Chester, PA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission has charged three Chester County residents with 71 violations related to poaching trophy bucks following a two-year investigation. Carl Nelson III, Carroll Nelson IV, and Mark Nelson were charged on September 27 after the Game Commission uncovered extensive illegal hunting activity.
The investigation began in 2022 when a concerned hunter reported suspicious actions to the Game Commission. Authorities discovered the unlawful killing of white-tailed deer, including violations for hunting out of season, at night, and exceeding the bag limit in Chester and Delaware counties.
Dozens of trophy mounts were seized during the investigation, which remains ongoing. If convicted, the Nelsons face significant fines, restitution, and revocation of their hunting licenses.
Numerous state game wardens, deputy game wardens, and Chester County detectives assisted in the operation, along with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.