Animal poaching cases numerous in region

PHOTOGRAPHER: Edward Munger Jr.

A black bear lying in her den was among dozens of animals that fell victim during a rash of big game poaching that stretched into January, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 5 office.

In all, DEC Region 5 conservation officers arrested 78 people on poaching or related charges between Oct. 27 and Jan. 10.

Charges were lodged in late November against three men the DEC alleges were involved in killing a female black bear inside of her den.

An environmental conservation officer following up on a trespassing complaint in Hamilton County staked out the site in the town of Benson after finding the bear shot dead in its den Nov. 29 — nine days after the latest bear hunting season ended.

The next day, the officer allegedly found suspects cleaning a bait pile and salt licks.

Benjamin I. Van Nostrand, 38, of Northville, was charged with aiding in the illegal take of a bear, a misdemeanor, as well as trespassing while hunting and unlawful feeding of deer, both violations, according to the DEC.

A conviction on these charges comes with maximum penalties of up to a $2,500 fine and a year in jail.

Daniel J. Van Nostrand, 40, of Edinburg, was charged with the illegal killing of bear, a misdemeanor, as well as hunting with the aid of bait, trespassing and failing to tag a bear, all violations. Convictions on these charges yield up to $2,750 in fines and a year in jail, according to the DEC.

Officers allege George J. Van Nostrand, 36, of Northville, was also involved in the poaching. He was charged with trespassing on posted property, a violation punishable with a $250 fine and up to 15 days in jail.

A complaint Jan. 10 drew the interest of two environmental conservation officers who investigated the shooting of a buck at Lindsey’s Orchards in Clifton Park. Officers allege Duane R. Lindsey, 59, of Rexford, shot the antlered deer under the orchard’s nuisance deer permit — a permit that is valid only for deer without antlers.

Lindsey was charged with taking big game out of season and taking deer with the aid of an artificial light, both misdemeanors, as well as violating the terms and conditions of a deer nuisance permit, a violation, according to the DEC.

Convictions on these charges are punishable with a maximum fine of $4,250 and up to two years and 15 days in jail.

Meanwhile, the orchard’s nuisance deer permit was revoked, according to a news release.