HUNTINGDON – The Pennsylvania Game Commission Southcentral Region Office is looking for information to help solve a Mifflin County poaching case occurring the weekend of Nov. 1.
Mifflin County WCO Jeffrey Mock said that six poached deer were dumped in Lingle Valley the night of Nov. 1. The deer, two bucks and four does, were all killed Friday and Saturday night, partially butchered and dumped along Lingle Valley Road in Armagh Township. Evidence was recovered from the carcasses.
“The deer were dumped between 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 6 a.m. on Sunday,” Mock said. “The public should be outraged with this case. Whether you hunt or not, this kind of activity can not be tolerated. I know that people are fed up with poachers, and it’s time for those with information to step up to the plate and do the right thing.”
Because the incident involves multiple kills of big game, a reward is available through the Game Commission’s “TIP Hotline.” Call 1-888-PGC-8001 to access TIP, or you can submit a report through the agency’s Web site by clicking on the “Turn In A Poacher” icon in the right-hand column of the homepage. Names of informants will be kept confidential.
WCO Mock noted that groups or individuals that wish to donate to a separate reward fund are encouraged to contact the Game Commission Southcentral Region Office at 814-643-1831.
“Anyone with information is encouraged to call,” Mock said. “Don’t assume that your information is insignificant. The smallest tip can be the one that breaks the case open. Often times, people many not realize the significance of information they may have.”
If any of the culprits involved in this case wish to turn themselves in, it will be taken in to consideration when charges are filed. They also can contact the Southcentral Region Office at 814-643-1831.
Several other Mifflin County residents have been involved in recent deer poaching incidents. Two residents were charged for illegally killing a five-point buck. While the defendants claimed the animal as a legal archery kill, forensic analysis revealed that it was killed with a .22 rifle. The deer was killed in Coopers Gap, Brown Township. Those charged were: Eric Rhodes, 19, of Lewistown; and Bradley Walters, 22, of Bellville. Charges were filed in District Judge Tammy Hunter’s Office in Reedsville.
In another Mifflin County case, three individuals were charged with illegally killing an eight-point buck at night in Treaster Valley, Armagh Township. The deer was shot with a .270 rifle with the aid of a spotlight. The individuals were apprehended at 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 2, when they returned to the scene to pick up the deer. Those charges were: Adam Havice, 20, of Reedsville, and two 17-year-old juveniles, one from Reedsville and one from Lewistown. Charges also were filed in District Judge Hunter’s Office.
