HUNTINGDON, Pa — The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking assistance from local sportsmen to help solve a bear poaching case.
Turkey hunters on the Rothrock State Forest discovered a dead black bear on Saturday, November 14th. This was two days prior to the opening of the bear archery season. The bear, a male weighing approximately 180 pounds, had been shot with a cross bow and still had the bolt lodged in its body.
Wildlife Conservation Officer Amy Nabozny stated, “This bear had been shot several days ago and suffered a slow death.” She found that the cross bow bolt had a field tip on it. “Field tips are used for target shooting and are not lawful for hunting”, she said.
Archery bear season began yesterday. It’s surmised that someone hunting deer shot this bear as it passed under their stand.
WCO Nabozny asks that anyone with information about this senseless killing contact the Pa. Game Commission by calling Operation Game Thief at 1 888 742-8001. A reward may be available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.
