Men cited for illegally hunting deer

Three men had their deer replaced with citations Friday night after Oklahoma Game Wardens said they were hunting the animals illegally. Around 10 pm Friday night, Stephens County Game Warden Chris Stover saw a vehicle headlighting and radioed the spotter plane working the area of Jefferson County. Kingfisher County Game Warden Blake Pearson was on the plane and found two separate spotlights in use. Grady County Game Warden Michael Zimmerman, Canadian County Game Warden John Grellner and Oklahoma County/Canadian County Game Warden Mark Murray went to the area where the lights were in use and, with the help of the plane, located three men who were using 4 wheelers and UTVs to help them hunt. Game wardens said the subjects had high powered rifles and three whitetail bucks, and had hidden their guns and ammo so they wouldn't be taken away. The three men were issued citations for hunting with the aid of a motorized conveyance, headlighting, and possession of wildlife not legally taken. The weapons used were seized as evidence of the case. Game wardens said the deer were donated to local families in need.