Highlights: April 2010

Northern Region Highlights

While conducting a foot patrol on Opening Day of turkey season, CO Sutton watched a hunter attempt to hide something when he observed the officer approaching his location. The officer conducted an inspection and found 3 rifled slugs the hunter had hidden in the brush. Upon further investigation, it was determined the hunter was also trespassing. Complaints for both violations were filed.

CO Nestel participated at the “Law Enforcement Career Day” at Sussex County Community College. The officer was very well received and discussed the position of Conservation Officer with many interested students.

CO Sutton completed an investigation of a taxidermist which began in December 2009.The taxidermist, as well as 3 of his customers, were found to be in possession of unregistered deer parts. The taxidermist was also in violation of failing to keep records. Appropriate charges were signed for all the individuals.
COs Paul and Sutton maintained the Law Enforcement booth at the Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House. The event was well attended and the COs assisted visitors with questions concerning fishing regulations.

During the 2009 Turkey Season, CO Paul located a “bunker” that was baited with corn. The bunker was a metal structure which was partially buried in the ground with a locked door. The CO checked the structure many times during the season and was unable to locate anyone. The officer checked the area several days before Opening Day of the 2010 season and found the site was once again baited with corn. On the third day of the season, the officer approached the area and noticed the bunker door was unlocked. The officer located a hunter inside and determined he was hunting turkeys over bait. The appropriate summons was issued.

Lt Panico responded to a complaint of individuals using a cast net in a trout stocked stream. Upon his arrival, he observed 2 individuals fishing with fishing poles and 2 using the net. The officer was able to determine that 1 individual was fishing without a license and the second was using his girl friend’s license. The 2 individuals using the net were found to be in possession of 4 sub-legal black crappies. All the individuals received summonses for the violations.

During the report period, CO Kuechler patrolled the Newark Bay Complex for striped bass activity. The officer inspected a large number of fishermen and issued 24 summonses for size and daily bag limit violations.

Lt. Panico and CO Ziegler responded to a call for assistance from the Vernon PD concerning a resident who shot and killed a black bear. The officers arrived and determined the bear had been shot with a .22 caliber rifle by an individual who fled the scene. The individual’s son told the officers that his father had shot the bear twice, put the rifle in the house and drove away. The officers were able to contact the individual on his cell phone and eventually convinced him to return to his residence. The individual told the officers he shot the bear because he didn’t want it on his property. The rifle was seized as evidence and a summons for killing a black bear was issued.

Central Region Highlights

While watching fishermen on the Delaware River catching herring and striped bass, CO Mascio observed two fishermen take 17 herring over their limit and put them in their live well. Lieutenants Lacroix and Sich assisted with keeping the boat under surveillance throughout the day and evening. When the boat came back to shore, that night, CO Mascio conducted an inspection. At that time, the fishermen had under their limit of herring on the boat. After questioning, both fishermen admitted to taking more than 10 fish each. One fisherman was charged with five herring over the limit, the other one herring over the limit. While at the boat ramp, CO Mascio also charged another fisherman with taking two striped bass during the closed season and interference after Lt. Sich located two 28 inch striped bass in a plastic bag shoved inside a small compartment on their boat.
COs Martiak and McManus were on patrol late one Saturday night in the Caruso Village area of the Greenwood Forest WMA when they observed a vehicle parked in the woods and two young males sitting in the vehicle. A check of the vehicle registration showed that the plates did not match the vehicle. A check of the VIN showed that the vehicle had never been registered. Charges for fictitious plates, unregistered and uninsured vehicle and after hours were issued.

COs Martiak, McManus, Mascio and Tomlin and Lt. Lacroix were on patrol in the Greenwood Forest WMA when they came across a group of approximately 100 individuals in one of the fields having a party at 0300 hours on Easter morning. Two men were running sound equipment powered by generators. The group consisted of people mostly from Philadelphia and Delaware and a handful from New Jersey and New York. A number of tents were set up and there was a large amount of alcohol as well as a small amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia were found abandoned. Lacey Township was able to provide one officer for assistance. Approximately 15-20 people ran into the woods when the officers arrived on scene. In all, 84 people were issued a total of 99 summonses for various wildlife management are violations including organizing an event without a permit, off the established road, camping, interference, possession of alcohol and after hours.

Officers McManus and Mascio responded to the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area at the request of the Jackson Twp. Police dispatch to assist with a motor vehicle accident. A twenty year old male was driving while intoxicated and had crashed his pickup truck on one of the bridges within the management area. When the officers arrived on scene, they observed the subjects vehicle teetering on the bridge and very close to plunging into the creek. The subject had fallen into the creek when he exited his vehicle and was now suffering from hypothermia. Paramedics were summoned and they transported the subject to a local hospital for treatment. The subject’s vehicle was towed to a local impound yard and the State Police and Officer McManus will be issuing the appropriate charges.

Officers Martiak, Mascio, Mutone and Lieutenants Lacroix and Sich conducted a night patrol of the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area. During their patrol, at approximately 1:00 AM, they encountered a large party within a restricted section of the wildlife management area. The party consisted of over twenty individuals. Various wildlife management violations were observed including camping, campfires, entering a restricted area, littering, alcohol and the illegal operation of ATV’s. The appropriate summonses were issued.

Southern Region Highlights

CO Ciraolo received a call regarding a dump site in Union Lake WMA and with the assistance of CO Ely began an investigation. The dump site contained items associated with the McDonald’s Corp. as well as several electronic terminals for cash registers. These cash registers contained several identifying tags and the officers began checking with local McDonald restaurants. The officers were able to identify the store that had contained the cash registers and after many interviews the officers found that the cash registers had been kept in a storage facility and the McDonald’s restaurant had paid an individual to clear out the storage area after selling the restaurant. The appropriate summonses have been issued to the responsible party.

CO Ciraolo, while on routine patrol, observed a truck parked on the side of Rt. 49 near Menantico WMA. The truck had obviously offloaded ATV’s and CO Ciraolo found a juvenile waiting at the vehicle for his turn to ride. While waiting for the riders to return a total of 18 additional vehicles were located. The property belongs to Atlantic Electric and the Nature Conservancy and lies adjacent to Menantico WMA. CO Stites arrived to assist CO Ciraolo as well as a State Trooper. One group of riders from Pennsylvania returned to their vehicles and was issued summonses. Lt. Massey arrived and entered the Atlantic Electric property to look for additional riders. Lt. Massey located 30 additional people just off the edge of our WMA and sent them back to their vehicles. COs Ciraolo and Stites processed the riders for operating ATV’s on the property of another and various other charges. A total of 28 individuals are receiving summonses.

CO Ely received a call from a DEP solid waste investigator regarding a dump site on Dennis Creek WMA. The DEP investigator felt that there wasn’t enough evidence to charge anyone. Letters with addresses and employee items from WAWA were located.

CO Ely met with the investigator and visited the site where he obtained additional evidence. From the evidence collected CO Ely was able to conduct an interview of a suspect. After the initial interview several items from the dump site that were specific to the suspect suddenly were removed from the site. The suspect presented a story that kids had stolen the items dumped from his truck at work at WAWA in September of 2009. Apparently, these kids held onto the items for 5 months then dumped them at the Dennis Creek WMA. In spite of this riveting story CO Ely issued two summonses for dumping.

