2 Men Allegedly Caught Illegally Hunting on Oprah's Hawaii Ranch

Two men are facing charges after they were allegedly caught illegally hunting on Oprah Winfrey's Hawaii ranch, officials said Monday, July 1.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said officers from its Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement stopped two men shortly before midnight on Friday near the intersection of Thompson Road and Kamaʻole Road, in the Kula area of Upcountry Maui, after seeing them allegedly using a spotlight for hunting purposes.

Although Thompson Road is a public road, it runs through private property belonging to the Oprah Winfrey Ranch, officials said.

Luke Allen and Ty Munoz, both 19, were placed under arrest. Officers searched the pair's truck and found a loaded shotgun and a loaded rifle, along with ammunition. The rifle, found in the possession of Allen, was unregistered, the agency said.

Further investigation revealed the men were allegedly hunting without valid licenses, on private land, without permission.

Both men were taken to the Maui Police station in Wailuku for booking. Allen was booked on six charges including hunting on private lands at night without permission, and mandatory registration for the unregistered semi-automatic rifle. Munoz was booked on four charges, including hunting on private lands at night without permission.

The case has been Maui County Prosecutors Office for review and official charges.

—TMX contributed to this report.