'Kill for thrill' convictions

Four juveniles convicted of killing multiple deer in Venango and Mercer counties "for kicks" have been convicted of game law violations.

The Game Commission announced last week that the quartet, all 17 years old, were convicted of unlawful use of lights while hunting, unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife and carrying loaded firearms in vehicles.

Each was fined more than $4,000 plus court costs.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Clint Deniker called the crimes a "kill for thrill" spree.

"The four juveniles would spotlight deer, exit the vehicle and shoot, drive to another field and repeat the process," Deniker said. "They did not care if the deer were wounded or dead."

He added that there was no way to determine how many deer were victimized by the quartet. Game officers investigated areas where the suspects had traveled and found multiple dead deer, but the convictions covered just four of the fatalities.