CO Risher gave a presentation to Cumberland County Regional High School for Career Day. The focus of the presentation was to answer questions pertaining to the job of a Conservation Officer.

CO Fox received a call at home from Galloway PD concerning a white-tailed deer that was trapped in a fence. CO Fox responded and found a young deer that had somehow gotten wedged between two fences which were about one foot apart. The deer was cut and exhausted so CO Fox used tin-snips to cut a portion of a chain link fence and slowly encouraged the deer to move to the opening. After a short time the deer exited the fence and slowly walked into the adjacent wood lot.

On a very early Sunday morning CO Toppin received a call from a group of concerned fishermen about a large party taking place at Pembryn Lake WMA. CO Toppin responded to the complaint and was met by Winslow Township PD. CO Toppin along with Winslow Township PD took control of 18 individuals who were planning to exit the management area. All of the individuals were apprehended and the appropriate summonses were issued.
Responding to a complaint from a concerned fisherman CO Stites went to the DOD Ponds located in Oldmans Township, Salem County. CO Stites encountered several fishermen who had striped bass in their possession. As CO Stites approached one of the fishermen and the individual threw a bottle of beer into the river to avoid being caught with alcohol on a WMA. His efforts where to no avail and he was charged with possession of the alcohol, interference and several striped bass violations including short fish and closed season.

CO Kille successfully indicted two men facing criminal charges for the unlawful possession of weapons by a convicted felon during the 2009-2010 hunting season. The first man of Logan Township, Gloucester County was also subsequently charged with multiple drug offenses after the CO searched his home and discovered CDS and additional firearms. The second man of Monroe Township, Gloucester County was also charged with 12 violations of Title 23 for illegally hunting deer.

Marine Region Highlights

During this report period CO Soell settled two commercial cases. The first occurred in Little Egg Harbor Township Municipal Court and involved an eel pot fisherman who was charged with tampering with eel pots. It was discovered by CO Soell that this individual was utilizing another fisherman’s eel pots and claiming as his own. The fisherman pleaded guilty and paid a penalty of $1000.00 plus cost. The pots were returned to the rightful owner. In a separate case in Barnegat Light Municipal Court, The captain of the fishing vessel Karen L pleaded guilty to exceeding the black sea bass trip limit by 113 pounds. A $300.00 penalty was assessed along with 60 day suspension of the vessel’s black sea bass landing permit.

CO Scott was awakened early in the morning by a complaint from the Borough of Union Beach PD in reference to a fisherman who illegally possessed striped bass. CO Scott met the apprehending patrolman who seized three striped bass from the fisherman. The angler was issued a summons for exceeding the bag limit and another for possessing undersized striped bass.

CO Snellbaker and CO Nicklow assisted NMFS Special Agents Gilmore and Couse with the recovery and seizure of nearly 1200lbs of sea scallops illegally sold from a commercial scallop vessel which landed in Cape May. The Captain and the crew of the scallop vessel landed and sold 1200lbs of shucked sea scallops to a non-permitted bar, the Pic-A-Lilli Restaurant in Shamong Twp., Burlington County. This illegal sale by-passed Atlantic Capes Fisheries, the owner of the dock and vessel, as well as a federally permitted scallop dealer. The sea scallops landed and sold were easily identifiable since they were in a spawning phase causing them to take on orange or “pumpkin coloration”. From the dealer’s stand point, these scallops are not marketable. The dock/dealer had requested that their vessel not land them due to difficult marketability of the discolored product. The vessel’s crew instead sought out an illegal market for the scallops, which provided a cheaper supply for the bar. This unique color phase also aided officers in their inspection of the restaurant. The owners of the Pic-A-Lilli Bar recognized this and cooperated with the seizure of the scallops and subsequent investigation initiated by SA Couse. This investigation is continuing and federal charges are pending.

CO Petruccelli observed that the FV Western Explorer had completed their offload of sea scallops to Lund’s Fisheries in Cape May. CO Petruccelli boarded the vessel at the dock after the offload. During his inspection of its federal paper work and the fish hold of the vessel, he found one remaining 50lb bag of scallops which had not been recorded on the vessel’s logbook. CO Petruccelli suspected that this bag of scallops had not been included in the vessel’s offload either. Since the captain had left the vessel to get supplies at a local hardware store, CO Petruccelli asked the crew about the bag of scallops remaining on the vessel. None of the crew members could provide an explanation for the “oversight”. CO Petruccelli contacted the captain and requested he immediately return to the vessel. On his way back to the vessel the captain contacted Lund’s Fisheries and asked them to alter the offload documents to include the bag. Upon his return to the vessel the captain attempted to conceal the extra bag with the fictitious story. Currently CO Petruccelli and SA Couse of NMFS are investigating both Lunds Fisheries and the Captain of the Western Explorer for interference, and making false statements, and falsification of dealer reports.

CO Petruccelli observed two fishermen leaving the Two Mile Jetty on Cape May National Wildlife Refuge together. Each fisherman was carrying a bucket with fish in it. When the fishermen approached the parking area they split up. One fisherman walked to their vehicle in the parking lot and the other fisherman proceeded down the beach. CO Petruccelli was making observations from the dune area adjacent to the parking area and immediately stopped the individual approaching the car. He observed only legal sized tautog in his bucket and surmised that the illegal fish were with the other individual. By the time he realized that the illegal fish were with the second fisherman, that individual had entered a closed area of the refuge set aside for endangered species nesting. CO Petruccelli was able to catch up with that individual as he approached a side street which was the designated meeting point for both fishermen. CO Petruccelli found two undersized tautog in that his bucket. He issued the appropriate summons for the violation and contacted the Refuge Law Enforcement Officer for the closed area violation. Federal charges are pending.

On April 10, 2010 CO Petruccelli issued a summons to a commercial clammer in Middle twp. that had harvested and possessed 270 undersized hard clams out of 800 harvested; 33% undersized. The law allows for a 3% tolerance for compliance of the size limit. Some of the clams possessed measured as small as 1/2". The clammer blamed it on his rake that he used to harvest. He also said he forgot to cull his catch before transporting his clams. The appropriate summons for undersized clams was issued.

Training Unit Highlights

Captain Brown and Lieutenant Leonard attended an AR-15 armorer’s class presented by Sabre Tech. The class was hosted by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and held at the Colliers Mills Range and Training facility.

Highlights: March 2010

Northern Region Highlights

CO Ziegler investigated a complaint of an individual who released a mink from a lawfully set snare. The individual reported releasing the animal to the local PD because he didn’t believe it was right to snare animals. The trapper was notified who verified that his snare had been tampered with. The individual was charged with hindering the lawfully taking of wildlife and plead guilty to the charge in municipal court.

Northern Region COs participated at the annual Suffern Fishing and Outdoors Show. The officers provided the general public with a variety of information concerning fish and wildlife regulations.

