[skeeter@ccia.com]

Pa. man killed in hunting fight had permit revoked

The Associated Press

PITTSBURGH - A man who was shot and killed during an argument with bear hunters about trespassing on his land previously had his concealed weapon permit revoked, then returned.

Frank Shaffer of Red Lion was charged with pulling a gun on a trucker in 2006 after each believed the other cut him off on Interstate 83, the York Dispatch reported.

The charges were dropped when the trucker didn't show at Shaffer's preliminary hearing, the newspaper said.

The York County sheriff revoked Shaffer's permit, but a judge later ordered it be reinstated. Shaffer, a real estate appraiser, had said he needed a weapon for protection while working in dangerous neighborhoods.

Shaffer, 63, was killed Tuesday near Summerville in rural northern Pennsylvania. He had been shot once, but his autopsy had not been completed as of Wednesday afternoon.

Paul H. Plyler, 23, of Summerville was also shot once. His injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said.

Shaffer had confronted a group of four or five hunters about trespassing on land he owns with family members, state police said Tuesday.

Investigators were trying to sort out the details of the shooting, but charges are expected, Trooper Bruce Morris said Tuesday. At least four shots were fired, he said.

Police did not immediately return messages seeking comment Wednesday.

Jerry Feaser, a state Game Commission spokesman, said the agency is helping police with the investigation and referred questions to them.

A hunting license does not automatically grant hunters access to private property, Feaser said.