The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced Tuesday that three Chester County men are facing 71 charges after a two-year investigation into the poaching of trophy bucks in Chester and Delaware counties.
The father and his two adult sons are accused of illegally taking of numerous large, white-tailed deer.
“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,” the PGC announcement stated.
Those charged are: Carl Nelson III, 70, of West Chester, who faces 35 charges, including a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine; Mark Nelson, 40, of West Chester, facing 25 charges, including a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine; and Carroll Nelson IV, 44, of Downingtown, facing 11 charges including a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
If convicted, they are also facing extensive hunting license revocation.
“Nearly 50 mounts and antler sets — most of them trophy class — were seized from the three, and this broad investigation remains open to determine whether additional people are involved,” the game commission stated. “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.”
To report poaching and wildlife crimes, call the game commission’s dispatch center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT (742-4868) or 1-833-PGC-WILD (742-9453) 24 hours a day. Operation Game Thief also can be contacted at 1-888-742-8001.
