Pennsylvania Game Commission Dismantles Poaching Ring Responsible for Illegally Killing Dozens of Bucks

Well, it was another family affair in Pennsylvania after officials from the state’s Game Commission untangled a web of poaching allegations that led to 71 charges being laid. According to state wildlife officials, three men have been lambasted with a plethora of charges stemming from a two-year investigation involving dozens of trophy bucks in eastern Pennsylvania.

After fielding a tip back in 2022, officers were alerted to suspicious activity involving a father and his two sons. State game wardens spent the better part of the following two years investigating the trio of suspects and quickly unraveled a web of illegal deer kills that finally resulted in charges being filed last month.

Despite the charges, the investigation remains open as Game Commission officials believe there may be other parties involved. Given that the case is still open, some details surrounding the investigation have yet to have been published publicly.

What we do know is that the multi-department investigation, which included state game wardens and deputy game wardens from the Southeast Region as well as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chester County detectives, resulted in the seizure of nearly 50 trophy whitetail mounts and antler sets. 

The agency reported the following charges being laid against the defendants:

• Carroll Nelson IV, 44, of Downingtown, faces 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, faces 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, faces 25 charges, including a third-degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

All three defendants face fines, court costs and restitution at the office of Magisterial District Judge Martin G. Goch in West Chester. In addition to the financial penalties, we expect these men to experience a significant loss of hunting and fishing privileges following a conviction.