PHILIPSBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO)
Chris Ivicic recently filed charges against six individuals from the Philipsburg
area for their involvement in a two-night shooting spree of deer that took place
this past fall, two weeks prior to the opening of deer season.
Two 16-year-olds, and four adults received citations for the killing of 20 deer.
Charges include: 20 counts of unlawful use of lights while hunting; two counts
of loaded firearms in vehicles; two counts of restrictions on recreational
spotlighting; two counts of littering and restrictions on vehicles; and one
count on regulations, possession without a permit. Game and Wildlife Code
charges were filed before District Justice Allen Sinclair, in Philipsburg.
If convicted on all counts, the individuals face fines of up to $12,900.
Revocations on these individuals' hunting and furtaking privileges combined
could total up to 47 years.
Michael W. Welder Jr., 19; Brooks R. Fry, 21; and a 16-year old juvenile, all of
Philipsburg, were each charged with three counts of unlawful use of lights while
hunting.
Joshua M. Mackey, 19, of Moundsville, West Virginia, formerly of Philipsburg,
also was charged with three counts of unlawful use of lights while hunting.
David L. Shoffner, 22, and a 16- year old juvenile, both of Philipsburg, were
each charged with four counts of unlawful use of lights while hunting, along
with a single charge each of: loaded firearms in vehicles; littering and
restrictions on vehicles; and restrictions on recreational spotlighting. The
16-year-old also received one charge under Title 58, Regulations.
According to the defendants' statements, they were not real sure how many deer
they actually shot. Their own estimations were anywhere from 25 to 35 deer,
including several large rack bucks. Some of the deer were shot multiple times.
The investigation resulted in sufficient forensic evidence to charge them with
20 deer.
"This is a case of gross disrespect for wildlife and for Pennsylvania's hunting
ethics," said WCO Ivicic. "I would like to thank those citizens who took the
time to contact the Game Commission and provide the information we needed to
file these charges."
Last Updated: 02/24/05
|