Charges filed against three Chester County, Pa., men in huge deer poaching case

Harrisburg — A nearly two-year investigation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission has led to the filing of 71 charges against three Chester County residents – a father and his two adult sons – who are accused of poaching dozens upon dozens of trophy bucks in Chester and Delaware counties.

Charged in the incident are:

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.

Carl Nelson III, 70, of West Chester, facing 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.

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All three defendants are facing significant fines, court costs and restitution. They are also facing extensive hunting license revocation if convicted.

The Game Commission 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, and this broad investigation remains open to determine whether additional people are involved.

Numerous state game wardens and deputy state game wardens from throughout the Game Commission’s Southeast Region, as well as Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission waterways conservation officers and Chester County detectives, assisted in this lengthy investigation.

Poaching and other wildlife crimes can be reported to the Game Commission by calling 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.

When it comes to poaching, if you see something, say something.