SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Authorities say they have arrested 14 people in
southwestern Illinois for illegal hunting practices after an undercover
investigation that lasted two-and-a-half years.
Complaints from law-abiding hunters prompted the poaching
investigation by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Charges against the 14 arrested include unlawful possession of game
mammals and possession of Illinois threatened species.
Officials say southwestern Illinois has a national reputation for
trophy deer, which attracts poachers as well as legal hunters.
The agency's investigation is continuing. People with information
about violations are urged to call the Target Illinois Poachers hotline
at 1-8-7-7-2-D-N-R-LAW.
(The Target Illinois Poachers hotline is 1-877-2DNRLAW or
1-877-236-7529.)
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