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PUTNAM COUNTY, MISSOURI -- An attempt to illegally hunt deer over the weekend lands three Putnam County residents behind bars facing meth charges. 

Arrested were Christopher Allen, 21, of Unionville Missouri, and his wife, Tamara Allen, 22, also of Unionville. They are charged with manufacturing a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine. Christopher Allen is being held in the Putnam County Jail under $40,000 cash only bond, while Tamara Allen is being held under $20,000 bond, cash or surety. 

The third person arrested was Donald Gilligan Jr., 47, also of Unionville. Gilligan is charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. Gilligan, who has ten previous felony convictions in three states, was charged as a prior and persistent offender. He is being held under $100,000 cash only bond. 

According to court papers, the three were spotted by Missouri Conservation Department officers, allegedly hunting deer illegally about 12:30 Saturday morning. When the vehicle was stopped, officers found multiple wildlife violations. Meth was also discovered in the truck. During the stop, officers received information that enabled them to serve a search warrant at the Allen residence, where officials found a meth lab along with 11 illegally taken raccoons and two guns. 

In addition to the felony charges already filed, conservation officials say the three will be facing multiple counts involving illegally taking of wildlife.