In a major crackdown on illegal poaching, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Southwest Region recently concluded a sprawling investigation in Cambria County that uncovered a shocking disregard for wildlife laws. Between 2023 and 2024, eight individuals were charged with illegally taking 11 white-tailed deer and one gray fox in a calculated poaching operation that has left the local hunting community reeling. The case, detailed on the Game Commission’s Southwest Region Facebook page, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the consequences of breaking the law.
The investigation began with a routine license check by State Game Warden Frumkin on a defendant fishing in Indiana County. When questioned about firearms and ammunition in their vehicle, the suspect confessed to illegally shooting deer at night using a spotlight—a practice known as “jacklighting,” which is both unethical and illegal. This admission opened the floodgates, leading to three search warrants and the discovery of a litany of violations.
The eight defendants—Jason Wise, Sandra Wise, Daniel Wise, Issac Keith, Dan Sodomont, Marina Morgan, Dennis Corson, and Levi Corson—were hit with a total of 35 charges. Their offenses included shooting deer at night, failing to properly tag harvested animals, taking bucks that didn’t meet antler restrictions, using out-of-state tags, and exceeding legal harvest limits. These actions not only violated hunting regulations but also threatened the delicate balance of Pennsylvania’s wildlife ecosystems.
The penalties were severe, reflecting the gravity of the crimes. Jason Wise faced seven charges, $6,327 in fines, and a 10-year hunting and trapping license revocation. Sandra Wise received two charges, $1,202 in fines, and a four-year revocation, while Daniel Wise was hit with two charges, $2,142 in fines, and a six-year revocation. The remaining defendants each faced four to six charges, with fines ranging from $4,222 to $6,303 and, for most, 10-year license revocations. Collectively, the group was slapped with $35,047 in fines and a staggering 70 years of suspended hunting and trapping privileges.
Warden Frumkin and the Southwest Region team deserve commendation for their diligent work in bringing these poachers to justice. Their efforts highlight the critical role of wildlife wardens in protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Poaching doesn’t just harm individual animals—it disrupts ecosystems, undermines conservation efforts, and disrespects the law-abiding hunters who adhere to regulations. Cases like this underscore why wildlife laws exist and how their enforcement ensures that future generations can enjoy Pennsylvania’s rich biodiversity.
You can help protect wildlife, too. If you suspect poaching or other wildlife violations, report them to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-888-PGC-8001 or submit a tip online. Your call could be the key to stopping illegal activity and preserving our natural heritage.
For more updates on wildlife conservation and enforcement efforts, follow the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Southwest Region on Facebook. This poaching bust is a victory for wildlife, but it’s also a call to action. What do you think about this case? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about protecting our natural world.
Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission – Southwest Region, Facebook
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