State conservation officials have seized two experimental aircraft allegedly used to chase deer during Iowa's first shotgun season in December. Three men are charged in connection with the incident.

Department of Natural Resources officers say the craft, known as 'powered parachutes' were used in Benton County to chase deer toward hunters on the ground. Witnesses say the aircraft flew in a "zig-zag pattern to herd the deer" in the area of county roads D-65 and V-37. A witness describes one aircraft flying so low that it had to pull up hard to avoid a vehicle and a power line. Charged with illegal hunting/pursuing of deer with an aircraft are Steve Risse, 47, of rural Dysart, Harry Moeller, 48, of rural Buckingham and John Forbes, 28, of Waterloo.

Hunting with use of an aircraft is illegal under federal and state laws. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is reviewing the case for possible prosecution. If guilty, the three men would face substantial fines, potential loss of hunting privileges and possible forfeiture of the aircraft. The Benton County Sheriff's office and Black Hawk County Conservation department assisted in the case.
 

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