Illegal Baiting Incident Leads to Multiple Citations in Suffolk County

On January 11, Environmental Conservation Officers Layton and Vandenbos investigated a previously identified baited tree stand in the hamlet of East Quogue, where they observed a hunter occupying the stand with a crossbow.

During the investigation, the hunter admitted to failing to report a deer harvested during the opening weekend of the southern zone rifle season. The individual also stated that a friend had dropped him off and was hunting nearby. Officer Vandenbos requested assistance from Officer DeVito and Forest Ranger Gagne to locate the second individual.

Authorities subsequently located the second hunter, who was also found to be hunting with the aid of a pre-established bait pile and without a valid hunting license or tags. Multiple tickets were issued to both individuals. All citations are returnable to Southampton Town Justice Court.