DEC: 4 Charged Following Illegal Deer Shooting in Orange County

Authorities charged four in Orange County after the group allegedly illegally attempted to shoot a deer.

Officials from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Environmental Conservation Officers received a called from a State Trooper in Orange County saying the trooper stopped a pick-up truck in the town of Mount Hope for allegedly poaching deer.

Environmental Conservation Officer Lattimer responded. He met with the trooper and questioned the truck’s four occupants. Officials say the group admitted they shot at a deer but missed.

All four, individually, confirmed the account and gave written statements.

One admitted to shooting at an eight-point buck. A search of the area confirmed the shooter had missed the deer.  A .308 rifle used was seized as evidence.

All four were given appearance tickets for using a light with an unsecured gun in the truck.

The person who admitted to shooting at the deer was also given appearance tickets for hunting deer with artificial light, possession of a loaded gun in a motor vehicle, hunting deer during the closed season, and illegally harassing or pursuing deer.

All of the charges will be heard in the town of Mount Hope Court. Their names were not released.

If you witness an environmental crime or believe a violation of environmental law occurred please call the DEC Division of Law Enforcement hotline at 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267).