Pennsylvania Game Commission officials announced that charges were filed against three Monroe County juveniles for the unlawful killing or possession of seven white-tailed deer and other game law violations.

Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Larry McDaniel approached a vehicle occupied by one person from Sciota and another from Stroudsburg in the early morning hours of Nov. 22 at a gas station in Chestnuthill Township. The officer observed two freshly killed antlerless deer in the bed of the pickup and discovered a rifle and a loaded shotgun in the vehicle.

State Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Cory Bentzoni responded to the scene and determined that both deer were killed outside of the regular firearms deer season, and through the use of a light, near Featherman Road in Hamilton Township. A third deer, killed in the same manner, was left in a field near the Glenbrook golf course in Stroud Township.

Interviews with the suspects led Game Commission officers to a third juvenile from Gilbert who is also accused of participating in the killing of the three antlerless deer. Four antlered deer, in various stages of decomposition, were found at his residence and determined to have been unlawfully possessed.

Charges against all three include one count each of the unlawful killing or taking of big game, loaded firearms in a vehicle, and the unlawful use of lights while hunting. The suspects face fines up to $2,000 and may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three months for these charges. The juvenile charged with unlawfully possessing four antlered deer faces additional fines of up to $3,200.

Charges were filed at the offices of Magisterial District Judge Daniel Higgins, Stroudsburg, and Magisterial District Judge Colleen Mancuso, Brodheadsville. In addition to fines and court costs, all face revocation of Pennsylvania hunting license privileges for several years.

“These young men made an unfortunate decision to kill game illegally and unethically,” Bentzoni said. “They now face consequences for their actions.”