This really chaps my hide. Details of the criminals after the jump.

DEC POLICE ARREST BEAR POACHERS

The Adirondack early bear season has been open for less than two weeks and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 5 Environmental Conservation Police are busy seeking out and catching poachers.

DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) are out patrolling, staking out, and observing the lands on which people hunt. They are in uniform and undercover; they are in vehicles and on foot; they are checking licenses and watching over decoys. ECOs have already handled a number of reports of poaching.

“Most hunters pursue and take game in a legal manner,” said DEC Region 5 Law Enforcement Captain Lawrence DiDonato. “However, we will continue to make every effort to stop poachers from illegally and unfairly killing game at the expense of legitimate sportsman and game populations. DEC has great respect for the legitimate sporting public, and invites them, and others, to join our efforts to combat poaching.”

The early bear season opened on Saturday, September 19. Routine patrol and investigations have led to a number of arrests for illegally taking bear, mainly by baiting, prior to and shortly after opening day.