 On the last day of the permit shotgun season, Lieutenants Applgate and Panico responded to a trespass complaint at a pharmaceutical plant complex. The officers apprehend 3 individuals, 1 of which appeared to be extremely intoxicated. The local PD was contacted who proceeded to the scene and administered a breathalyzer test. The individual was found to be twice over the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle. Charges for gunning under the influence, trespass and hunting without hunters orange were filed.

COs Kuechler and Williamson attended the Essex, Union and Morris County Sportsman’s Federation Meetings.

Northern Region COs continued to investigate bear feeding and improper trash storage complaints. One individual was charged and later plead guilty to intentionally feeding of black bears. The court, after assessing a penalty, advised the individual that any subsequent convictions would result in substantially higher penalties.

CO Nestel attended a meeting at the National Park Service office at Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how New Jersey and Pennsylvania wildlife laws pertain to federal property along the Delaware River.

Central Region Highlights

Lieutenant Sich, travelling down Hawkins Rd in Jackson Township, observed three snowmobiles and one ATV carrying two passengers cross the road in front of him at a high rate of speed.  The subjects had just crossed from one section of the Colliers Mills WMA to another, driving past a number of signs prohibiting the use of off-road vehicles.  A short time later, Officers Martiak and McManus also observed the same riders in an open field on the wildlife management area.  The riders drove through a large flock of geese at a high rate of speed, in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to injure the geese.  The two Officers were able to apprehend the ATV riders, but the snow mobile riders fled the scene even after being instructed to stop.   After interviewing the two suspects on ATVs, the other riders on snowmobiles were identified and notified by cell phone to return to the scene.  Upon questioning, the group acknowledged the fact that they had been riding on the wildlife management area for over twenty years and were aware that it was prohibited.  When they were questioned about driving through the flock of geese, one individual commented that there were too many of them anyway.  The appropriate charges were filed.  

Officer Tomlin responded to a complaint in Eagleswood Township alleging that a hunter from a semi-wild hunting area had shot across the runway of a local airport, causing some concern among the patrons of that facility.  Witnesses from the airport were able to provide additional information that helped with the investigation. Officer Tomlin later contacted and met with a representative from the Semi-wild.  During the meeting, he was able to identify the shooter and recover evidence from the field.  After the subject was interviewed, it was determined that he had strayed off the semi-wild property and shot in an unsafe direction. Complaints are pending.

The Central Region has been experiencing an increase in the number of illegal dumping cases on the regions wildlife management areas. During the most recent incident, Officer Mutone was able to track down a painting contractor who illegally dumped building debris and a quantity of paint products on the Greenwood Forest WMA.  After a lengthy investigation and using newly available tracking information, she was able to locate the subject involved.  Only after being confronted with the evidence, did the subject acknowledge his involvement and gave a written admission. The appropriate charges were filed and the subject will be held accountable for the cost of the cleanup.

CO McManus and Lieutenant Lacroix apprehended three adults and a child riding on two ATVs on the Assunpink WMA.  None of the riders were wearing helmets.  Neither of the ATVs had a visible vehicle identification number and both operators admitted to having just purchased them.  One of the ATVs also had all the stickers removed leading the officers to suspect it might be stolen.  Both ATVs were impounded.  It was later determined that the ATV with the missing stickers was recently stolen out of Howell Township.  Summonses for operating off-road vehicles, operating un-registered vehicles and failing to wear helmets were issued to the individuals.  Charges for possession of stolen property are also pending.               

Southern Region Highlights

Conservation Officer Ciraolo received information regarding the dumping of commercial debris in Union Lake WMA.  An investigation uncovered numerous items with the McDonalds name brand attached.  Assisted by Officer’s Vazquez and Ely, it was determined that one of two local McDonalds had recently undergone renovations.  The debris includes advertising materials, menus and old cash registers.  Discussions are ongoing with McDonalds Corp. and the new owner of the McDonalds store is in question.

Conservation Officer Ely while on routine patrol in the snow on Tuckahoe WMA observed a subject driving his pickup truck along the dike area.  Due to the heavy snow cover the driver was having a difficult time negotiating the roadway.  CO Ely stepped out on the dike and stopped the truck to advise the individual that the road conditions would deteriorate the further he travelled.  When CO Ely approached the driver’s window the strong odor of burnt marijuana was evident.  CO Ely removed the driver and secured a small amount of CDS in evidence and charged the subject with possession of CDS.

Conservation Officers Vazquez and Toppin, while on routine patrol in Bevans WMA, checked out a dump site that contained a carpet and chair.  An inspection of the chair revealed an out of state phone number.  There were items in the chair that indicated that there were small children in the home.  The officers called the phone number and advised the man that answered that they had recovered some personal property that contained this phone number and they were interested in returning the item to the owner.  The man provided a name and phone number for a cousin in the adjacent town.  A reverse look up of the phone number provided an address.  When the officers knocked on the door they could see what looked to be a brand new carpet in the living room.  After a short interview the owner of the house admitted to dumping the items and the appropriate summonses were issued.

Conservation Officer Ciraolo and Lieutenant Massey encountered two subjects in the parking lot of Menantico WMA.  The two subjects appeared to be fishing, but when they were approached they exited their vehicle and tried to distract the officers away from the truck.  A check of the cab produced marijuana in the front seat.  Both subjects were handcuffed and a search uncovered additional CDS on their persons and in the truck.  They were also found to be in possession of alcohol on the WMA.  Both men were cited for the CDS and WMA violations.

Marine Region Highlights

CO Dravis recently settled a case against the FV Jaime Mae, a commercial trawler out of Point Pleasant. CO Dravis originally apprehended the vessel with over by-catch limit of summer flounder and possession of striped bass caught with a net. Through a plea agreement, the owner/captain of the vessel paid $1000.00 for the summer flounder violation, $500.00 for taking striped bass with net and $200.00 for possession of undersized striped bass. There is also a mandatory suspension of the vessel’s summer flounder landing permit for a period of 60 days beginning May 2, 2010.

Acting on information and the recent explosion of striped bass activity in the Raritan Bay, CO Scott set up early morning patrols centered around the high tide. On 03/22/10, CO Scott, assisted by Lieutenant Fresco apprehended three fishermen in possession of undersized striped bass. Some of these fishermen had the fish hidden in their motor vehicles. The officers also checked compliance with the federal saltwater fishery registry. Compliance was very good.

CO Jones recently settled a case in Atlantic Highlands Court involving the apprehension of four depuration clammers working in prohibited waters. All defendants pleaded guilty and were assessed a $500.00 fine for the prohibited waters charge as well as a three year suspension of their shellfish licenses and permits. Other associated penalties were assessed to those clammers who failed to display their depuration signs; and failing to exhibit their licenses and permits to CO Jones.

CO nicklow observed a fyke net illegally set within the Collins Cove closed section of the Mullica River. Investigation of the net by boat revealed the net did not bear the fisherman’s gear identification number as required by law.  After a day or two of surveillance, CO Nicklow observed the fisherman tend the net.  Following an interview, the fisherman admitted that he had a total of five nets set in the river.  CO Nicklow checked the other nets and found that they also lacked gear identification markings.  The fisherman was ordered to immediately remove the net within the closed area, and mark his remaining nets.  CO Nicklow issued the fisherman a summons for failing to properly mark his gear and a warning for the placement of the fyke net within the Collins Cove boundary.

