David Leon Butzin, 63, was last seen in Bozeman, Montana, on November 10, 2024, and was reported missing to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office on November 25, 2024. His disappearance was not reported immediately because he often went hiking without telling anyone and could be out of contact for extended periods, but being out of touch this long was uncharacteristic.

On November 26, 2024, Butzin’s vehicle was found at the New Gulch Trailhead in the New World Gulch/Bear Canyon area southeast of Bozeman. Investigators believe he disappeared while hiking; he was an avid outdoorsman who hiked off-trail. Extensive searches with dogs, horses, drones, and aircraft turned up no further clues. Authorities have considered a fall, a medical event, or another accident, and have indicated they do not believe he survived, but the exact circumstances remain unknown and the case was unsolved as of early 2026.

Butzin had lived in the Bozeman area for years; records note a 1985 conviction in Minnesota for the murders of his pregnant wife and their 18-month-old son. If anyone has information about his movements around November 10, 2024, or saw him near New Gulch, please share what is known.