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Six Kentucky residents are facing charges for illegally killing several hundred animals across two counties. (Photo by Paul Tessier)

More than 100 poaching charges have been filed against six Kentucky residents.

According to whas11.com, the defendants are facing more than 100 combined criminal charges. After conducting a year-long investigation, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) determined that the group illegally killed several hundred animals across Hardin and Grayson counties, including turkeys, deer, foxes, and domestic pets.

According to a KDFWR press release, in July of 2024 wildlife officers stopped members of the group over after catching them spotlighting a field. At the time, wardens found multiple .22-caliber firearms, spotlighting equipment, and open alcoholic beverages in their vehicle.

"Although the suspects initially claimed they were raccoon hunting, game wardens noted no open season for the species was in effect at the time," KDFWR said.

Further investigation revealed a "coordinated effort" by multiple suspects to illegally take wildlife in Hardin and Grayson counties, officials added. Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.