REGION - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State. In 2023, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 101,500 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responding to more than 30,932 complaints and working on cases that resulted in nearly 16,900 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

“Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators serving in DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement are working tirelessly across the state to protect natural resources and public safety while holding poachers and polluters accountable,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “DEC looks forward to continuing to work with our local, State, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure compliance with New York’s stringent environmental conservation laws and promote the safe and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.”

Road Hunt – Sullivan County

On Sept. 20, ECOs from Orange and Sullivan counties responded to reports from constables in the town of Bethel regarding hunters with loaded firearms in a motor vehicle. Officers arrived at the location and discovered the constables had already detained three subjects. ECOs observed four loaded firearms in the trio’s pickup truck and a Bethel constable found the hunters in possession of one dead grey squirrel. The passenger in the vehicle admitted to shooting the squirrel from inside the vehicle while on the public roadway. ECOs ticketed that individual for possession of a loaded firearm in a loaded vehicle, shooting on/across a public highway, taking wildlife from a motor vehicle, and illegally taking wildlife. His accomplices received tickets for possession of loaded firearms in a motor vehicle and illegally taking wildlife. All tickets were returnable to Bethel Town Court.  

Injured Eagle – Orange County

On Sept. 28, ECO Boyes received a report of an injured bald eagle having difficulty flying on a property in Middletown. Officer Boyes responded and safely captured the bird with assistance from bystanders. The ECO then transported the eagle to a nearby animal hospital where it was picked up by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in rehabilitating birds of prey.