On 3/7/10 CO James boarded the FV Capt Charlie in Wildwood as it returned from a crab dredge trip in the Delaware Bay.  As a part of the crab dredge fishery, harvesters are allowed to retain and land conch as a by-catch.  This season has produced large numbers of conch landed from this fishery.  When he boarded this vessel, CO James documented over 160 conchs which measured less than the 5 inch minimum size.  The appropriate summons was issued to the captain of the vessel.

Training Unit Highlights

Captain Brown taught a block of instruction on Map Reading, Land Navigation and Compass Reading skills to a group of 30 high school students enrolled in the Law and Public Safety curriculum at the Warren County Technical School in Washington New Jersey.

Lt. Leonard conducted a 3 hour block of instruction in Defensive Tactics for the officers of the Southern Regions.  Topics covered included blocks and strikes with the empty hand.

Lt. Leonard coordinated the effort of investigating the backgrounds of 11 potential Conservation Officer candidates set to be hired in the coming months.  Officers from all Regions participated in the process, which included fingerprinting of the candidates, extensive interviews of references and investigation for incidents of improper conduct.

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Highlights: February 2010

Northern Region Highlights

Lieutenant Applegate and CO Kuechler investigated a complaint of an individual who was attempting to sell a monocle cobra in Union City. The officers, along with the municipal police, responded to the individuals’ residence and were granted access to the individuals’ bedroom by his mother. The officers located the venomous snake in a container 4 feet away from the individual’s 4 month old daughter’s crib. The snake was seized and the officers later contacted the individual who admitted to possessing and attempting to sell the snake for $3,000. The appropriate complaints were signed.

While inspecting ice fishermen on Monksville Reservoir, CO Hutchinson found two fishermen to be in possession of several sub-legal black crappies. Upon further inspection of their tip ups, he found that all were baited with sub-legal crappies and largemouth bass. The fishermen admitted to using the fish as muskellunge bait. Both individuals received summonses for possessing the undersized fish.

Lieutenant Panico and CO Ziegler inspected a taxidermist who had just recently opened his business. Upon inspecting the deer heads and seals he had on the premises, the officers observed three mounts that the taxidermist claimed to have killed and registered in Illinois. Illinois Conservation Officers were contacted who advised the officers the deer were killed and registered in their state unlawfully. The officers charged the individual with possessing the deer unlawfully and charges are pending from the state of Illinois.

CO Kuechler attended the Essex County Sportsmen’s Federation monthly meeting.

CO Nestel investigated a complaint of an individual shooting a deer with a muzzleloader during the winter bow season. The officer responded to the area and was able to locate a set of footprints in the snow. The officer followed the prints to a tree stand and then to a fresh gut pile. The officer then observed and followed “drag” marks through woods to the back of a residence. The officer made contact with the resident who admitted to taking a deer with a muzzleloader during the closed season. The untagged deer was seized and donated to NORWESCAP and summonses for all the violations were issued.

Lieutenant Applegate and CO Paul responded to a call for assistance from the NJSP concerning a group of hunters that allegedly were involved in a 450 foot violation. The officers arrived at the scene and found a group of six hunters and two freshly killed deer. Although the individuals were not forthcoming at first, the officers were able to determine one deer had been killed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling. The individual who tagged the deer eventually admitted to discharging his firearm within the safety zone and was issued a summons for the violation. The officers were then able to determine the second deer had been shot by an individual who did not possess a firearm when they arrived. An interview caused questions regarding his ability to legally possess the firearm, which he had hidden before any law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. The individual was issued a summons for interfering with the duties of a Conservation Officer and his status to possess firearms is being reviewed by the NJSP. The appropriate complaints were signed for the first individual.

      

Central Region Highlights

Lieutenant Lacroix responded to a request for assistance from State Police at 0130 hours in Upper Freehold Township, regarding illegal deer hunting.  The State Police had received a call from a resident who reported seeing someone spotlighting a nearby field and hearing several shots.  The troopers located and stopped the vehicle and questioned the two occupants.  Inside the vehicle, they located two shotguns, many spent shells, two spotlights, a dead female deer and a bag containing what appeared to be cocaine.  Based on an examination of physical characteristics of the deer, Lieutenant Lacroix was able to determine that the deer had been killed within the last several hours.  Charges for hunting with a motor vehicle, spotlighting with a weapon in the vehicle, illegal possession of a deer and failing to tag a deer were issued for both individuals.  Charges for illegal possession of a weapon, certain persons not to possess a weapon and CDS were filed by State Police. 

In the aftermath of the recent snow storms, officers from the Central Region have been patrolling the wildlife management areas for off road vehicle usage.  COs Mutone and Szalaj and Lieutenant Lacroix patrolled the Caruso Village area of Greenwood Forest WMA and apprehended two ATVs and one motor vehicle doing “donuts” in the middle of a blind intersection.  Summonses for off-road vehicles without a permit, unregistered vehicles, operating off the established road and careless driving were issued.  CO Mascio and Lieutenant Lacroix also patrolled the Colliers Mills WMA.  Four snowmobile operators were charged with operating an off-road vehicle on a WMA. 

CO Martiak responded to a request for assistance by Atlantic Highlands Police Department.  The police department had gone to a local residence to serve a restraining order when they encountered a four foot alligator in the home.  CO Martiak arrived on scene and secured the alligator with help from the local animal control.  The owner was charged with possession of a potentially dangerous species.  This was the second time that the owner of the residence had been found in possession of an alligator.  In July 2008, COs Martiak and Mascio seized an alligator and issued a warning to the same individual.

CO O’Rourke found an increasing number of violations during the latter part of the permit shotgun season in the Central Burlington County area. In one incident, he received a complaint of trespass in Springfield Township.  The hunters had fled the scene when the police department arrived, but CO O’Rourke located a dead antlered deer and hid nearby.  CO Szalaj assisted with the surveillance. A short time later, one of the hunters came back for the dead buck and began to gut it.  CO O’Rourke announced his presence and issued a summons for failing to tag a deer immediately upon killing. 

CO O’Rourke was notified by Deer Project personnel that a hunter had checked in an antlered deer during the permit muzzleloader season and used a muzzleloader permit that was purchased at 4:58pm on the day the deer was killed.  Hunting hours on that date ended at 5:11pm.  It seemed impossible that the hunter had time to leave the license agent drive several towns away and kill a deer in 13 minutes.  CO O’Rourke had attempted several times to reach the hunter by telephone and going to his residence, but the man never returned the calls.  CO O’Rourke, assisted by Lieutenant Lacroix, went to the residence again and finally made contact with the man who admitted that he had shot the deer around 4:00pm and then went and bought his muzzleloader permit and rifle permit.  The appropriate summons was issued.

Southern Region Highlights

While on routine patrol CO Fox noticed a truck pass him travelling in the opposite direction that was occupied by two individuals that were dressed in hunting clothes.  CO Fox watched in his rearview mirror and noticed the truck stop.  A passenger got out and ran into the woods.  CO Fox quickly turned around and found the individual standing less than two hundred feet from two homes with a loaded firearm. The appropriate summons was issued.

