The Pennsylvania Game Commission has announced that three Pennsylvania residents have been charged with poaching after a two-year investigation.
A total of 71 charges have been filed against Carl Nelson III, 70, of Downingtown; and his sons Carroll Nelson IV, 44, and Mark Nelson, 40, of West Chester.
In a press release, the commission stated that the three men are “accused of poaching dozens upon dozens of trophy bucks in Chester and Delaware counties.”
“All three defendants are facing significant fines, court costs and restitution,” the press release reads. “They are also facing extensive hunting license revocation if convicted.”
BREAKING NEWS: The @PAGameComm busted a Chester County poaching ring, resulting in 71 charges against three residents for unlawfully killing trophy bucks. Learn more about this poaching case: https://t.co/YpAMj6Zn1r. pic.twitter.com/9mJqaJm8Lo
— Pennsylvania Game Commission (@PAGameComm) October 8, 2024
Among the various charges, Carl and Carroll Nelson both face a first-degree misdemeanor charge punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $10,000. Mark Nelson faces a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission seized nearly 50 mounts and antler sets from the men’s possession, most of which they said were trophy class.
The investigation began after the commission received a tip that the men were unlawfully taking large whitetail bucks over the span of multiple years.
Charges against them include taking deer out of season, at night, or exceeding the limit of one buck per hunter per year.
