Hunters Charged With Illegal Take Of Wildlife On North Fork: DEC

NORTH FORK, NY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation cracked down on hunters last month in Southold.

On Dec. 28, two environmental conservation officers heard gunshots while on patrol, the DEC said. After finding the spot where the gunshots originated from, the officers saw people hunting waterfowl and initiated a compliance check, the DEC said.

The hunters admitted to taking multiple Canada geese in the area and the ECOs found corn scattered in front of a hunting blind and within decoys on the property, the DEC said.

The officers issued eight tickets to three people for hunting migratory game birds over bait, illegal take of wildlife, and hunting without a signed duck stamp, the DEC said. The ECOs seized five Canada geese as evidence, officials said.