BURRILLVILLE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is looking for four individuals who fled from enforcement officers on Sunday, Dec. 22, hiding their guns in the woods where they’re accused of off-season deer hunting.
According to agency officials, RIDEM’s Division of Law Enforcement received a report that of deer hunting out of season near Hill Road.
Two individuals were issued “several,” citations, but four others fled, hiding their shotguns as they ran.
Police brought in K-9 “Bear,” to recover the weapons.
“Bear and his handler were able to locate three shotguns hidden under the snow and leaves in a bush, one of which was still loaded,” noted RIDEM in a post on social media. “A fourth hidden shotgun was located by officers searching another area of the woods.”
An investigation is reportedly underway to identify the hunters who fled.
The RIDEM asks anyone who witnesses a hunting violation to report it to their 24-hour dispatch at (401) 222-3070.
“Help us protect what is yours for future generations,” RIDEM stated.