A Tamaqua hunter charged with shooting two teens during bear season last November waived his right to a preliminary hearing with charges bound over to Schuylkill County Court.

Anthony H. Pascoe, 52, Tamaqua, appeared before District Judge Stephen Bayer of Tamaqua, on Tuesday, represented by attorney Michael A. O'Pake, assistant public defender.

Also on hand were four officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, including Wildlife Conservation Officers Kenneth Clouser and David Yusella.

According to the police affidavit, both officers were dispatched to a report of a hunting mishap near Green Street, Tamaqua, at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2014.

Upon arrival at the scene, Tamaqua Police Officer Thomas Rodgers informed Clouser and Yusella that two juveniles were being airlifted for gunshot wounds inflicted by a single bullet during a hunting accident. The affidavit notes that Pennsylvania black bear season was in session at the time.

According to the affidavit, Pascoe indicated he was out hunting, a statement which also concurs with the 911 tape when Pascoe called to report what had taken place.

Pascoe indicated at one point that his rifle, a Remington 7600, discharged accidentally as he unloaded it and the shot struck a girl and boy.

Pascoe said he ran to assist and called 911 using one of the victim's cell phones.

Pascoe said he had been target shooting at rocks earlier in the day, the affidavit states.

Tamaqua police took a rifle and two knives from Pascoe.

One victim was taken to St. Luke's University Hospital, Bethlehem, and the other to Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Pascoe is charged with hunting in a safety zone, two counts of recklessly endangering another person, two counts of shooting at or causing injury while hunting, target shooting during big game season and hunting without a license.

Bayer noted that Pascoe is not considered a flight risk and no bail was set.

He was released on his own recognizance.