Two recent wildlife enforcement operations in Cayuga County resulted in multiple citations for illegal hunting practices, including the unlawful killing of protected songbirds and deer poaching.
On Nov. 18, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Sincebaugh encountered a group of hunters in the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area in the town of Montezuma. The group claimed they were hunting pheasants, but a brief search revealed a plastic bag containing four immature red-winged blackbirds, a species protected under New York State law.
Further investigation revealed two of the hunters did not have valid hunting licenses. ECO Sincebaugh issued three tickets for the unlawful killing of protected songbirds and two additional citations for hunting without a license. The penalties for these violations can include fines and potential loss of hunting privileges.
In a separate incident on Nov. 10, ECO Prentice stopped a known deer poacher in the town of Throop. The individual was transporting an untagged deer on an ATV and initially claimed to have used a crossbow to take the animal. However, evidence indicated the deer had been shot with a shotgun. A loaded 16-gauge shotgun was later discovered nearby.
The individual received four citations, including two misdemeanors for unlawfully killing a deer and using an unauthorized hunting implement. These charges carry potential fines, jail time, and revocation of hunting privileges.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation continues to enforce hunting regulations to protect wildlife populations and ensure ethical hunting practices.
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