Hunters in four states recently have discovered methamphetamine labs or their remnants during their excursions in the woods, as drug makers seek more remote areas in which to produce meth, USA Today reported Dec. 11.

With laws regulating the sale of ingredients used in the cooking of methamphetamine, many labs are disappearing, but those who continue to produce meth are moving away from areas where neighbors may notice the activity. This has led to the recent discovery of meth labs or cooking materials by hunters in four states: Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan and Tennessee.

Although state environmental officials say it is more common for hunters to come across remnants than actual labs, some still are warning hunters to keep their distance from sites that could be a meth lab. Also, they are urging hunters to avoid contact with the solvents and acids used to cook the drug.

"Hunters come across a cooler or some other type of containers, and they're curious, and they want to open them," said Wes Baxter, a sheriff's deputy in Craighead County, Ark. "We strongly encourage people not to touch these items," which may require removal from a hazardous-waste removal team.