BRIDGEPORT, Neb. (AP) — Two men accused of illegally killing 25 antelope in a western Nebraska field and leaving the animals’ carcasses to rot have pleaded not guilty to charges in the case.

24-year-old Taylor Mueller and 21-year-old Brent Hoerler are each charged with hunting without a permit, hunting in closed season, wanton waste of an animal, harassment of game and hunting with an artificial light. All of the counts are misdemeanors, carrying maximum punishments of three month to six months in jail.

Authorities say the antelope were illegally shot and killed in a wheat field in early November. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission officials discovered the animals in a field after hearing reports about the killings from area residents.