CROWN, Pa. (EYT) – A 79-year-old man, has been charged with the unlawful killing of a black bear during a closed season, as well as making false statements to state game officials.
The complaint was filed on November 13 by State Game Warden Samuel D.T. Terwilliger after an investigation revealed that 79-year-old Frank P. Vecchio, of Crown, allegedly harvested the bear on October 18, 2024, before the start of the bear archery season.
According to the affidavit, Frank Vecchio reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Northwest Regional Office Bear Check Station on October 19, where he was unable to provide a clear location of where the bear was harvested.
Instead, telemetry data from the bear’s GPS collar indicated that the animal had been within close proximity of Vecchio’s residence in the days leading up to the check.
The affidavit indicates that the violation occurred around 9:00 p.m. on October 18, in Farmington Township, Clarion County.
During the investigation, officials discovered evidence of bear entrails and a feeder filled with corn cobs at Vecchio’s property, suggesting he may have been illegally baiting the bear. The Game Warden’s report cites multiple violations of the Game and Wildlife Code, including unlawful take and the use of natural bait for hunting, according to the affidavit.
Vecchio is also facing charges related to the illegal killing of five federally-protected blue jays found on his property.
According to court documents, a preliminary hearing for Vecchio is scheduled for December 10, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., in front of Magisterial District Judge Timothy P. Schill on the following charges:
– Unlawful Kill/Take Big Game-Closed Season, Misdemeanor
– Use Of Artificial/Natural Bait, S4
– False Or Fraud Statement On Reports, S4
– Taking/Possession Of Game Or Wildlife, S5 (five counts)
