Three area residents received citations recently by state Game Commissioners for firing weapons too close to houses.

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

Jeffrey L. Fields, 43, was cited for damage to property and a safety zone violation on Oct. 26 in Glade Township. According to the citation from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Fields shot a weapon while hunting within the 150 safety zone that is included in state Game Commission guidelines.

“The defendant did unlawfully discharge, for any reason, any arrow through a safety zone without the specific advance permission of the lawful occupant thereof,” the citation states. “To wit, the defendant shot shot an arrow from his crossbow and hit a house.”

Earlier this week, citations were written for Joseph J. Lindstrom, 21, of Pittsfield and Joel R. VanOrd, 31, of Stoneboro, Pa., for safety zone violations after the pair allegedly hunted too close to a neighbor’s home without permission. Game Commission officials recommend hunters get permission from property owners before hunting, though permission to hunt on privately owner land doesn’t mean hunters can fire too close to the property owner’s home.

“The defendant did unlawfully while hunting game or wildlife, or pursuing any other privilege granted by this title, to hunt for, take, pursue or otherwise chase any game or wildlife or to discharge, for any reason, any firearm within or through a safety zone or to shoot at any game or wildlife while it is within the safety zone without the specific advance permission of the lawful occupant thereof,” the citation states. “To wit, the defendant was hunting within their neighbor’s safety zone (122 yards)”

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

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

“The defendant did unlawfully hunt for or take game or wildlife or to discharge a firearm of any description into or upon any lands, waters or premises of any park or resort set aside for the use of the public where people may congregate in the open for health, recreation or pleasure,” the nature of offense states on the citation. “To wit the defendant shot at a duck within 150 yards of Betts Park.”