Environmental Conservation Police recent regional actions
Hunter pays civil penalties totaling $1,405
Illegal Deer Take – Franklin County
On the October 24 opening day of the Northern Zone Firearms Season, ECO Okonuk heard rifle shots near the Village of Malone, investigated, and found two untagged antlerless deer hanging in a garage. The deer did not belong to any residents in the vicinity, but Officer Okonuk was able to identify a person of interest through the investigation. The following day, ECOs Garrand and Okonuk responded to a camp and interviewed the hunter suspected of taking the antlerless deer. During the interview, the Officers learned that the subject had illegally harvested the deer on October 21 and 23 over pre-established bait, consisting of apples, corn, and salt. In addition, the hunter purchased a resident license but is a non-resident hunter. ECOs determined the subject violated 10 provisions of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law, including hunting over pre-established bait. The individual was arraigned in the Town of Belmont Court and agreed to a compromise of civil penalties totaling $1,405. The venison was donated. It is illegal in New York State to hunt deer over bait, feed deer, or place salt near an area inhabited by deer.
Stolen Tree Stand – Washington County
On October 23, ECO Krug received a complaint from a resident in the Town of Easton who reported having a photograph of an individual carrying a crossbow trespassing on their property. A few days later, the trespasser contacted the property owner and ECOs, learned there was a signed complaint and pending charges against him, and arranged to meet with ECO Krug to receive a ticket. However, the subject did not follow through with the meeting and did not return phone calls from the Officer. On October 28, the property owner contacted ECO Krug reporting that they were hunting and heard what appeared to be their tree stand being dragged through the woods. The trespasser had apparently returned to the property and removed the property owner’s tree stand. ECO Krug and New York State Trooper McKeighan responded to the location and observed the subject across the street. The individual was arrested and charged with petit larceny, trespass, and hunter harassment and released on appearance tickets to Easton Town Court. The tree stand was returned to the property owner.
Posted: November 9th, 2026 under Environmental News, Law Enforcement News, Northern NY News.