A search is under way in a remote area south of Black Lake after one of two missing hunters was found dead and the other remains unaccounted for, authorities said Monday.
Community search led to discovery
Black Lake RCMP were notified Oct. 18 when two hunters did not return from a trip as expected. Local community members began searching the area and later located a man near an empty boat in the water south of Black Lake. RCMP say the man has been identified as one of the missing hunters and his family has been notified.
Police have said the death is not believed to be suspicious. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service will work to determine the cause of death.
Search continues for second hunter
Efforts to find the second missing hunter remain active in a remote part of northern Saskatchewan. Multiple groups are assisting in the search, including:
- Prince Albert Grand Council Search and Rescue
- Saskatchewan RCMP’s Black Lake detachment
- Drones and air services provided to assist in the operation
Black Lake sits about 800 kilometres north of Saskatoon, in a region where communities are widely dispersed and access is often by float plane, skidoo or seasonal roads. That remoteness can complicate search efforts and extend the time needed to locate missing people.
What officials have said
RCMP confirmed the discovery and that further investigation into the cause of death will be conducted by the Coroners Service. No further details about the identities of the men, their ages or their exact activities were released publicly by police as of the latest updates.
Local response and search coordination
Community members often play a central role in initial responses to missing-person incidents in northern and Indigenous communities. In this case, it was residents who first began looking for the two hunters and who located the man later confirmed dead. RCMP response followed that early local search activity and brought in additional resources.
Risks in northern hunting country
Hunting in northern Saskatchewan presents well-known hazards: sudden weather changes, cold water, difficult terrain and long distances from emergency services. Authorities emphasize preparation, including telling someone reliable where you are going and when you expect to return, carrying communication equipment, and having appropriate survival gear for the season.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Black Lake, northern Saskatchewan (~800 km north of Saskatoon) |
| Agencies involved | Black Lake RCMP, Prince Albert Grand Council Search and Rescue, Saskatchewan RCMP air services, drones |
| Status | One hunter deceased (not considered suspicious); search ongoing for second hunter; Coroners Service investigating cause of death |
Next steps
RCMP and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service will continue their work. The search for the remaining hunter will proceed using available air assets and drone technology where conditions permit. No timeline has been provided for when the search will conclude, and officials have not released further particulars about the identities of those involved.
For families and communities in the North, these incidents are stark reminders of the risks present on the land and the importance of coordinated response plans. Authorities ask anyone with information about the missing hunters or relevant sightings to contact Black Lake RCMP.
This report will be updated as more information becomes available from RCMP and the Coroners Service.
