A teenage hunter reported missing in South Canterbury has been contacted

The frantic search for a teenager reported missing on a hunting trip in South Canterbury ended after he was contacted by cell phone.

Marcus McKay, 19, had been missing since 9 p.m. Friday.

He is believed to have been last seen leaving his partner and brother at home after a trip to Christchurch before going hunting with a partner.

His family have been trying to reach him by phone and were desperate for news as the hours passed.

Earlier today, police said they were tracking down the missing teen after receiving a call about a hunter who was late from a day trip with a friend at 9 p.m.

The caller did not know where the person was going to hunt or who the friend was.

However, the police have just confirmed to the Herald that “the hunter has returned to the reception of the cell and has made contact, everything is fine.”

Marcus’s mother, Jocelyn McKay, told Stuff that her son’s phone went directly to voicemail.

McKay said his son was driving a gray Mitsubishi Triton that was also missing.

She believed it was in the Geraldine area, but said it could be anywhere in the South Canterbury region.

“I’m trying to be positive, but our whole family cries most of the time,” she said.

“I can’t help but think the worst because he’s so out of place. He’s the type of person who is in touch with family all the time, he’s very family oriented. He’s one of those guys who’s always on his phone.”

McKay told Stuff that his son had only been hunting a handful of times and did not have a weapon.

“I think he was just dating people who had done it before.

“We’ve had a lot of support from friends and family, and a lot of people wanting to come up and have a look. I can’t thank those people enough.”