CO Fox responded to a complaint of hunters taking over their limit of geese, locating three hunters in a corn field in Elk Township in Gloucester County. After inspecting the individuals and finding no violations, they were allowed to leave. CO Fox checked around the snow covered field and located four geese and a mallard duck hidden under the snow.  All the birds appeared to have been freshly killed.  CO Fox with the assistance of CO Stites immediately went and interviewed two of the hunters at their homes.  Both individuals admitted to killing over their limit of geese and shooting a mallard out of its legal season.   CO Fox also found that one of the hunters had kept all of the birds without having them tagged, as required by law.  CO Fox and CO Ely interviewed the third hunter the next day with similar results.  All three hunters have been issued numerous summonses.

CO Toppin attended a week long Methods of Instruction course at the Gloucester County Police Academy. This is the first step in becoming a certified instructor.

During the report period, both Conservation Officer Risher and Conservation Officer Kille filed charges against two individuals for violations of the Hunter Harassment statute in two separate incidents. In both cases, the judge found that the actions of the accused were premeditated and directly aimed at preventing the lawful taking of wildlife, imposing the maximum penalty allowed by law.

While on routine patrol CO Risher and Lt Tonnesen observed a vehicle towing a small boat loaded with traps. The trailer was missing a license plate and the lights were not operational. They watched the vehicle turn down a small lane to a location where trappers launch their boats. CO Risher followed the vehicle to the launch and performed an inspection of the trapper. He determined that the traps had recently been used and noted a number of them without tags. A closer inspection revealed that the individual had twenty four untagged traps along with traps from three other trappers. The trapper explained that he had purchased the traps from one of the trappers but, never changed the tags. He could not explain why he had the traps belonging to the other two trappers. One of the two other trappers had reported earlier that he had three dozen traps stolen from him. CO Risher seized the suspected stolen traps and issued the appropriate summons.

                                                           

Marine Region Highlights

CO Scott did some research and developed a seafood market inspection route concentrating on the enforcement of the live fish market. He determined that the prime areas to conduct these inspections would be in the municipalities of Palisades Park, Fort Lee and surrounding towns. On 2/13/10, CO Scott assisted by Lieutenant Fresco, conducted eight inspections of markets and restaurants in the above municipalities and also in the towns of Englewood and Hackensack. This logical approach used by CO Scott resulted in quality inspections. No violations were observed and compliance was very good. 

Information was received in reference to depuration clammers harvesting shellfish in prohibited waters off of the Borough of Atlantic Highlands in Sandy Hook Bay. On 2/23/10 CO Jones set up a surveillance of this area which is known to contain a large concentration of clams. He observed four individuals harvesting within the prohibited area. CO Jones utilizing the USCG Sandy Hook, conducted boardings of these individual’s vessels.  Aside from the harvesting in prohibited waters violations, CO Jones also found some of these individuals not exhibiting their commercial clam licenses and depuration permits. One of the clammers did not display a placard with his name and depuration plant affiliation, a violation of the depuration program. CO Jones ordered these clammers to immediately dump all of their clams into the water. Summonses are pending and the clammers will immediately be suspended from the depuration program. Convictions will mandate a three year suspension of their commercial shellfish licenses.

On 2/23/10 CO Soell was conducting inspections of commercial vessels at Viking Village in Barnegat Light. CO Soell boarded the FV Karen L, a commercial hook and line vessel returning from a black sea bass trip. The vessel possessed 113 pounds of black sea bass in excess of the 1000 pound landing limit. The overage was seized and sold to the fish dealer with a check to be held by the Division. Summonses will be issued to the captain and owner of the vessel. A conviction will result in a 60 day suspension of the vessel’s black sea bass directed fishing permit.

Training Unit Highlights

Quarterly Firearms qualifications and training was recently conducted for all Bureau Law Enforcement Personnel.  This session consisted of training with the service handgun and shotgun.  Several Regional Firearms Instructors assisted with the training.

Highlights: January 2010

Northern Region Highlights

While inspecting two waterfowl hunters on the last day of duck season, CO Holmes found one hunter to be in possession of ten lead shot shells and the second to be in possession of two shotgun slugs. Later in the afternoon at the same location, the officer encountered the same two individuals, now with a third hunter, hunting waterfowl after hours. The third hunter was also hunting waterfowl without a HIP number. The appropriate complaints were signed.

Lt. Panico and CO Sutton responded to a complaint of ice fishing violations on a local pond. The officers located and inspected two fishermen who were in possession of their daily limit of chain pickerel. The officers then noticed a pile of snow and ice near the fishermen’s location. Upon further inspection, the officers located seven additional pickerel buried in the snow. Several of the fish were also under the legal size limit. Both individuals received summonses for possessing fish over the daily limit and under the legal size limit.

CO Holmes responded to a call from a resident who located a bait pile near their home and believed someone might be hunting there without their permission. Upon arrival at the residence, the officer observed vultures and a fresh gut pile on the property. Later in the day, the officer was able to determine who might be responsible for shooting the deer, and proceeded to his residence and found the individual washing blood out of the bed of his pick up truck. The individual admitted to killing a ½ rack buck and didn’t want to “waste” his buck stub on it, so he gave it to a friend who used his tag to register it in a different zone. The friend then took the deer to a butcher shop in PA. The officer proceeded to the shop and seized the deer which was donated to the food bank. Both individuals were charged with the tagging violations.

Lt. Panico and CO Kuechler assisted the Livingston Twp. PD with a complaint of deer hunting activity in their town on Christmas Eve. The two officers interviewed the suspected hunter who admitted to killing two deer on township property with a shotgun. The two deer were seized and summonses for taking deer out of season and failing to tag and register the deer were issued.

Lt. Applegate and CO Paul watched a group of four goose hunters picking up their decoys at the end of the day. The officers proceeded to their blind and observed there were only two hunters remaining. The hunters said the other two individuals ran when they saw the officers approaching because they didn’t have hunting licenses. Lt.Applegate was able to locate the two individuals, along with their dog, hiding in a nearby hedgerow. The officer was able to determine that one individual was in possession of a loaded firearm after legal hours and within 450 feet of a safety zone. Upon completing the inspection of all four hunters, it was determined that they had already hidden a daily limit of geese in their truck. Summonses were issued for nine geese over the limit, two for hunting without a valid license, two for hunting without a NJ state waterfowl stamp, one for hunting without federal waterfowl stamp, one for safety zone violation and two for interference with a Conservation Officer.

CO Sutton assisted the New Jersey State Police with a request for a 4 wheel drive vehicle to assist in an ice rescue. An individual was walking his dog on a local pond when both broke through the ice. The officers and rescue divers were able to rescue the dog but unable to recover the 59 year old man.  
 
