Six people will pay more than $23,000 in fines after wildlife officials in cracked a massive deer poaching case in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported 20 white-tailed deer had been illegally killed in a “poaching spree” between September and December, 2014. The animals were shot in the Spring Grove area of Jackson Township, York County.
Animals ranging from yearlings to adults were killed at night or during closed hunting season. Some were shot using lights, from the highway and from a vehicle. Others were shot on private property where there was no permission to hunt.
In all, the poachers were convicted of 71 charges and ordered to pay costs, in addition to the fines.
Among those who pleaded guilty this week before Magisterial District Judge Thomas Reilly: Amy Daugherty, 44, Jennifer Rosenberry, 41, Cain Rosenberry, 30, Joshua Runkle, 21, and two minors.
After receiving a tip last December, Wildlife Conservation Officer Steven Knickel applied for and served a warrant at the Daugherty home.
“Multiple firearms, bows, crossbows, and other hunting equipment, as well as skulls, antlers, hides and meat were seized. Also taken was a Dry Erase Board with a tally of each individual’s harvest totals for the year,” officials said.
A total of 20 deer were hunted illegally, including several using Maryland tags. The deer were all processed and packaged at the Daugherty residence.
Photos Pennsylvania Game Commission
