Persistence Pays Off – Chemung County

During the 2016 big game season, Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) John Lifrieri investigated a baiting complaint in the town of Ashland. At that time, a mineral block and other bait were being used at several tree stands on a property. 

After several unsuccessful attempts to find the subject hunting over the bait, ECO Lifrieri decided to wait until the 2017 seasons. Just prior to the 2017 bow season, the Officer checked the hunter’s ground blind and tree stand again with no luck.

Later, ECO Lifrieri carefully scouted the surrounding vicinity and discovered a mineral block tucked down behind a tree near a tree stand and a somewhat fresh gut pile. The hunter had reported an 8-point buck harvested on Nov. 20, 2017. ECO Lifrieri documented the information, took photos, and left the scene. 

On Dec. 8, the ECO finally caught the perpetrator hunting in the tree stand. The man admitted to hunting the area several times since the 2016 season, and that he knew baiting deer and using a mineral block were illegal. The subject also confirmed that he had shot the 8-point buck in the baited area. 

The hunter was charged with hunting deer with the aid of bait, unlawful feeding of deer, placing a mineral block on lands inhabited by deer, and a misdemeanor for taking an illegal deer. 

The hunter’s case will be heard on Jan.16, 2018, in the Town of Ashland Court. Several pounds of processed venison were seized and confiscated from the subject’s residence and donated to the Wellsburg Food Cupboard food pantry.