By Lachlan Forsyth
Five Norwegian men who were shown online shooting protected wildlife may have escaped punishment in New Zealand, but they have possibly walked into an even harsher penalty at home.
Norwegian authorities are investigating whether charges can be laid against the men, who are now trying desperately to cover their tracks.
New Zealanders were horrified by a clip of a Norwegian hunter shooting a totally protected Kereru – now it seems Norwegian authorities are just as upset.
“On things like this it is taken very seriously and there have been talks they might be put in front of a court here in Norway,” says Nikolai Kleivan, a Norwegian journalist.
If convicted in New Zealand the men face a $100,000 fine, or one year's jail.
But Norway's environmental prosecutor can also lay charges there for hunting protected wildlife – charges that carry up to six years in prison.
“He has said it's 100 percent unacceptable and the Norwegians are acting like they're on a vacation or holiday cruise or something and he has been very negative towards it,” Mr Kleivan says.
One of the men, who wouldn't give his name, told a Norwegian newspaper they had done nothing wrong.
"It's true that we had five men on a hunting and fishing trip for a few weeks before Christmas in New Zealand, but this commotion, I feel nothing, we have not done anything illegal," he said.
But they did.
Their actions have sickened those who live where the bird was killed.
“Well, it's just stupid vandalism,” says Anne Hall, a Franz Josef resident.
“We had that terrible thing with fires lit down through the Kiwi sanctuary. It's just idiocy isn't it?”
It has also prompted a flood of comments online.
“I can talk for all other Norwegian hunters when I say that these guys are not hunters, just pure idiots with weapons!” one person wrote.
“I cringe at calling myself a Norwegian today. Ashamed beyond measure. They make life miserable for every other hunter out there who tries to stay legal,” said another.
“These people are no longer welcome in Norway. Please dump them in the ocean,” one added.
Hunters in New Zealand say even when the men weren't shooting protected species; they showed a lack of hunting etiquette.
“It's certainly an instance of irresponsible, cavalier and very disappointing behaviour for sure,” says Ric Cullinane of Fish and Game.
The men are now lying low – the videos have been removed, their Facebook pages closed down.
But anger over their actions is only increasing.
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