Lt. Williamson investigated a call from an individual who inquired about registering a ten point buck he had killed a week earlier. The individual claimed to have shot the deer on the last day of six day firearm season and it was recovered by his hunting companion during the muzzleloader season a week later. The caller said the deer was at his friend’s residence. He advised that although he knew his friend’s name he didn’t know where he lived. Senior Comm. Operator Colao was able to locate an address for the officer who responded to the residence. Upon his arrival, the officer observed vultures as well as a fresh gut pile in the individual’s yard. The officer interviewed the individual and was able to locate the ten point deer head in question as well as two other untagged buck heads on the front porch. The individual admitted to killing the deer on his property and not properly tagging or registering them. All the appropriate summonses were issued.

CO Paul responded to a complaint from a hunting club who encountered an individual in the woods field dressing four antlerless deer. The officer arrived at the scene and interviewed the individual. The individual explained that he had shot two deer across the road and followed them into the woods. He said he jumped two deer, and believing they were the same two he had just shot, he shot them also. It was however, two different deer. Upon inspection of the hunter’s credentials, it was determined he did not possess a valid shotgun permit. All four deer were seized and delivered to a food bank and summonses were issued for hunting without a valid permit and taking over the limit of deer.     

Central Region Highlights

CO Martiak recently reached a settlement in a case involving the unlawful possession of four alligators in Marlboro, Monmouth County.  The owner of the four alligators, a repeat offender of unlawful wildlife possession, agreed in court to pay $16,500.00 for the illegal possession of the alligators.  Included in the penalty was $2,400.00 for restitution to the State for the handling and relocation of the alligators.

The Marlboro P.D. received a 911 call from a homeowner complaining about a hunter shooting late and possibly too close to their home.  The call had been placed 27minutes after legal shooting hours.  CO Martiak spoke to the homeowner and determined that the hunter had shot 25 minutes after legal hours.  The resident had observed the hunter with the deer, a very large 10-point buck and not wearing any hunter orange.  The homeowner was able to give a description of the hunter, which matched a hunter that CO Martiak was familiar with.  CO Martiak went to the local check station the following morning and caught the hunter at the check station with the deer.  The hunter was charged with hunting after legal hours and not wearing hunter orange while hunting. 

While on the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, Officers Tomlin, O’Rourke and Lt Sich stopped to inspect a large group of hunters. When first encountered, Officer Tomlin noticed that one individual had broken away from the group and hurried back to his pickup truck. When the officer caught up with him, he noticed that the hunter had a deer in the bed of his truck with a doe tag attached.  Next to the deer was a small handsaw.  Upon further inspection, the officer noticed that the antlers had been sawn off.  It was determined by the officer that the subject did not have a valid buck permit. Officer Tomlin then noticed another individual frantically trying to fill out a deer tag, even though he was not in possession of a deer. The officer quickly realized that there was another deer hidden in the woods and was later able to locate the untagged deer concealed under a fallen tree.  Complaints were filed on the two individuals.

Officer Szulecki and Lt Sich responded to a complaint of illegal deer hunting in Howell Township. The complaint alleged that the hunters were utilizing ATVs. When the officers arrived on scene, the subjects had already left the field and were now inside their home.  As the officers exited their patrol vehicle, they noticed a number of ATV’s in the yard that matched the description given by the complainant. Officer Szulecki noticed fresh deer blood and hair on one of the ATVs as Lt Sich made contact with the residents. At first the suspects denied any knowledge or involvement related to the complaint, but after being confronted with the blood on the ATV and the blood visible on the garage floor, they complied with the officer’s request and produced the deer carcass and relinquished the butchered meat that was kept inside the home. Both subjects finally admitted to illegally possessing the deer and were charged accordingly.

Southern Region Highlights

CO Toppin, while patrolling Wharton State Forest, one evening during January received information that shots had been fired in the area earlier. Winter bow was the only deer season open at the time. CO Toppin then went to the nearest check station, where he encountered a hunter exiting the check station with deer possession seal in hand. The ensuing interview yielded information and the firearm used to kill the deer. The appropriate summonses were issued.

While on a routine patrol CO Toppin came across a group of 5 hunters driving a portion of Winslow WMA.  An inspection of licenses produced two individuals who had failed to obtain their 2010 licenses, as well as several apparent violations involving previously harvested deer. An interview of both individuals produced information that led to the filing of numerous complaints for untagged deer.

Conservation Officer Ely received a call from a trapper regarding a stolen trap on Tuckahoe WMA.   The trapper had observed two trucks parked on the dike road next to where he had traps set.  The trapper was able to approach the trucks from a side road and observed the occupants of the trucks pick up a live trap from the marsh and put it in their truck. The trapper was able to obtain a partial tag and contacted Officer Ely.  CO Ely decided to patrol the WMA early the next morning and while on the dike observed a truck that matched the suspect truck and the license tag came within one letter of the tag given by the trapper. CO Ely stopped the truck and questioned the driver regarding the incident.  The driver immediately tried to explain that the trap had been found abandoned, although it was removed from the marsh with fresh bait in it and the trappers tag attached.  The driver then went with CO Ely to a friend’s house that was holding the trap.  A summons was issued for tending traps of another.

A joint waterfowl operation was conducted in January by District 6 Conservation Officers, USFWS Special Agents and several National Wildlife Refuge Officers. Over the three day operation, the officers conducted plain clothes surveillance on several commercial duck hunting operations, as well as some general hunting parties. Uniformed patrols were also made on both land and sea. The area of operation ran from Wildwood in Cape May County up to Great Bay in Atlantic County. Poor weather, in the form of ice packed ramps and the hunting grounds, hampered the enforcement effort to some degree. Although activity was light due to the weather, intelligence gained from the effort has generated interest in a similar effort during the 2010 – 2011 season.

CO Vazquez received information regarding the shooting of a deer at night in Estell Manor, Atlantic County.  The information indicated the suspect’s name and the town he was from. CO Vazquez was able to locate the suspect’s address, and assisted by CO Ciraolo, went to the residence to interview the man.  At the residence CO Vazquez immediately noticed deer blood on the bumper and the back window of the truck.  The suspect initially stated that he had killed two deer in zone 42 near his house, but the interview determined he killed the deer in question in Estell Manor, which is zone 46. It was determined that he had killed the deer after legal hours. The appropriate complaints were filed.
                       
Marine Region Highlights

On 12/2/09 CO Dravis inspected the FV Jaime Mae, a commercial otter trawl vessel, at the Point Pleasant Co-op dock. The vessel had just returned from an offshore trip targeting spiny dogfish and offloaded its catch. Among other species, they had off-loaded their 200 pound by catch limit of summer flounder. CO Dravis conducted an inspection of the onboard fish holds and observed two striped bass buried in ice within a large fish tote. CO Dravis dug further into the ice and found an additional 102 pounds of summer flounder and 36 pounds of winter flounder. CO Dravis issued summonses for exceeding the summer flounder by catch limit, possession of undersized striped bass and taking striped bass by means of a net. A federal verbal warning was issued for possession of winter flounder caught in federal waters. The illegal summer flounder were sold to the co-op and a check was seized by CO Dravis.

A case was recently settled concerning the party fishing vessel Big Mohawk. During the course of the investigation, undercover COs observed numerous violations aboard this vessel on August 15, 2009. Guilty pleas resulted in the collection of a total of $2,340.00 plus costs. The vessel also received a 60 day suspension of its fillet permit for the months of June and July 2010, during the intended recreational summer flounder season.

