Social media comments come to life with man’s Cabela’s visit with helicopter

A deputy in Washington County likely had his strangest call of the week this last weekend.

Around 6 pm Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a call that a helicopter had landed in the Cabela’s parking lot, near the junction of Highways 41 and 45.

Upon arrival, the officer did in fact find a helicopter in the parking lot.

After making contact with the pilot, the 69-year-old Rosendale man, told the deputy he had flown to Cabela’s because, in his words, “the drive was too long.”

A quick investigation showed the pilot was properly licensed, landed safely, complied with all applicable FAA regulations, and took the time to answer the deputy’s questions regarding helicopter landing requirements.

Social media comments about the incident didn’t disappoint with someone saying that was one way to avoid all the roundabouts in front of the store.

Another person said with all the construction, he’d do the same if he had a helicopter.

Other comments were a woman asking if the man was single… and several people chimed in regarding how upset that Rosendale officers were that they were unable to do anything about the man avoiding their speed traps.