Cited for shooting female elk

A Clinton County man who has long battled the Pa. Game Commission over the impact of elk on his apple trees finds himself facing charges for shooting a female elk last month.

Arthur Gavlock allegedly shot the cow on Aug. 24 after he observed it eating apples on his land. He was cited by the Game Commission for unlawful taking of a big game animal, often referred to as poaching. The offense carries a fine of between $500 and $1,500, as well as possible revocation of the offender's hunting privileges and restitution.

Gavlock is expected to contest the charge.

A Humane Society news release commended the Game Commission for citing Gavlock.

"Poaching is not only callous and irresponsible, it's also a serious crime," said Andrew Page, who manages the Humane Society's hunting campaign. "We applaud the commision for taking enforcement of poaching laws seriously, and we urge the law enforcement staff to prosecute this case to the full extent of the law."