Pipeline poachers arrested in Wyoming County

PA wildlife conservation officers arrested seven pipeline workers from Louisiana and Arkansas on November 27 for breaking state game laws, according to the Times-Tribune. The men were charged with illegally killing deer in northern Wyoming County, following a 911 call placed by a resident of Washington Township who heard shots at 11 p.m. Searches revealed six sets of antlers from recently killed deer, as well as a refrigerator and freezer containing about 100 pounds of fresh-cut deer meat and a cooler containing another large piece of deer meat. The men are believed to be working for Elite Energy Services LLC, a subcontractor of Chief Oil and Gas. A Chief spokesperson called the behavior “unacceptable” and noted that Chief does not allow firearms at any time or for any reason and is terminating the relationship with the subcontractor. The men were arraigned Sunday before Magisterial District Judge Jennifer Vandine of Laporte and taken to the Wyoming County Prison. Each of the defendants faces a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge John Hovan in Tunkhannock Township on December 7.

Hunting safety tips offered by Marcellus Shale Industry

The development of natural gas in Pennsylvania has led to changes for hunters in some areas of the state. The Marcellus Shale Coalition is offering safety tips on hunting in areas where natural gas extraction or pipeline activities are underway. Some tips include the following: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Game Commission regional offices may be able to provide information on gas industry operations on their lands. Vehicle safety is critically important to the gas industry. In many areas, large trucks will be sharing the roadway, so hunters should park well off the roadway. Drill sites typically have temporary housing, office trailers, control rooms and restrooms which are occupied structures with associated safety zones. The Game Law establishes a 150-yard safety zone around occupied structures during firearms hunting seasons. Visit http://marcelluscoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Fact-Sheet-Hunting.pdf to see more tips.