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ELLINGTON, Mo. – An informant told Missouri Department of Conservation agents about a group of hunters who killed nearly 500 squirrels in and around the Current River Conservation Area. The 16 hunters will head to court to face a judge for hunting 151 squirrels over the limit.
The squirrel hunters weren’t from the area. But, over two days they harvested 471 squirrels. Missouri regulations do not allow more than 20 squirrels in any two days. All game must also be separate and identifiable to each hunter.
An image of the bust posted on Facebook shows scores of hairless squirrels. The bodies appear to have been charred by a fire. It is still unclear what the hunters were going to do with their catch.
All hunters were cited for possession for having over the limit number of squirrels and warnings were issued for failing to keep wildlife separate and identifiable.
If you see a possible violation of the Missouri Wildlife Code, please contact your local conservation agent or Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.