DEC Charges Two North Country Poachers for Taking Deer Illegally

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) charged two North Country men with multiple offenses related to alleged deer poaching in Jefferson County. The subjects are repeat offenders who now face thousands of dollars in potential fines and revocation of their hunting licenses.

Region 6 DLE Captain Harold Barber said, "I applaud our DEC Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigators (BECI) for their diligence and dedication over several months to investigate these defendants and hold them accountable for their crimes. Let this serve as a reminder to the public that poaching of any kind is illegal, unethical, and against New York's rich hunting traditions that thousands of responsible hunters participate in each year."

On Sept. 6, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) arrested Jonathan M. Lille, 23, and Tyler S. Monica, 20, both of Adams, for unlawfully taking two deer in the towns of Henderson and Hounsfield on Dec. 30 and 31, 2023. The defendants are charged with the unlawful taking of big game, taking big game from a motor vehicle, taking big game from a highway, taking big game with the aid of artificial light, discharge of a firearm over a public highway, possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, and taking big game during the closed season, all misdemeanor crimes. Lille received an additional violation for trespassing on posted property.

The investigation began earlier this year when ECOs received complaints about the duo from a member of the sporting community. The investigation revealed that Lille and Monica had used artificial lights to shoot the deer from a vehicle, at night, and during the closed season.

Local ECOs are familiar with both men, having charged them with similar offenses in the past. In 2021, Lille pleaded guilty to three unlawful hunting charges and Monica lost his hunting license until 2023 due to similar charges.

In this new case, both men face up to $9,000 in criminal fines and could have their hunting licenses revoked for up to five years. Tickets received in the town of Henderson were returnable to Henderson Town Court on Sept. 9, and those received in the town of Hounsfield are returnable to the Town of Hounsfield Court on Sept. 24.