Manhunt for fugitive ex-militia leader David Burgert in Montana

(CBS/AP) MISSOULA, Mont. - Authorities searching a 30-square mile area of rugged Montana forest for David Burgert, a former militia leader and survivalist, say the man was prepared for his shootout with sheriff's deputies and left several caches of food in the area.

Burgert, 47, and Missoula County deputies exchanged gunfire along a logging trail Sunday after a low-speed chase near the historic town of Lolo, 10 miles southwest of Missoula. When the deputies returned fire, Burgert grabbed gear from his Jeep and ran into the woods, police said.

No one was hurt, and federal and state agents continue to search for Burgert.

"He was prepared for a confrontation," Missoula County Undersheriff Mike Dominick said. "It was not a high-speed chase. He drove purposely onto the logging road and he engaged the deputies with one to three shots."

Authorities found ammunition packed inside the Jeep's engine compartment and in another vehicle associated with Burgert, as well as stolen rifles and a magazine of handgun ammunition on the ground near where he fled, according to Dominick.

A National Guard helicopter and a police dog were brought in to assist agents from the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Missoula police and sheriff's deputies.

Before he became the target of a manhunt Sunday, Burgert was already well known amongst area law enforcement for his affiliation with a Flathead County paramilitary group known as Project 7, reports The Missoulian.

Burgert served time in the Federal Bureau of Prisons on weapons charges before being released on probation. Before his sentencing he was diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder.

Burgert is described as 6-feet-2-inches tall and 230 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a bluish shirt and a fanny pack. He is believed to be armed with a handgun and possibly a rifle.

"He is extremely dangerous, and he's a danger to anyone he meets," said Dominick.