During the 2021-2022 hunting seasons, ECOs patrolled the lands and waters of New York State to ensure hunters were hunting safely and in accordance with the State Environmental Conservation Law. With deer season now closed, ECOs compiled information about offenses.
During the 2021/2022 hunting seasons, ECOs issued:
- 1,564 violation level offenses
- 691 misdemeanor level offenses
- 1 felony level offense
- 99 written warnings
Most infractions occurred during deer hunting season, the most popular big game species to hunt. Officers issued a total of 2,051 charges for infractions of deer hunting regulations. Waterfowl hunting infractions accounted for the second highest category with 184. Of all the charges filed, civilian complaints regarding unlawful action accounted for 1,396 of the enforcement actions initiated.
ECOs remind everyone to exercise safety and prudence when out in the field recreating. If anyone sees a potential environmental crime, report it to 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).
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