Over a half-dozen Kansas men are facing federal charges for allegedly poaching doves and owls.

According to U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom’s Office, eight men were charged in federal court this week for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A criminal complaint alleged the men violated the federal law protecting migratory birds when they participated in an annual opening weekend dove hunt in Graham County September 1st and 2nd, 2013.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act classifies mourning doves as migratory game birds. It classifies owls as migratory non-game birds. Restrictions on hunting mourning doves include a daily bag limit of 15 and a possession limit of twice the daily bag limit.

Charged are:

• Daniel R. Dinkel, 63, Hill City, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
• Kent A. Webber, 52, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
• Evan Webber, 25, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
• George Morgan, 52, Gordonville, Texas, one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
• Kenneth R. Beran, 67, Derby, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
• Clark Law, 57, Hill City, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.
• Tracy D. Higgins, 54, El Dorado, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves, and one count of taking an owl.
• John Kobler, 62, Topeka, Kan., one count of exceeding the daily bag limit for mourning doves.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of six months in prison on each count and a fine up to $15,000.