FIREARMS, camouflage clothing and other goods have been seized and four men charged as part of police sting on illegal hunting and trespassing.
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Police raided two homes this week and charged the men following investigations into illegal deer hunting in the New England area, around Murrurundi and Bingara in February and March.
On March 2, police said three privately-owned large red deer stags were killed inside a secure deer enclosure on a rural property near Bingara.
Investigators believe the animals were killed for the purpose of taking their heads and antlers as trophies.
On February 2, two men in camouflage clothing allegedly trespassed on a private property in the Murrurundi area near a group of deer. One of the men was carrying a hunting bow.
When confronted the men left the area and police were alerted.
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Rural crime investigators have been investigating the incidents and possible links before a breakthrough this week.
On Wednesday, New England rural crime police, backed by local officers raided two homes in Coffs Harbour.
Police seized electronic storage devices, firearms, clothing and deer heads and antlers.
A 29-year-old was questioned at the home and subsequently issued a court attendance notice for the offences of kill cattle (deer) with intent to steal; fire firearm into a building or onto enclosed lands; enter private land to hunt animal without owner consent; and not notify changed address where firearm is stored.
Following further investigations, officers stopped a Ford Ranger on the Pacific Highway near Coffs Harbour on Wednesday afternoon. The occupants, two men aged 63 and 35, were questioned by police.
During a search of the utility, police discovered and seized firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, drums containing diesel, camouflage clothing, keys for heavy machinery, as well as a game hunting and firearms licence.
The two men were issued court attendance notices for the offences of kill cattle (deer) with intent to steal, and enter private land to hunt animal without consent of owner.
The older man was also charged with goods in custody suspected of being stolen, hunt game animal without licence and a second count of enter private land to hunt animal without owner consent.
On Thursday, a 45-year-old man was also issued with a court attendance notice for the offences of kill cattle (deer) with intent to steal, and enter private land to hunt animal without owner consent.
All four men have been ordered to appear in Warialda Local Court in May.
Police said investigations into the incidents are continuing.
