Undercover taxidermists bust illegal Mo. hunters

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Dozens of southern Missouri hunters could face criminal charges stemming from a sting involving an undercover taxidermy shop.

The Department of Conservation said Monday that it discovered 425 wildlife violations committed by 68 people who brought animals into "Craig's Taxidermy" in Birch Tree, Mo.

It turns out that "Craig" actually was an undercover law enforcement agent.

Conservation Department regional supervisor Gary Cravens said agents documented cases of hunters shooting animals out of season or from roadsides, or claiming to have used a bow when the animal was shot with a gun.

He says the department set up the undercover business after receiving complaints about illegal hunting.