SUTTON, W.Va. (AP) State officials are accusing three adults and two juveniles from Braxton County of killing more than 30 deer over two months just for thrills.

The Division of Natural Resources began finding dead deer near roads last fall and thought they'd been hit by vehicles.

Closer inspection showed they were hit with projectiles that turned out to be shotgun slugs.

Authorities say the poachers were shooting deer from vehicles, then leaving them to die.

A sheriff's deputy helped crack the case when he overheard a teenager bragging about a large set of antlers.

Authorities say all of the suspects are from the Sutton and Gassaway areas.

Charges include spotlighting, hunting from a vehicle, illegal taking of deer and conspiracy to violate game laws.