Volunteers sought for search party to find missing hunter Jim Barnes

CHETWYND, B.C. — A private search has been organized in April to help locate Jim Barnes, a hunter who went missing back in October 2024.

Barnes, along with his pet dog Murphy, failed to return home from a hunting trip on October 18th, 2024 and was reported missing. His last known location was believed to be near Chetwynd. 

The search will take place on April 26th and 27th and cover the Groundbirch area between Chetwynd and Dawson Creek. 

In a March 31st Facebook post, organizers Hannah Townsend and Maria Brunskill said they are looking for able, bodied volunteers with outdoor education experience who can follow directions and prioritize safety.

“I want to say I’m optimistic about finding Jim safe and sound, reality is that it’s been close to six months and the winter conditions complicate the situation significantly,” said Townsend, who does not have a direct connection to Barnes but wants to help his loved ones get closure. 

“I believe it’s important for us to stay hopeful and approach each day with a positive mindset, as we seek some form of closure for his family members.”

All volunteers must fill out a questionnaire, which asks for basic background information, any or equipment that can be provided and emergency services experience. 

Anyone who can provide horses, ATVs, drones and proven scent-trained dogs are encouraged to join the search. 

Lunch, snacks, coffee and tea will be provided on site.

Previous searches for Barnes have been conducted with multiple North Peace Search and Rescue team members from across the province, but they were eventually paused while police officers continued to investigate.

A petition to restart the search was launched in November, when Sam Benastick, another person who went missing around the same time, was found safe.

In December, a dog believed to be Murphy was found near Wonowon, but the dog was later proven to be another animal.

Volunteers are to arrive at the site between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., and receive a briefing to review mapping and group assignments. Volunteers will be paired into teams and assigned radios.

Fill in this survey to register your interest.