Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife conservation officers Rod Mee and Rob Minnich recently filed charges on two Tioga County residents for a weekend poaching spree in which eight whitetail deer were found shot and left to rot.

From Feb. 24-27, Zachary Ryan Zimmers, 21, and Michael Wayne Hinman, 24, both of Morris Run, were out driving around, spotting and shooting deer and then leaving them lay."Fortunately, witnesses called in descriptions of events and vehicle used," Mee said. "Deer and evidence were found on scene which helped in locating the violators. The last known deer shot was an 8-point buck."WCOs Mee and Minnich said that this case was a waste of the resource, but more unsettling was the total lack of concern for safety of others, as deer were shot in front of homes, next to homes, across roadways and from the roadways. The two were charged with multiple charges of Title 34 (Game and Wildlife Code) and Title 18 (Crimes Code).At least 34 charges were filed on each individual, including; unlawful killing or taking of big game; unlawful devices and methods; having a loaded firearm in a vehicle; unlawful use of lights while hunting; shooting on or across highways; shooting within a safety zone; and conspiracy. If the maximum penalty is assessed on all charges, Zimmers and Hinman each face fines, court costs and restitutions in excess of $100,000, 19 years in prison and 99 years of hunting license revocation.In an unrelated incident, WCO Darren David said that Brian Dale Waugh, 39, of Dover, York County, has received a prison sentence of 3-10 years after being charged with various crimes stemming from a night-time poaching incident off of Rife Road in Reading Township, Adams County, Dec. 26. A convicted felon not allowed to possess any firearm, he was involved in shooting a deer from a motor vehicle using a rifle and spotlight, with two juveniles ages 11 and 1 in the vehicle at the time. He was also in possession of marijuana.**********A National Wild Turkey Federation Women In The Outdoors event will be held Saturday, June 9, at Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club, New Tripoli, for those age 14 and older.For information and required preregistration, contact Donna Balgosky at 610-767-6932 or email

LehighValleyWITO@yahoo.com by Friday, June 1.**********"Birds of the World" is the theme for this year's Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art 19th Annual Youth Art Contest for those in grades 1-12, and submissions will be accepted until Friday, June 1. All entries must be submitted with an official entry form, available for download on the Ned Smith Center's website at www.nedsmithcenter. org, which lists complete contest rules, and information is available by contacting Beth Sanders at (717) 692-3699 or

bsanders@nedsmithcenter.org.Entry categorizes are grades 1-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12, and first-, second- and third-place winners and an honorable mention winner will be selected from each category. Certificates and ribbons are awarded at the Ned Smith Center Nature and Arts Festival, Saturday, July 28, 2012.Aspiring artists grades 1 through 12 (or equivalent) are encouraged to enter the contest - all entrants will receive a Ned Smith Center Signature Series patch. All artwork must represent birds of the world in their natural habitat. All subjects depicted in the artwork must be identified (scientific and common name) and listed on the entry form.**********Sunday's edition of "Experience The Outdoors," hosted by award-winning Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz, at 7 a.m. on 1410 WLSH and 9:30 a.m. on Magic 105.5, will feature Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Bureau of Boating and Outreach director Laurel Anders.**********Bear's Head 3-D course is open daily through Friday, Oct. 12, from dawn to dusk, located on club grounds located off I-81 exit 134, 148 Lofty Road, Delano. For information, call the association at 570-467-0331.**********Trout Unlimited Western Pocono Chapter will hold a Memorial Day Picnic, Monday, May 28, at the White Haven Sportsmen's Club picnic grounds, located alongside the Upper Lehigh River, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fishing is permitted after a demonstration by casting and champion and author George Daniel. For information and required advance tickets, contact Western Pocono Trout Unlimited, Box 414, Albrightsville, Pa. 18210.