On January 2, 2010 Conservation Officers’ James and Petruccelli apprehended the FV Abracadabra for possession of black sea bass and summer flounder in excess of New Jersey’s commercial landing limit.  The officers determined that the captain of the vessel had harvested and possessed double the landing limit of both species after a five day trip near the Hudson Canyon area of the Atlantic Ocean.  The vessel landed and offloaded one day’s limit on January 1, 2010 then left the dock on the morning of January 2, 2010. On the 2nd, the vessel’s captain sailed the FV Abracadabra offshore in an effort to give the appearance of a harvest trip only to return to the dock in under 15hrs.  Officers James and Petruccelli boarded the vessel upon its return to the dock, interviewed the captain and seized the excess fish landed. The appropriate State summonses were issued for the violations.

On January 3, 2010, CO Petruccelli boarded the FV Catherine Lane at Cold Spring Fish and Supply in Cape May. The FV Catherine Lane had been at the dock since January 1, 2010 awaiting the opening of New Jersey’s 2010 summer flounder quota which didn’t allow landing until 0001hrs on January 3rd.  Because the vessel had requested and was granted an emergency landing prior to the fluke season opening, they were under orders to wait for approval prior to their offload.  During the supervised offload, CO Petrruccelli documented 5,380lbs of summer flounder from this vessel, 380lbs over the trip limit of 5,00lbs.  CO Petruccelli seized the overage and issued the appropriate summonses to the vessel’s captain and owner.

Training Unit Highlights

Lt. Williamson and Captain Brown attended a one day training seminar on the use of the Guardian 2000 covert surveillance system.    The seminar consisted of a 3 hour block of classroom instruction covering the various types of uses and applications of the camera system in a covert setting.  The classroom portion was followed by 3 hours of field practical exercise.  This training was hosted by the USFWS at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refugee.

Captain Brown and Chief Cussen attended a meeting of the NJ Port Partners/NJ Maritime Sub-Sector Working Group.  The meeting was hosted jointly by the State Office of Homeland Security and Protection as well as the State Department of Transportation.   The meeting was to better address ways in which the public and private sectors can work together in providing safe maritime ports of entry to our State particularly through Federal funding initiatives.

Highlights: December 2009

Northern Region Highlights

While bow hunting on his own property, CO Holmes observed an individual shoot a deer with a firearm within 100 yards of his tree stand. The officer watched as the individual, who was not wearing orange, dragged the deer within 50 yards of his location. The officer climbed down from the stand and identified himself to the individual. Lieutenant Applegate, who was nearby, was contacted and responded to the scene. Upon inspection, it was determined the individual was trespassing, hunting without a valid muzzleloader permit, no valid rifle permit and in possession of an untagged deer. All the appropriate summonses were issued.

Lt. Panico and CO Nestel responded to a call concerning an individual who claimed to have killed a black bear in self-defense. The officers arrived at the scene and determined the hunter was hunting deer with a muzzleloader in a closed zone. Upon examining the area, the officers determined that the bear was approximately 150 feet from the hunter’s location and was actively feeding on acorns. Summonses for hunting during the closed season and killing a black bear were issued.

CO Hutchinson assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission with an investigation involving individuals from six different states. The NJ resident allegedly purchased a venomous snake from an individual who was dealing reptiles in Florida unlawfully. The NJ resident was interviewed and was found to be in possession of 17 different non-venomous snakes. The individual admitted to breeding and selling the snakes without the required permits. The appropriate summonses were issued and the investigation concerning the venomous snake continues.

Lt. Panico, CO Ziegler and Sutton investigated a complaint from Division personnel at a check station involving a group of hunters who allegedly killed a deer unlawfully. The officers responded to a nearby farm and located the hunters. It was determined that they had killed a deer the previous evening using a spotlight and used a borrowed license to register it. All the appropriate summonses were issued.

CO Sutton responded to a trespass complaint late one afternoon. Upon walking the property boundary with the landowner, the officer observed an individual who immediately tried to flee the area. After a short foot pursuit, the CO apprehended the individual. The officer continued to search the area and was able to locate 3 additional individuals on the property. All four individuals were charged by the CO.

Lt. Williamson, CO Paul and Virgilio responded to a complaint involving a group of 12 hunters who were in possession of several untagged deer. The hunters were located at a nearby farm and were found to be in possession of 9 untagged deer. Upon further inspection, it was determined that 2 individuals had procured resident licenses wrongfully and one was hunting with an unplugged shotgun.     

During the six deer firearm season, CO Holmes and Chief Cussen responding to a trespass complaint, located a tree stand as well as drag marks in the snow which led to a nearby barn. Upon closer examination, the officers observed untagged deer parts at the barn. Several days later, CO Holmes returned to the area and observed an individual in the stand without hunter’s orange. Upon inspecting the hunter, a second individual who was also not wearing orange, walked to the CO’s location. Both individuals were charged with not wearing hunter orange and the owner of the barn was charged with possessing unregistered deer parts.

Central Region Highlights 

Officer McManus apprehended a local asphalt contractor who had dumped eight 55 gallon drums on the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area located in Jackson Township.  Two of the drums contained used motor oil, and the contents of the other six have yet to be identified.  Fortunately, the entire event was observed by a township employee who gave Officer McManus a physical description of the vehicle along with its registration. The subject later returned to the scene and during an interview admitted to illegally dumping the drums.  Emergency Response took control of the clean up and removal.  The Ocean County Prosecutors Office has been notified.  Criminal and fish and wildlife charges are pending.

Officers Tomlin and Szulecki apprehended a bow hunter who was illegally hunting in Colts Neck Township without the proper zone permit.  The subject apparently saw the officers approaching, jumped from his tree stand and ran from the officers.  Unfortunately for him, he left behind his car keys which contained a key fob.  The Officers were able to locate the subject’s car by pressing the key fob as they drove through a nearby neighborhood. When the subject was finally contacted, he returned to the scene and admitted to hunting without having a valid bow permit.  Officers were able to recover his bow which was hidden in the woods.   Charges were issued for not having the proper bow permit and interference.

In response to a number of complaints about ATV riders interfering with hunting activities on the wildlife management areas, Officers McManus, Mutone and Szulecki issued a total of thirty-four summonses in one day to individuals for various ATV infractions on the Colliers Mills and Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area.

While patrolling the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area located in Lacey Township, Officer Mutone prepared to stop two ATV riders on Mule Rd.  After activating her vehicle emergency lights, the two riders stopped.  As she exited her patrol vehicle, the riders appeared to be complying with her verbal instructions, when suddenly the first rider accelerated his vehicle and aimed right for the officer, causing her to retreat behind the cover of her car door.  Even then, the subject struck the door as he sped past her.  The second rider was apprehended and after a field interview, identified the other rider and location of where his vehicle was parked.  With the help of Officer McManus, the rider was located and he gave a thorough voluntary written statement acknowledging his involvement. The appropriate summonses were issued.

