Pennsylvania Game Commission Provides Private Security For High Fence Hunting Lodge in Clarion County.

This is a little different field journal than I am used to writing, but with what it is going on near my hometown of Knox, PA, I felt compelled to write this.  While this article is a negative piece, it certainly does not reflect on all Game Wardens, Wildlife Conservation Officers and Deputy Game Wardens.  In fact a couple of years ago I had a WCO take two hours out of his day to help me track a wounded deer through some of the thickest brush and briars that you can imagine. One of the best experiences I could have asked for.  To date, all of my experiences with the Pennsylvania Game Commission have been positive except for this one.

Entrance to the High Fence Hunting Lodge

There is a situation in Clarion County that I feel all those who buy a hunting license should be made aware.  Currently the Pennsylvania Game Commission is providing private security for a high fence hunting lodge in Clarion County.

This story began in the first week of November, 2007 when my entire family was home for my grandmother’s funeral.  It is customary when we all go home that we generally take some time to go spotlighting around my father’s farm.  On this particular occasion, I would not be going along as the SUV was full and I was going to get up very early to go out archery hunting.

My brother, sister and cousin were all along for the ride and to make a long story short, the first stop was a high fence hunting lodge, located about a mile down the road where you can usually see some real bruisers.  It was approximately 7:00 p.m. and they noticed a gentleman sitting in his vehicle at the entrance to the lodge.  Not thinking anything of it, they continued on their way and spotted the normal routine around the block.  It was getting late so they decided to take one more spin by the high fence hunting lodge at 10:45 pm.  The same truck was still there, nearly 4 hours later, and this time the Deputy Game Warden pulled them over.

Location Where The Warden’s Conduct Night in Night Out Stakeouts

It was explained that it is illegal to spot the deer in these fences because any animal within a fence is considered livestock.  The warden then explained that, “the owner had called them to ask for their help because several deer had been shot.”

Since this incident, I have spoken to three other individuals who on different dates were pulled over by the Game Wardens in the same location. I imagine that there are more than three incidents, but these are the ones that I have direct knowledge.

After getting this report from my brother, I was concerned to think that the PGC would spend and entire evening conducting a spotlighting sting operation on a private high fence hunting lodge. I was also very confused as to why they were there in the first place if deer had been shot.  I felt that possibly there was a reasonable explanation, so I immediately contacted the PGC to see if I could get some answers.  All this did was leave me more confused.  It took me asking the same question 4 times, “If deer are being shot in a fence, and since the law says they are considered livestock, shouldn’t this be a state police matter?”  Finally, after the fourth time asking the same question, this is what I received, “Yes, if deer were shot then it is a state police matter, but perhaps the Game Warden misspoke.”  Come on!

Reward Sign For The High Fence Hunting Lodge

I also said, and most importantly, “Don’t you think there is better use of very thin PGC resources than sitting night after night to protect a privately owned high fence hunting operation that contributes nothing to the PGC.”  The reply was simply, we provide services to “ALL Pennsylvanians.”

I also had an opportunity to have a telephone conversation with Gerald Feaser, Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and he explained, “We are well within our rights to conduct sting operations wherever and whenever we feel appropriate.”  Then he proceeded to turn the conversation around and say that if I oppose these types of operations then I am also against the use of decoys in poaching sting operations.  He then went on for a couple more minutes, not letting me get a word in and he finished by saying, “That is all I have to say.”  My head is still spinning and I am not real sure how the conversation turned to me opposing the use of deer decoys in poaching operations.  Since I wasn’t permitted to speak while on the phone, I will address it here.  Of course I am not against the use of deer decoys in illegal poaching activities.  In fact, I am not really sure what this has to do with the PGC sitting night in night out conducting “spotlighting sting operations” for private high fence hunting lodges where the deer (livestock) are being shot.  The bottom line is that they are completely unrelated.

My issue is not with a $125.00 ticket for illegal spotlighting.  Ignorance of any law is no excuse and the law clearly states that all animals in a fence are considered livestock.  It is the responsibility of anyone participating in spotlighting activities to read and understand the laws associated with this activity.  My issue is not with the high fence hunting lodge and they have every right to call the appropriate authorities. My concern is with the PGC’s decision to dedicate entire evenings, night after night to in essence provide private security for someone who gives nothing to the PGC.  I also know that when animals or livestock are being shot, it is not the PGC’s responsibility to  attempt to catch  the offenders and this was clearly stated as the reason for these stake outs by the Game Warden.

This whole situation really makes one think.  What is really going on here?  Could it be the $5,000 reward?  Is someone buddy buddy with the owner?  I don’t know what it is, but in the world of public relations, perception is reality, and there is no good reason that I can think of for the PGC to dedicate these kinds of resources to protecting a high fence hunting operation from spotlighting.  What it boils down to is the PGC is providing private security for this wealthy lodge owner on the dollars of PA hunters, and yes, that upsets me, as it should everyone who buys a hunting license.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has a very difficult job to do and for the most part I feel that their WCO’s do an excellent job.  I cannot imagine the day in and day out complaints and issues that they receive from people across the state.  I personally have never complained to the PGC or filed any type of complaint, in fact, I have almost been in fisticuffs with family members defending the PGC and their policies.   However, I feel so strongly about this matter, that it is my responsibly to make the public aware of what is going on.  I personally hope that the PGC will take a hard look at what is taking place and hopefully adjust some of their resource allocations to more appropriate endeavors.  I would love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to email me at info@pasportsmenportal.com.  There is also some lively discussion going on in our forum, click here to let us know how you feel one way or the other.