Pennsylvania father, sons accused of poaching nearly 50 deer

CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania father and his two adult sons are facing criminal charges after they were accused of poaching deer in two counties.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported Tuesday that Carl Nelson III, 70, of West Chester, Carroll Nelson IV, 44, of Downingtown, and Mark Nelson, 40, of West Chester, allegedly poached “dozens upon dozens” of trophy bucks in Chester and Delaware counties.

An investigation that lasted almost two years found that the Nelsons had been illegally taking whitetail bucks for several years, according to state game wardens. The animals were allegedly taken out of season, at night and/or over the hunting limit.

According to the game commission, almost 50 deer mounts and antler sets were seized from the father and sons. The investigation into the poaching remains ongoing if game wardens discover that more people are involved.

Carl Nelson III faces 35 charges including a first-degree misdemeanor which could land him in prison for up to five years along with a $10,000 fine. Carroll Nelson IV faces 11 charges including a first-degree misdemeanor also punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Mark Nelson faces 25 charges including a third-degree felony which could land him in prison for up to seven years and a $15,000 fine.

If convicted, all three also face an extensive revocation of their hunting licenses.

“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 said in a statement.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission added that anyone who sees poaching is asked to report it to the agency’s 24-hour dispatch center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD, or call the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001.

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