MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - With Vermont’s two-week rifle deer season set to open Saturday, state wildlife officials have deployed four K-9 teams to respond to illegal hunting activity.

Spike graduated from the Vermont Police Academy less than a week ago and is trained to detect gunshot residue. He’s a member of a new team Fish and Wildlife team, waiting for their first deployment.

“Ninety-nine percent of Vermont hunters are ethical; they’re out there doing everything the right way. It’s that 1% that we’re concerned about,” said Vermont Game Warden Bella Kline.

Kline says some common infractions include baiting deer, hunting after hours -- legal hunting is from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

“I know a lot of Vermonters like to recreate at night, whether it’s snow

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