MANKATO — Arrest warrants have been issued for two men accused of possessing firearms after being convicted of a violent crime within 10 years.

Timothy Garth Hansen Sr., 46, of Mankato and Cody Kenneth Flitter, 23, of Janesville were hunting in South Bend Township on Nov. 10, two conservation officers reported. The officers were on patrol when they saw the men near the intersection of County Roads 33 and 69.

Hansen and Flitter told the officers they were hunting deer. Both also said they had criminal backgrounds but could legally possess firearms. The officers weren’t able to check criminal records at the time, so they left.

A felony charges were filed Monday because the officers later learned Hansen and Flitter both had criminal backgrounds that prohibited them from possessing firearms.