Teams call off their search for missing Nunavut hunter

Allen Kudlak left his Kugluktuk home Aug. 11 on ATV and hasn’t been seen since. Search and rescue efforts were suspended Aug. 18, RCMP said. (FILE PHOTO)

Search efforts for a Kugluktuk man missing since Aug. 12 have been suspended, the Nunavut RCMP said Aug. 18.

Allen Kudlak Jr. left home Aug. 11 on an all-terrain vehicle to go hunting outside the Kitikmeot community. He was reported overdue Aug. 12, prompting a major search effort that included boats and a helicopter.

Six days later, search and rescue crews have found Kudlak’s ATV and his footwear, but not the missing man. Crews have combed a large area south of Kugluktuk around Kugluk Territorial Park.

When Kudlak was last seen, he was carrying only a rifle and no other supplies, although RCMP called him an experienced hunter who knows the land well.

“The Kugluktuk RCMP would like to recognize and thank the local search and rescue team and everyone who supported them,” police said in an Aug. 18 release.

“They spent countless hours and remained professional throughout the search and rescue operation. Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Kudlak and the community of Kugluktuk during this difficult time.”