RCMP say they are running forensic tests on a human skull found by a hunter in the R.M. of Taché last Saturday.

The Steinbach detachment was called by the hunter at about 7 p.m., who found the remains in a secluded area. Officers and specialists from the forensic identification unit went to the scene to confirm the skull was human.

Police say they believe the remains have been there for an extended period of time, but don't know precisely how long.

Police are now working to identify the remains, with assistance from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Investigators remained on scene Tuesday, said Const. Julie Courchaine, an RCMP spokesperson.

"Obviously it's going to be a lot of work and it's going to take a lot of time in order to determine whose remains these belong to," she said.