(Switzerland County, Ind.) - Illegally shoot deer and turkeys in the southeast Indiana wilderness has three Ohio men in trouble.

Wild trukeys

Indiana Conservation Officers received an anonymous complaint of illegal hunting on Brushy Fork Road in Switzerland County on Saturday.

The officers arrived to find the men using high-powered rifles to allegedly take deer and turkeys. While Indiana’s archery season for both animals began Oct. 1, the state does not allow such high-powered firearms to be used during any time of year.

Arrested were Kelly L. King, 32, and Robert M. Long III, 24, of Hamilton, Oh., and Phillip E McElfresh, 27, of Cincinnati. They each face three misdemeanors including hunting deer and turkey with illegal firearms, illegal possession of deer and turkey, and failing to purchase hunting licenses.

Each of the men are slated to appear in Switzerland County Circuit Court later this month.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources encourages citizens to call the Turn-In-A-Poacher hotline if they suspect illegal fish and wildlife activity or polluting.  The toll-free number is 1-800-TIP-IDNR (1-800-847-4367).

LINKS:

Indiana Department of Natural Resources - http://www.in.gov/dnr/