PA: Violent hunter shoots two over bear hunting dispute

November 24, 2009

1 dead, 1 shot in dispute over bear hunting in Pa.

SUMMERVILLE, Pa. - An autopsy is planned Wednesday on a man shot dead in an argument with a bear hunting party over trespassing on land in remote northern Pennsylvania.

Sixty-three-year-old Frank Shaffer of Red Lion was shot late Tuesday morning in a confrontation near Summerville in Jefferson County. It's about 15 miles from Punxsutawney and about 60 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.

A member of the hunting party, 23-year-old Paul Plyer of Summerville, was also shot. Police say he's expected to survive.

Trooper Bruce Morris says at least four shots were fired and investigators are trying to determine who fired first.

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