Pennsylvania Game News - December 2024 - 41

years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
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 the Pennsylvania
Fish and Boat Commission
and Chester County detectives, assisted
in this lengthy investigation.
Game Commission Executive Director
Steve Smith applauded the hard
work put in by officers who continue
to thoroughly investigate this case and
others like it.
" Simply put, poachers steal from
lawful hunters, " Smith said. " Every
buck that's taken unlawfully represents
a loss of opportunity for hunters who
are doing things the right way, so cases
of this magnitude have all the more
impact. "
Suspected poaching and other wildlife
crimes can be reported to the Game
Commission by calling the agency's
24-hour dispatch center at 1-833-PGCHUNT
or 1-833-PGC-WILD, or by
calling the Operation Game Thief tollfree
hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001.
The public's tips help stop poaching.
DECEMBER 2024
THRILL-KILL POACHERS
RECEIVE PRISON TIME
Three Washington County men
charged with killing 21 deer over a
two-day span in December 2023 recently
pleaded guilty in county court,
receiving jail sentences, lifetime loss of
their hunting licenses and thousands of
dollars in fines.
Ezra McClelland, 20; Julian Marth,
21; and Grant Bamberger, 20, all of
Washington, Pa., each pleaded guilty
Sept. 18 to multiple felony charges in
the poaching spree. In addition to permanently
losing their hunting licenses,
each was sentenced to serve seven days
in county jail and ordered to pay more
than $6,300 in fines and restitution.
Neither of two rifles used in the poaching
spree and seized in the investigation
will be returned.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission
launched its investigation into
the poaching spree Dec. 9, 2023, after
receiving a tip multiple deer had been
shot and left lay during the early morning
hours, with the actors making no
attempt to retrieve them. Nine deer
were found.
Then on Dec. 17, another tip about
similar activity came in from the same
vicinity. Twelve deer were found, but
this time a witness observed the suspect
vehicle's license plate number.
Game Wardens from Washington
and Allegheny counties along with the
Southwest Overt Special Investigator
and K-9 Handler interviewed the offenders
and collected evidence at each
scene.
Of the 21 deer shot, six were antlered
bucks.
Local residents who observed suspicious
activity and alerted the Game
Commission in a timely manner were
crucial in the apprehension of those
involved, and ultimately, bringing those
responsible to justice. The significant
penalties that result from cases like this
might serve as a deterrent for others,
as well.
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Pennsylvania Game News - December 2024

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