WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Three Chester County men are facing fines and potential prison terms after a lengthy investigation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission determined they poached dozens of trophy bucks across two counties.
Carl Nelson III, 70, of and his sons Carroll Nelson IV, 44, and Mark Nelson, 40, are accused of committing a total of 71 offenses in Chester and Delaware counties, the Game Commission said in a press release.
Carl Nelson III, of West Chester, is charged with 35 offenses, including a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, the Game Commission said.
Mark Nelson, also of West Chester, is charged with 25 offenses, including a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of $15,000.
Carroll Nelson IV, of Downingtown, is charged with 11 offenses, including a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
All three defendants are facing significant fines, court costs and restitution, the Game Commission said. They are also facing extensive hunting license revocation if convicted.
The Game Commission said it began investigating the case after receiving a tip concerning the unlawful taking of large whitetail bucks over a span of years. The charges filed involve deer that were taken out of season, at night and or over the limit of one buck per hunter per year.
Nearly 50 mounts and antler sets – most of them trophy class – were seized from the three suspects, and the investigation remains open to determine whether additional people are involved, according to the Game Commission.
Numerous State Game Wardens and Deputy State Game Wardens from throughout the Game Commission’s Southeast Region, as well as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chester County detectives, assisted in this lengthy investigation.
The Game Commission reminded Pennsylvania residents that poaching is a crime, and urged residents to report poaching and wildlife crimes by calling the agency’s 24-hour dispatch center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD.
Tipsters can also call the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001.
