West Chester Father-Son Hunters Poached 50+ Deer, Game Commission Says

A Chester County father and his two adult sons were charged for poaching "dozens upon dozens" of trophy bucks, according to authorities.

Carl Nelson III, 70, of West Chester, and his sons Carroll Nelson IV, 44, of Downingtown, and Mark Nelson, 40, of West Chester, are facing a total of 71 charges stemming from a multi-year investigation, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said.

The investigation began following a tip about poaching of large whitetail bucks from Chester and Delaware counties over the span of years, according to the game commission. This involved deer that were taken out of season, at night, and over the limit of one buck per hunter per year.

Almost 50 mounts and antler sets  – most of them trophy class – were seized from the Nelsons, the game commission said.

Carl Nelson III is facing 35 charges, including a misdemeanor, that could lead to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Carroll Nelson IV has 11 charges filed against him, including one misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Mark Nelson is facing 25 charges, including a felony, that could lead to seven years in prison and $15,000 fine.

All three are also facing extensive hunting license revocation, if convicted, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Numerous State Game Wardens and Deputy State Game Wardens from the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Southeast Region assisted in the investigation along with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chester County detectives.