Couple charged following investigation into illegal hunting in Somerset County, authorities say

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — State wildlife officials say two Somerset County men are facing charges following an illegal hunting investigation conducted nearly two years ago.

Authorities say Dalton Stevanus and Tanner Klinkner, both 21, face multiple summary offenses after they were caught hunting out of season near private property in Jefferson Township.

According to the affidavit, on October 26, 2022, Stevanus was allegedly confronted by an off-duty game warden who was archery hunting.

Investigators say Stevanus was apparently dressed in camouflage and carrying a sniper rifle.

When questioned by the warden, investigators said Stevanus claimed he hunted coyotes.

Authorities say that after the off-duty warden identified himself, Stevanus refused to provide the wildlife officer with any identification or proof of a hunting license.

Officials say Stevanus then left the scene and the guard returned to his vehicle to change into his uniform and start duty.

Authorities say that as the warden searched for Stevanus, he then encountered Klinkner, who was returning home after hunting along Rocky Ridge Road.

Investigators say Klinkner admitted to the principal that Stevanus resided with him at his residence, located along Old Hickory Flats Road.

Officials say the warden then contacted another wildlife officer to help with the investigation.

While continuing to search for Stevanus, authorities say one of Klinkner’s relatives approached the manager and informed him that the two men were at his home on Old Hickory Flats Road.

Investigators noted that although he did not provide the warden with any identification, Stevanus had been identified in previous meetings between him and state wildlife officials.

Authorities say guards searched the residence where the two men were staying and seized “various evidence” of suspected illegal hunting.

Investigators also noted that cellphone location data showed the couple in the area of ​​private property at the time of the alleged poaching.

According to online court records, Stevanus faces more than a dozen offenses, including charges for illegal possession of game or wild animals and hunting out of season.

Officials say Klinkner also faces three summary charges for similar offenses, as well as a misdemeanor drug charge.

Both preliminary hearings are scheduled for October 31.