Crossbow hunter charged with hitting home | News, Sports, Vacancies

Three area residents recently received citations from state game officials for firing guns too close to their homes.

It is prohibited to hunt, shoot, trap, trap, chase or disturb any wildlife within 150 yards of any residence, camp, industrial or commercial building, farm or farmhouse, school or playground without the permission of the occupants. The fine for violating a safety zone ranges from $200 to $500.

Jeffrey L. Fields, 43, was charged with criminal damage to property and trespassing on Oct. 26 in Glade Township. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission citation, Fields fired the weapon while hunting within a 500-foot safety zone, which is included in state Game Commission regulations.

“The defendant, for any reason, unlawfully fired an arrow through the security zone without the express prior permission of its lawful owner,” says the quote. “Specifically, the defendant fired an arrow from a crossbow that hit the house.”

Earlier this week, citations were issued to Joseph J. Lindstrom, 21, of Pittsfield, and Joel R. VanOrd, 31, of Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, for trespassing after the pair allegedly hunted too close to a neighbor’s home without permission. Game officials recommend that hunters obtain permission from property owners before hunting, although permission to hunt on private land does not mean hunters can shoot too close to the owner’s home.

“The accused unlawfully, while hunting game or wild animals or in the exercise of any other privilege conferred by this title, hunted, captured, pursued or otherwise harassed any game or wild animals, or discharged for any reason any firearm within or through a safe place. zone or shoot any game or wild animals while they are within the security zone, without the express prior permission of its lawful owner.” the quote says. “Specifically, the defendant was hunting within his neighbor’s safety zone (122 yards).”

Safety zone violations ranked as the 10th most cited violation of state Game Commission guidelines in 2023, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s annual report.

In late October, a hunter was cited for shooting too close to Betts Park in Warren. Phillip Wentworth of Wadsworth, Ohio, with protection of institutions, parks and resorts.

“The defendant unlawfully hunted, trapped game or wild animals, or discharged a firearm of any description on the lands, waters, or grounds of any park or resort designated for public use where people may assemble in the open air for health, recreation, or pleasure.” The nature of the offense is indicated in the citation. “Specifically, the defendant shot a duck within 150 yards of Betts Park.”