MILLERSBURG MAN CONVICTION UPHELDHunting- Jeffrey Fritz, 46, of Millersburg, was found guilty in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas for possessing and transporting an untagged 8-point deer, and making false statements to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers at a trial on April 14. Fritz, who had previously been found guilty by District Justice Gregory Johnson, originally was sentenced to pay $400 in fines, plus costs. However, Fritz appealed the guilty verdict to Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas. On April 14, Judge Todd Hoover upheld the guilty verdict and increased the fines to $700, plus costs. Fritz was charged with failing to tag a large 8-point deer during the first week of archery season in Wayne Township while hunting on a Powells Valley farm. The farmer told him several times to tag his deer, but Fritz refused to do so. Testimony at both trials indicated that Fritz had seen a second, larger 10-point buck that day, and that he was a regular entrant in local "buck pools," in which cash prizes are awarded for the largest antlers entered. "We don't know if he would have killed the second buck," explained WCO Mike Doherty, who filed the charges. "But with almost six weeks of deer season remaining, and his history of entering buck pools, we decided to charge him for the untagged deer rather than wait and risk losing another trophy buck to a poacher." At the conclusion of the appeal trial, Judge Hoover admonished Fritz about his lack of sportsmanship and ethics, which were the basis for his increasing Fritz's fine. Fritz also faces revocation of his hunting license for a time to be determined by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners. "We're pleased that both courts took this matter seriously, and that Dauphin County Assistant District Attorney Sandy O'Hara handled the case so well," said WCO Doherty. "But we're especially grateful that a concerned citizen took the time to pick up the phone to make that call to the Game Commission, and report this crime." 'RIVETING RAPTORS' WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR EDUCATORS HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission, ZOOAmerica and the Whitaker Center will be hosting a "Riveting Raptors" workshop on May 2, from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg. Participants will be actively engaged in a variety of hands-on activities from both the "Hunters of the Sky" program and the Game Commission's Project WILD curriculum/activity guides. The informational and professional development session featuring raptors, which will costs $50, includes information about raptors, a copy of the Project WILD curriculum guide, admission to the Whitaker Center's limited-engagement exhibit "Hunters from the Sky," lunch and a parking pass to the Walnut Street parking garage. Theresa Alberici, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Education specialist, will lead a demonstration of hands-on educational activities designed for youth. In addition, Hershey's ZOOAmerica will offer an up-close and personal view of birds of prey. The workshop provides Act 48 hours for educators. Deadline for registration is noon Wednesday, April 27. To register, call the Professional Development Workshops and School Reservation Office at Whitaker Center, 717-214-4644. Source: PA Game Commision
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