Elk County, PA (WJAC) — Wildlife officials with the Pennsylvania Game Commission say a Saint Marys man is facing charges, accused of illegally killing a bear and using his child's harvest tag to try and process the animal.
According to the affidavit, the investigation into 46-year-old Joseph Blessel began when officials were dispatched to a residence in Kersey, on Oct. 15th, for a report of a bear that had reportedly been killed by a juvenile.
Authorities note that it is standard practice that all bears harvested in the state are required to be checked by wildlife officials within 24 hours of the successful hunt.
Investigators say, upon further inspection of the animal, officials noted that the time that Blessel purchased the license was not consistent with the time listed on the harvest tag, nor with the temperature of the animal.
Authorities say the bear was seized by wildlife officials, at which time Blessel admitted to shooting the animal and using his son's harvest tag.
Officials say Blessel also admitted to purchasing the tag after the animal had already been killed.
Investigators say Blessel then showed officials the location of where he killed the bear, which showed evidence that the animal had been harvested there.
Authorities say Blessel also admitted to "baiting" the bear into the area with apples and corn.
Officials noted that there was evidence of such foods inside the bear's mouth.
According to online court records, Blessel faces numerous charges including killing big game out of season, hunting without a license, and using artificial bait.
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