Two youths in Central Otago have been referred to Youth Justice, accused of unlawfully hunting and killing a pair of prize stags on private land.
The deer were shot and killed in Bendigo on May 17.
Following an investigation, police from Cromwell and Queenstown carried out search warrants today in Cromwell and Lake Hayes.
The youths were referred to a Youth jJustice process, police said.
One of the youths, a firearms licence holder, had their permit and firearms seized.
"Police also recovered antlers that were believed to have belonged to the two stags. These will be returned to the owner."
Police said they were disappointed that unlawful hunting had occurred.
"Unfortunately, poaching and unlawful hunting continues to be an ongoing issue across the wider district. These are not only for personal safety reasons but also for the flow on effect from the damage caused to rural residents, farmers properties and trophy hunting businesses.
"Hunting without explicit permission from a landowner, farmer, or forestry manager is illegal.
"On public conservation land, a Department of Conservation permit is mandatory."
Anyone who was a victim of poaching was asked to make a report to police via 105.
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