Chester Co. Father, 2 Adult Sons Poached Dozens Of Trophy Bucks: State

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — A Chester County father and his two adult sons poached dozens of trophy bucks around southeastern Pennsylvania, leading to a slew of criminal charges, game officials announced.

The charges are the culmination of a two-year investigation into the illegal hunting, which chiefly involved taking large whitetail bucks out of season, at night, or over the limit of one buck per hunter, per year, authorities said.

Carl Nelson III, 70, of West Chester, Carroll Nelson IV, 44, of Downingtown, and Mark Nelson, 40, also of West Chester, all face at least five years in prison a fine of up to $10,000.

Game limits are put in place to allow all hunters to enjoy Pennsylvania's bounties, while also protecting populations and keeping the public safe, officials said.

A total of 50 mounts and antler sets, most considered within the "trophy class" bucks, were recovered from the three men.

State game wardens, along with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chester County detectives, assisted in the investigation.

All told, a total of 71 poaching charges have been filed against the trio.

If you have any information on poaching and wildlife crimes in the state, call the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT or 1-833-PGC-WILD.