30 hunters in the Hudson Valley are accused of illegally killing deer or bear.

The New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers partnered up with New York State Police from Sullivan County during the opening weekend of the 2016 Big Game hunting season. Teams of authorities responded to 45 complaint investigations that ranged from illegally shot deer, to on-going baited camp complaints, some of which dated back to the 2012 Big Game Season, police say.

A total of 78 summonses, 18 of which were misdemeanor offenses, were issued for violations of the environmental conservation law, as well as 1 penal law arrest for criminal possession of a weapon, officials say.

During the four day operation, between Nov. 19-22, officers investigated and started criminal actions for the illegal killings of 12 deer and 3 bear in the Hudson Valley.

Hunting with the aid of pre-established bait continues to be the most common violation, police say. 25 hunters were issued summonses for hunting deer with the aid of pre-established bait, while five were issued summonses for hunting bear with the aid of pre-established bait.

According to State Police, the patrols are instrumental in a successful opening weekend by giving other offices the ability to effectively patrol the entire county and help to ensure the safety of hunters, landowners, neighbors and motorists.

More From Hudson Valley Post