For most of New York State Deer Hunting Season has ended. However, in Suffolk County the season remains open until January 31st, 2025.

In Suffolk County Regular Bow Season is still open and there is also a Special Firearms season open now but it requires a permit. No matter where or when you hunt in New York State there are a few rules that apply that are illegal to break and one of those is hunting from your car or the road.

Hunters Charged with Illegal Hunting in Suffolk County, New York

Knowing that people are tempted to break these rules the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) has a few ways to catch hunters who don't play by the rules. One such trap was set in Brookhaven Township and a father and son fell for it.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation via Facebook
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SEE Also:  Deer Hunting Accident in Update New York

According to a Facebook post and a press release on January 5th, 2025 ECOs used a deer decoy to verify reports that people had been hunting from the road in an area of Brookhaven. ECOs Paschke and Holliday set up the decoy and observed a vehicle stop on the road, then watched an individual exit the car and shoot the decoy from the road.

the vehicle’s rear passenger exited the vehicle, raised his firearm, and shot the decoy from the roadway. ECOs approached the vehicle and interviewed the occupants. During the interview, the Officers learned the driver (father) instructed the shooter (son) to load the gun inside the vehicle, step out into the roadway, and shoot what they believed to be a real deer. (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation via Facebook)

This action resulted in the ECOs seizing the firearm and then charging the father and son with discharging a firearm from the road. They were also charged with possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, and failure to wear hunting orange while hunting with a firearm.

SEE Also: How To Donate Deer Meat in New York State

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