Hunter faces penalties for shooting elk in deer season

A southeastern Pennsylvania hunter faces heavy penalties for shooting a bull elk in mistake for a deer during the recent Pennsylvania firearms deerhunting season.

Bernard B. Barron of Levittown contacted game officials to report his mistake soon after shooting the big bull with 5 x 5 antlers on Dec. 5 in the Moore Hill area of Cameron County. He could face a $500 fine and be required to pay $1,500 in restitution.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Mark Fair of Potter County investigated the incident and filed the

charges with District Judge Alvin Brown of Cameron County.

Meanwhile, game officials have not yet filed charges against two young men from Cameron County who allegedly killed a bull elk on State Game Lands 14, across from Moore Hill Cemetery, in late November. Following the poaching, the 6 x 7 antlers and portions of the torso were removed.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Doty McDowell said an anonymous tip led authorities to the two suspects. The antlers and a portion of the meat were recovered.