From rescuing stranded anglers and ducklings to uncovering illegal landfills and poached trophy bucks, New York State Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) have been active on land and water in recent weeks, enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding public safety.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that its officers responded to over 30,000 complaints in 2024 alone, issuing more than 15,000 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from poaching to waste dumping.

One high-profile case involved the illegal killing of a famed buck known as “King Louie” in Montgomery County. Officers say the hunter shot the animal from the road without landowner permission, resulting in a $3,000 fine, a five-year hunting license revocation, and mandatory hunter safety training.

In Warren County, an illegal dumping case culminated in a $118,650 penalty and a court-ordered cleanup of a site containing 16,000 cubic yards of waste, including tires, boats, and construction debris.

Meanwhile, officers in Queens County issued multiple tickets after a man attempted to flee into the water with a bag of illegal fish and after a mechanic was caught on video dumping diesel fuel near a public highway. Elsewhere in Queens, a subject was cited for harvesting oysters from uncertified waters—24 oysters were safely returned.

On the conservation front, officers rescued a juvenile bald eagle in Dutchess County, removed ducklings from a storm drain in Staten Island, and helped a snapping turtle cross a busy road in Westchester County.

DEC officers also provided support during Fleet Week in New York Harbor, conducted night fishing patrols, participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run, and led a fishing outreach event for youth in Suffolk County.

“These officers protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “I applaud the critical work DEC’s ECOs and Investigators are undertaking to ensure a cleaner, greener, safer, and more resilient New York State.”