Wildlife Game Masters

Release #083-09

PENNSYLVANIAN GUILTY OF ILLEGALLY KILLING ELK IN COLORADO

HARRISBURG – The “long-arm of the law” caught up with George Isenberg Jr., 52, of Venetia, Washington County, who recently pled guilty of one count of unlawfully transporting illegal game into Pennsylvania, and concluded an investigation that began in January.

In January, information was given to Game Commission WCO Dan Sitler, who serves the northern district of Washington County, about Isenberg shooting a bull elk in Colorado without having a valid bull elk license issued in that state.

“The Colorado Division of Wildlife was notified of the investigation and information was shared between officers of both states regarding the investigation and findings,” WCO Sitler said. “Two search warrants were executed in January: one for high school attendance and excuse records; and the second on the Isenberg’s residence.

“The first warrant showed that his son, who actually was the one issued the bull tag was back in Pennsylvania attending school. The second warrant on the residence produced 98 packages of meat and two 2008 Colorado hunting licenses.”

Isenberg gave a written statement admitting to the taking of the 5x5 bull elk. After pleading guilty, he was ordered to pay fines and court costs of $566.50 in Pennsylvania. Earlier, he pled guilty to Colorado violations and was fined more than $2,800.

Along with the fines imposed he will also have his license revoked in Colorado and Pennsylvania.

However, Richard Palmer, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection, noted that since Colorado is a member of the “Wildlife Violator Compact,” along with several other states, those other states enrolled in the compact also will honor the Colorado revocation.

“This is fine example of how two states and their wildlife agencies can work together for a common cause: protecting wildlife,” Palmer said. “It also is one example of how states place differing values on wildlife based on their fines and penalties.”

Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: House Bill 1859, sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback (D-Lackawanna), recently was approved by the House and awaits action in the Senate. The bill would increase fines and penalties for poaching. Additionally, House Bill 1832, sponsored by Rep. Marc Gergley (D-Allegheny), would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Wildlife Violator Compact. This bill is awaiting action in the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

i hate poachers. the only thing that gets me is the worst thing that happens is they get their hunting rights revoked. if a guy is going to break the law a hunting license isnt going to stop him. we need the w.c.o. to be more visable and be more of a presance. iv hunted for 24 years and have only seen a wco 4 times while afeild and only have been checked twice. sorry for ranting but that is IMHO

I see them every year, usually driving along some back road.  They stop ask to see your license and away they go.  I have reported several instances of poaching and I never once have had an officer come to get information.  I personally believe they are spread to thin and the deputies don't get paid enough to worry about it.

Thats just it...if you are interested in being a deputy it actually COSTS YOU money. They dont want to pay wardens and there isnt enough of them.

How many of you truly,  would give up time in the field to become a deputy WCO? How many would give up family time to become a deputy WCO? And last but not least, how many would give up the money to become a deputy WCO? There is a well defined "Report a Poacher" policy in effect through the PGC - how many of you would use it if you needed to? Just curious. Actions always speek louder than words!!!

I can honestly say I would not, not to be a deputy anyway.  As DH said, it cost you money to be a deputy and the PGC says that right on their web site.  I believe the deputies are allowed to hunt while on duty, but still wouldn't be worth it to me. The fact is these guys can't be everywhere at once, so they need the help of hunters and citizens in general to be where they are not.  REPORT A POACHER!!!

i didnt want to highjack this thread it was a good thing the game commission did . the thing that upset me is we have poaching done right here at  home and you make the call and you  get "we have to catch them in the act or my d.a. wont prosecute". if dear hanging incoolers untagged isnt enough evidence then what is?

I can say, and I am sure others already know this, there is a definate rift between the PGC and other agencies of law.  I hear ya on that though treestand.  I had an instance last season with dogs chasing deer.  This happened on MORE THAN one occassion.  Reported it, told them who the dogs belong to, the response was, and I quote, "well, next time you see them chasing give us a call so we can come out and witness it."  Now, I don't ever claim to be the smartest man, but when you are calling from a tree stand a half mile to a mile back in the woods, what are the chances the dogs are still going to be there when the PGC actually does get there, if they come at all.  So I reported it to the county dog warden.  He tells me the fines and punishment will be harsher if we turn it over to the PGC.  He may be right, if anything is done.  The dogs are still roaming and chasing to this day.  I quit calling, I figure one of the neighbors will take care of it soon.  Just a shame, its not the dogs fault their owner is an idiot.  I don't want to sound like I am bashing the PGC, that is not my intent, I believe the system is broken.  Unless they have a cut and dry case or a confession, there are alot of people who get out of it because of a technicality.  This would definately lead to officers being a little cautious to what they try to prosecute in my opinion, why would they waste there time.    

I had the same problem with dogs a few years ago.

The PGC told me to try to video tape them or get a pic of them chasing. That didn't work. The magistrate threw out the video as evidence because I couldn't prove that the dogs were on my property. Who cares whos property it is. Chasing is chasing.

Let's face it . Unless the PGC sees something illegal going on first hand nothing can or will be done. There are too many loopholes in the judicial system. I have reported poaching in the past only to be mark as a trouble maker. To me, It just isn't worth my time to help the PGC if they are not going to stand by my side when need.