Two overdue hunters have been found safe in near Reid Lake north of Yellowknife.
That’s according to RCMP who state in a news release that two male hunters from Behchoko were located safely Friday at portage 9 in the Reid Lake area out the Ingraham Trail.
They had been late arriving at their base camp near Spur Road, about 300 km out the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road to the diamond mines.
Mounties state that they were notified Friday morning that the hunters did not make it back to their camp, and that community members were concerned as the two men are known for being very experienced on the land.
RCMP say they launched a search and rescue operation, with the assistance of the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) and community members.
Officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), who were in the area, also began searching and found the men around noon.
Police state that as the night was settling in Thursday, the two hunters decided to set up a camp and wait for the next day to travel back to their base camp.
“We are thankful the overdue hunters were located without incident, and are thankful ENR reacted proactively and assisted in the search. Any search and rescue operation is time sensitive critical and maintaining strong connections with our partners is a key element of success,” states Staff Sergeant Yannick Hamel, Yellowknife RCMP Operations Manager.
With longer days ahead and spring break around the corner, the RCMP would like to remind people to be cautious when venturing outdoors:
- Carry a satellite phone, marine radio, emergency communications device or other means of communication, and know how to use them.
- Inform someone of your travel plans, where you are going, and when you plan to return.
- Carry emergency supplies and learn survival skills.
- Wear or carry suitable clothing and proper footwear – dress in layers to regulate body temperature and adjust to sudden changes in weather conditions.
- Pack extra clothing for protection from the elements – Hypothermia is a serious risk if you go out unprepared for the weather conditions.
