Northwest Region Game Commission Field Reports: Deer Poaching Prosecuted

JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – Here is a look at the field officer reports filed by Northwest Region Game Commission personnel.

Jefferson County WCO (Wildlife Conservation Officer) Roger A. Hartless reports that he and LMGS Jesse Bish recently finished up a case they investigated during the first week of rifle deer season.

The incident involved a report of trespassing and possibly shooting from a road.

When the individual involved was interviewed, he stated that he shot at coyotes he said ran across the road in front of him. He said he then went onto the posted property to look for a dead or injured coyote.

The individual had actually shot a sub-legal buck and then covered the carcass with grass in an attempt to conceal it. The individual involved pleaded guilty to three charges, which included illegally taking a deer.

Clarion and Jefferson counties LMGS (Land Management Group Supervisor) Jesse N. Bish reports crews are actively working on timber-stand improvement cuts, as well as aspen cuts for grouse and woodcock habitat.

Forest County WCO Frank Leichtenberger reminds hunters in the Allegheny National Forest to get a motor vehicle use map and hunter road list from the U. S. Forest Service, and check both before driving vehicles on gated roads.

There are “seasons” during which the roads are open to vehicles, and the dates can be found on those documents. An open gate does not mean that the road is open to public use, and you could receive a citation if you drive a vehicle there.

Venango and Mercer counties LMO (Land Management Officer) Dan Schmidt reports he is settling into his a new position after working in Forest County as a WCO for nine years. Schmidt had 16 years of service as a WCO in the Northwest Region.

Crawford County WCO Randy Crago reports that coyote hunting pressure dropped off substantially with the warmer weather and melting snow. Several groups of hunters had been pursuing coyotes right after deer season and had been doing well.

Butler County WCO Christopher J. Deal reports that multiple people were cited for hunting with a centerfire rifle during the late flintlock season. Butler County has not been part of the overlapping, extended antlerless season in WMU 2B for several years now. All are reminded to read their Hunting & Trapping Digest to educate themselves.

Erie County WCO Darin L. Clark reports bald eagles appeared to be rebuilding nest that blew down last fall at Union City Dam.

The nest is along French Creek and easily can be seen from the Wattsburg-Waterford Road. Viewers should remember to view nesting eagles from a distance so as not to disturb them.

Erie County WCO Larry M. Smith would like to remind individuals that new Hunter-Trapper Education classes are being scheduled. Now is a great time to plan early and get signed up for a class before the fall seasons.

Warren County WCO Eric M. McBride reports that there are lots of opportunities within Warren County for trappers who would like to pursue beaver.

Warren County WCO Eric M. McBride reports ongoing complaints of unlawful ATV activity being investigated.

Warren County WCO David Donachy reports that all personal property including tree stands, blinds, and boats should be removed from game lands. Failure to do so could result in citations and prosecution.

Crawford and Erie counties LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander reports that he recently attended training related to chemical immobilization and handling of wildlife and wildlife diseases.

This training helps ensure the safety of officers and the public, and that wildlife is handled humanely.

Many don’t realize the diverse duties and responsibilities of conservation officers and land managers.