Hudson Valley Man Illegally Hunted Deer

A Hudson Valley hunter admitted to placing bait in order to illegally kill deer.

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On Nov. 6, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Jeannette Bastedo received a tip that a hunter took a deer the prior day in an area known to be baited from past hunting seasons.

ECO Bastedo responded to the area and found a pile of feed approximately 15 yards from a tree stand, as well as a blood trail that started less than four feet from the bait pile.

The officer followed the blood trail, found a pair of gloves left in the woods and collected the gloves for DNA purposes.

Armed with evidence, officers interviewed Robert Nelson of Esopus about his hunt on Nov. 5. At first, he told the officers he didn't know the bait was there until he was dragging the deer out, according to the DEC.

Eventually, he admitted he had placed the bait in the area approximately one week before his hunt in order to attract deer.

Nelson was charged with the misdemeanor of illegally taking a deer and a violation of hunting with the aid of bait. After reaching a civil compromise, he was ordered to pay fines. The deer was seized and donated.

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On Dec. 10, Nelson paid $605 in fines and surcharges to the Town of Esopus Court related to the illegal taking of a deer and using bait during his hunt, the DEC announced on Thursday.