Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol

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."

Early Deer Take - Sullivan County
In September, ECOs in Orange and Sullivan counties responded to reports of a potential illegal deer take in the town of Rockland. Officers arrived at the location and observed a recently washed Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) and several buzzards flying in the area where the deer had been reportedly taken. The ECOs also discovered a feeder filled with corn strapped to a nearby tree. ECOs interviewed the alleged subject who said he was hunting bears but eventually confessed to shooting an eight-point buck with his rifle while walking back from his tree stand. ECOs charged the individual with taking deer out of season, hunting deer and bear over a pre-established bait pile, discharging a gun within 500 feet of a dwelling, and trespass in accordance with Environmental Conservation Law, all returnable to the Town of Rockland Court. Big game season in New York began on Oct. 1 for bowhunting; the regular big game rifle season begins Nov. 16.