Illegal hunting charges have been laid on five men after a hunting trip near Gunnedah. Photo: Fairfax
A PIGGING trip near Gunnedah turned into a more serious matter for five men after their car became bogged on land they were allegedly trespassing on early this morning.
Police said they stopped the men on Kelvin Rd, west of Kelvin after they received reports from a property owner about people trespassing on his land.
They allege the men, aged in their 20s, became bogged in a paddock on the property while pig hunting but managed to free themselves before officers arrived.
Four men from Gunnedah and one from Boggabri were issued notices to attend court for trespassing and hunting offences.
Two of them were also fined for not registering their dogs.
The five men will appear in court at a later date.
Police allege the men were stuck on the property for around two hours before they were freed about 8.30am.
Oxley Local Area Command Senior Constable Brian Pegus said the incident formed part of Operation Tarzan - an ongoing operation to stamp out illegal hunting across the command.
"It is ongoing and it's been successful as a result of the cooperation between landholders and police," Senior Constable Pegus said.
"Police urge all landholders to continue being vigilant and reporting matters in a timely manner as soon as they can."
