his house is still missing, and officials say because of the rough winter conditions on the river, finding Gilcrease, or the boat he was hunting in, has become quite a challenge. Thursday agencies around the state offered their services, some even provided helicopters to try and locate Gilcrease’s boat along the river. “ It could have traveled as far as Morgan City at this point so we’re going to keep looking,” said Lieutenant Moore.

Wildlife and fisheries agents, the St.Martin Sheriff’s Department and volunteers continue to search this waterway hoping to find any sign of Gilcrease. “We can’t find the boat, nothing. All his friends are out here and his family,” cried Nilah Burbank, a friend of Gilcrease. Loved ones said a lot of people have donated their time and supplies to try and help. Sharon Long, also a friend of Gilcrease, was touched by the determination of one man. “He came back last night when everyone else went home and he told me he was going out and he’d be out all night long. You know, just because he said if it had been him, he’d want someone there,” Long explained.

And as another day of searching came to a close Thursday, Gilcrease’s loved ones say they’re not going anywhere. “We’re here until we find him,” declared Burbank. Gilcrease was last seen wearing brown coveralls and a green coat. He was traveling down the Atchafalaya Basin in a small skiff. If you have information that could help locate Gilcrease call the St. Martin Sheriff’s Office at 337-394-3071.

Lieternant Darryl Moore took the opportunity Thursday to encourage others traveling down the river to wear a life jacket. Because of the fast currents and rising waters, Lieutenant Moore says the river becomes a very dangerous place during the winter months. “We encourage everybody to wear your life jacket when you’re in your boat, especially in the winter time because of the cold conditions,” added Lieutenant Moore.