Environmental Conservation Officers across New York have investigated several illegal deer kills this fall, uncovering violations involving nighttime shooting, baiting, trespassing, and hunting from public roads. The incidents in Delaware, Suffolk, and Franklin counties have resulted in numerous charges and fines, highlighting the importance of following hunting regulations as the 2026 deer season progresses.
New York’s fall hunting season has brought a series of deer poaching investigations, with Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) documenting illegal harvests across several regions of the state. The cases, reported in a November 9 enforcement roundup, demonstrate how wildlife officers use evidence from crime scenes, witness reports, and surveillance footage to identify suspected violators.
Delaware County: Two Deer Killed, 10 Tickets Issued
One of the more extensive investigations took place in the Town of Masonville, Delaware County, following reports that two deer were illegally shot on September 29.
ECOs responding to the initial complaint discovered evidence of a deer being shot from a roadway onto posted private property. Investigators identified a suspect who admitted shooting one doe, but initially denied involvement in the second killing.
Officers subsequently recovered bullets from both locations and compared their characteristics with the suspect’s rifle. Tire tracks, vehicle measurements, and security camera footage provided additional evidence connecting the individual to the second incident. Confronted with these findings, the suspect reportedly admitted shooting both deer.
The investigation resulted in 10 environmental conservation tickets involving illegal deer harvests, trespassing, spotlight use, hunting with a motor vehicle, discharging a firearm from a public highway, and other violations. Authorities also discovered that the individual had a previous felony conviction prohibiting firearm possession, leading to a separate misdemeanor weapons charge.
Suffolk County: Illegal Buck Harvested Near Marina
On October 7, ECOs investigated a deer reportedly killed near East Islip Marina on Long Island. The suspect initially told officers that he found an injured buck beside an arrow and collected the animal after it died.
However, officers discovered a bow and matching arrows inside his vehicle. According to the investigation, the individual eventually acknowledged shooting the deer from a public roadway.
Authorities confiscated the buck and archery equipment and issued tickets for illegal deer take, trespassing in a restricted area, shooting from a public roadway, and failing to immediately tag the deer.
Franklin County: Illegal Baiting Results in $1,405 Penalty
Another investigation unfolded near Malone in Franklin County on October 24, the opening day of the Northern Zone regular firearms season.
After hearing rifle shots, an ECO investigated a nearby garage and discovered two untagged antlerless deer. Further investigation determined that the animals had been harvested on October 21 and 23 over bait consisting of apples, corn, and salt.
Officers also discovered that the hunter had purchased a resident hunting license despite being a nonresident. The investigation identified 10 violations of New York’s Environmental Conservation Law. The individual subsequently agreed to civil penalties totaling $1,405, and the confiscated venison was donated.
What New York Hunters Should Know
New York prohibits the intentional feeding and baiting of deer, including the placement of salt or mineral attractants. Beyond violating hunting regulations, concentrating deer around artificial food sources can increase the risk of disease transmission, including chronic wasting disease (CWD).
With the Southern Zone regular firearms season scheduled to open November 21, hunters should also review season-specific restrictions, legal weapons, tagging requirements, and property access rules. New York’s Northern Zone regular season opened October 24 and continues through December 6.
Hunters who witness suspected poaching can contact DEC’s Environmental Conservation Police through the 24-hour hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). Officials encourage witnesses to provide locations, vehicle descriptions, and other relevant information without confronting suspected violators.
Stay Informed with Hunterizer
Knowing which hunting regulations apply to a particular location and date is essential for avoiding violations. The Hunterizer app helps New York hunters identify open seasons, Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), legal hunting methods, bag limits, licensing requirements, and after-harvest obligations. With interactive hunting zone maps and species-specific regulations, Hunterizer makes it easier to plan legal and responsible hunts throughout New York.
