Missing hunter and dog search paused for further investigation

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Ground searches for a hunter missing with his dog in the Ground Birch Road area have been halted temporarily. 

James Barnes and his dog Murphy were reported missing to the Fort St. John RCMP detachment on October 18th, and searches started shortly thereafter. 

Search efforts have since been expanded to include Search and Rescue teams from the South Peace, North Peace, Kamloops, Prince George, and Okanagan. 

In a Facebook post published on October 24th, Shona Murray, one of the volunteers coordinating search teams, explained that the ground search efforts will be paused temporarily while more information is gathered by RCMP. 

Anyone with information that could assist in narrowing the search is encouraged to reach out to the Chetwynd RCMP at 250-788-9221.

“Taking the time to share whatever detail you might have could be the piece we need to bring Jim and Murphy back home,” Murray said. 

“With moose opening in a couple days please everyone who’s out in the area please pass any info along to the RCMP for us.”