A poaching investigation in Tioga County has resulted in guilty pleas and thousands of dollars in fines after three Cortland County men were found responsible for the illegal killing of a white-tailed deer last fall, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
The incident occurred during the night of Nov. 7 in the Town of Richford, where officers say the men were traveling by vehicle while using artificial light to locate deer. Investigators determined the group fired from the vehicle at a buck illuminated by the spotlight, striking the animal but not killing it outright.
A nearby resident reported the activity after noticing the spotlight and hearing a gunshot. Environmental conservation officers responded to the area but were unable to locate the suspects at that time. The following day, the landowner discovered the wounded deer still alive but unable to move. An officer responding to the scene confirmed the deer had been shot with a rifle and humanely euthanized it.
With no immediate suspects identified, information shared publicly by the landowner helped lead officers to the individuals believed to be involved. Conservation officers later interviewed the three men in Cortland County, where they admitted to their roles in the incident.
According to DEC, the driver of the vehicle, who also fired the shot, was cited for multiple violations, including unlawfully taking a deer, shooting from a motor vehicle, hunting from a public roadway, using artificial light, and possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle. The two passengers were also charged under state law, which holds all participants accountable in wildlife violations.
All three men pleaded guilty in Town of Richford Court. The driver was fined $3,000, while the other two were each fined $2,000. The firearm used in the incident was also surrendered as part of the case.
Officials noted the deer was a mature buck that would have been considered a notable animal if taken legally, though no official scoring was recorded due to the unlawful circumstances.
For New York hunters, the case highlights the importance of ethical practices and the risks of ignoring regulations. DEC officers stress that responsible hunters play a critical role in protecting the resource, often serving as the first line of defense by reporting suspicious activity in the field.
As deer seasons continue across the state, conservation officials remind hunters that fair-chase principles and adherence to the law remain essential to preserving hunting opportunities and maintaining public support for the sport.
