With Fugitive Captured, PA Hunting Season Resumes

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has lifted the hunting ban that was put in place during the seven-week manhunt for alleged cop-killer Eric Frein. As of midnight on October 31, hunters and trappers could return to the woods in all areas that had been affected by the manhunt, which stretched across seven townships.

“It is with great relief that the search for Eric Frein has reached its end without further incident, and that the fugitive has been apprehended and charged,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough in an Outdoor Wire report. “I personally would like to congratulate state police for bringing this manhunt to a successful conclusion, and I’d also like to thank our hunters and trappers, who cooperated and complied with this executive order, and otherwise did their part to allow police to continue the search that led to the suspect’s apprehension.”

Penn Live spoke to bowhunters who hoped to get a glimpse of Frein on trail cameras they placed in the area as early as August. The hunting ban took effect three days before the Oct. 4 archery deer season opener, though prohibitions were lifted in a few areas on Oct. 10 and 21. The restrictions also affected ruffed grouse and bear hunters.

According to CNN, Frein was discovered unarmed and surrendered without incident at an abandoned airfield in Tannersville. He is charged with first-degree murder and other charges stemming from a September 12 ambush that killed one officer and injured another outside the state police barracks in Blooming Grove.