Environmental Police Working To ID Burrillville Deer Poachers

BURRILVILLE, RI — Several poachers were caught hunting deer out of season over the weekend, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said. Thanks to one of the department's K9s, officers were able to find four shotguns hidden in the snow and brush.

On Sunday, environmental police officers were called to Hill Road in Burrillville for reports of hunters shooting deer out of season. The first officer was able to stop two of the poachers, but four others ran into the woods, hiding their shotguns as they went, the department said.

One of the department's K9s, Bear, was brought to the scene with his handler, and the pair were able to find three shotguns, one loaded, under leaves and snow. A fourth gun was found by officers searching another area of the woods.

The two caught poachers were issued citations, and the department is working to identify the other four.

"Help us protect what is yours for future generations," the department said. The public is encouraged to report violations to the 24-hour dispatch at 401-222-3070.