A recent case involving the illegal baiting and killing of a Seneca White Deer near Romulus, New York has been settled by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The incident was initially reported in November 2022 by a hunter who recognized the antlers and cape of the deer at an Oswego taxidermy shop. The deer is a rare species that is often seen on private land and on trail cameras in Romulus.
After being notified of the situation, the DEC launched a thorough investigation that lasted several months. During this time, officers were able to track down the hunter responsible for the deer’s death. The hunter, who has not been named, admitted to baiting the deer in order to poach it. He was charged with several offenses, including illegally taking a deer, hunting with the aid of bait, and intentionally feeding deer.
The case was ultimately settled with a Consent Order that required the hunter to pay $650 in penalties and relinquish the antlers to the DEC. The department considers this case to be a reminder of the importance of enforcing hunting and baiting laws, especially when it comes to protecting rare and unique species like the Seneca White Deer.
According to Deer Haven Park, a company that offers tours of the former Seneca Army Depot where the deer are located. Approximately 3,000 acres has been dedicated on-site as a preserve for the herd.
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