UPDATE: Missing hunter last seen near Chetwynd

This article has been updated with more information put out by the Chetwynd RCMP in a recent press release.

CHETWYND, B.C. — Residents are being asked to share any information to help locate James “Jim” Joseph Edmund Barnes.

He is described as 28 years old, five feet eleven inches tall, 201 pounds, Caucasian, with brown hair, brown eyes, and a large moustache. He was last seen wearing a green and blue T.C. Energy ball cap, green or blue hoodie, and jeans.

Barnes also has a year-and-a-half-old golden retriever named Murphy. 

According to Jim’s partner, Micaela Sawyer, he went out hunting, possibly near Chetwynd, before his disappearance. 

Barnes was last seen on Friday, October 18th, between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. He was reported missing to the Fort St. John RCMP detachment at 10:58 p.m. that evening when he did not return home.

On Saturday, October 19th, just after midnight, Chetwynd RCMP was advised of the investigation.

A volunteer search was organized on Monday, directed by Search And Rescue and RCMP officers. Anyone with time to spare is encouraged to help with the search.

Volunteers must meet minor requirements, including a photo ID, dressing for steep terrain and cold weather, and wearing a high-visibility vest, a helmet, and eye protection.

Sawyer posted on Facebook that the RCMP had located Barnes’ truck on Groundbirch Forest Service Road off 269 Road. His keys, phone, backpack, and firearms were found in the vehicle.

The vehicle is a grey 2004 Chevy Colorado single cab with the license plate of LJ1 079. 

RCMP canine units have been deployed to assist with a search and rescue but have been unsuccessful. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Chetwynd RCMP at 250-788-9221 and reference file number: FJ24-9737.