LINN COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Linn County are investigating a case of illegal hunting at the Marais Des Cygnes Wildlife Area.

On Tuesday, a public lands officer observed a small game hunter from out of state, walking on a road near a closed hunting area, according to Mitchell Fall, a warden with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism.

During questioning and the immediate investigation, authorities determined there were four hunters in the area and one was missing.

Game Wardens and Deputies from the Linn County Sheriff’s Department set up a perimeter and ultimately found the missing hunter hiding on the refuge.

Two hunters were charged with hunting in a closed area, an area provided for wildlife to rest away from hunters, according to Fall.

Wardens also confiscated squirrels and a rifle.

Amount of court costs and fine were not available.