Officers McManus, Mutone, and Lt. Sich were on foot patrol in a dense wooded section of Jackson Township during the Six-Day firearm season, when they encountered a hunter dressed in full camouflage sleeping in a tree stand, while holding a loaded muzzleloader rifle.  Officers tried to get his attention but he remained motionless with his head down.  When the subject finally awoke, it was determined that he was hunting without a muzzleloader permit and valid rifle permit.  As the subject was escorted back to his vehicle, he made a number of false and misleading statements to the officers in an attempt to conceal the fact that one of his friends was still out hunting.  After legal hunting hours ended, a male subject dressed in full camouflage exited the woods.  He told officers that he was just out taking a walk and wasn’t hunting.  In his pocket, he was carrying the first subjects’ shotgun permit.  After a short interview, Lt. Sich was able to determine that the subjects’ loaded 12 gauge shotgun was hidden in the woods.  With the help of Harley Simons and his search dog, the firearm was located and the subject was issued summonses for hunting without a valid NJ hunting license, not wearing hunters orange and interference.  His partner was issued summonses for hunt no orange, loaning a permit, no rifle permit, no muzzleloader permit and interference.

Officer Tomlin responded to a trespassing complaint in Wall Township.  Upon his arrival, the officer was met by the lease holder who complained that there were hunters illegally hunting on his leased property.  Officer Tomlin then observed three of the six individuals as they exited the woods riding on an ATV with no helmets, uncased weapons and in possession of an untagged deer. During the inspection, Officer Tomlin encountered the following violations: two untagged deer, two hunters attempting to take a second deer and three uncased weapons.  The appropriate complaints were signed.

CO O’Rourke responded to a call from the Springfield P.D. during the Six Day Firearm Season regarding an individual who had shot a turkey.  According to the two witnesses, a U.S. Marshall and a Parole Officer, they had been in their deer stands watching a flock of turkeys most of the morning when they observed a man walk into the woods and shoot one of the turkeys.  They contacted the local police who then contacted Officer O’Rourke for assistance after they apprehended the individual.  CO O’Rourke charged the individual with taking turkey out of season and illegal missile for turkey (shotgun slug).  The police department also charged the man with illegal possession of a handgun and hollow point bullets, which were found in the vehicle while searching for the turkey.

CO O’Rourke received a complaint from a landowner regarding a hunter who was trespassing on his property and had shot a deer.  CO O’Rourke responded to the property and located the hunter.  Upon inspection of the deer, CO O’Rourke noticed that the man had tagged the doe with a zone 14 shotgun permit even though he was hunting in zone 48.  The man was issued a summons for trespass and a summons for hunting in the wrong zone. 

COs Mascio and Martiak and Lieutenant Lacroix were working in the Hopewell Township area during the Six Day Firearm Season when they observed several members of a known hunting group to be out hunting on a large farm in the township.  CO Mascio has received information in the past that this group will shoot a lot of deer and not tag them.  Lt. Lacroix dropped CO Mascio off on foot on the south end of the farm and set up watching one of the suspect vehicles, while CO Martiak set up on another vehicle on the northern end of the farm.  Two shots were heard just before dusk and Lieutenant Lacroix observed a hunter leave the woods a short time later and get into his vehicle.  She stopped the vehicle as it attempted to leave the farm and observed an uncased shotgun leaning on the front seat of the pickup.  Upon questioning the driver, he admitted that he had just shot two deer (a buck and a doe) and did not tag them.  Meanwhile, CO Martiak observed a hunter come out of the woods to the vehicle he was watching and put his shotgun away and get a quad, and head back into the woods.  A short time later the man came back with an untagged buck on the quad.  Summonses for untagged deer and an uncased firearm were issued to the two hunters. 

Southern Region Highlights

CO Kille responded to a complaint of an unattended boat and shotgun discovered along the banks of Petty’s Island in Pennsauken Township, Camden County.  Petty’s Island is located in the middle of the Delaware River and hunters have historically gone to great lengths to hunt within its boundaries because of the quality of deer located there.  The complainant indicated that while inspecting the island he discovered a boat, shotgun and ammunition concealed along the perimeter of the island and left unattended.  After responding to the complaint CO Kille located a man actively hunting deer with a muzzleloader and informed CO Kille that he had just harvested a large buck.   An inspection revealed that the hunter was without his required hunter’s orange, muzzleloader permit, rifle permit, buck permit.  Further investigation also revealed that the man had hunted waterfowl with buckshot in possession.  The hunter’s deer and weapons were seized as evidence and he was charged with trespassing, hunting without permits, unlawful possession of a deer, illegal missiles and possession of lead shot while waterfowl hunting.

CO Kille investigated a gun club in Monroe Township, Gloucester County for various violations of Title 23 after receiving numerous hunting related complaints over a month long period of time. One member of the club was reported to have killed three deer earlier in the week without tagging any of them. Additional information received by the officer indicated that this subject might be prohibited from possessing firearms. CO Kille observed the individual preparing to hunt and was assisted by COs from Districts 5 and 6 in apprehending the subject.  The man was arrested and transported to Monroe Police Department.  He was charged with felony possession of a weapon, hunting without a license, hunting without a shotgun permit, three counts of failing to tag and check-in deer, three counts of unlawful possession and with harvesting three deer at one time. 
After receiving information that a party of goose hunters were taking over the limit of geese, COs Stites and Risher inspected three goose hunters in Pilesgrove Township. They were found with four geese in their possession in the field. Information received earlier led them to inspect an out building that contained a total of eleven more geese putting the party 6 geese over their limit. One of the hunters also had an unplugged gun. The appropriate summonses were issued.

Conservation Officer Ciraolo received a complaint from a local farmer that someone had broken into his fields and driven around them causing extensive damage.  Additionally, the car then drove off the farm through a patch of woods onto a wildlife management area causing more damage.  The farmer had located a beat up motor vehicle tag from the car and plastic from a damaged light.  CO Ciraolo took the information from the registration and located the cars owner.  Along with Officer Ely they conducted an interview where they established that the car had been loaned to a friend.  After several days of checking they were able to locate the motor vehicle and driver.  Numerous summonses were issued for the damage to property.

Conservation Officer Ciraolo received information regarding the theft of a deer stand.  In talking to the complainant she found that the he was sitting on a car that had his stolen deer stand in it.  CO Ciraolo contacted Conservation Officer Fox for assistance and responded to the complainant.  CO’s Ciraolo and Fox located the complainant and found the owner of the truck with the stolen stand.  While interviewing the suspect, who admitted to taking the stand, a trail camera and a pair of bolt cutters were found in the woods.  CO Ciraolo was able to obtain a written confession regarding the theft of the stand.  Hunter harassment was just one of the charges issued.

Conservation Officer Fox and Lieutenant Massey were conducting routine patrols in Cumberland County during six day firearm deer week when they came upon a Gun Club conducting a deer drive.  While observing the drive for several minutes the officers saw a deer running through the drive.  There were repeated shots taken at this deer and the deer was seen going down past the standers.   After the drive Lieutenant Massey approached a group of hunters in the area that the deer was shot.  The hunters claimed that they could not find the deer and they would run another drive and see if they could find it.  Lieutenant Massey called on Officer Fox to assist and both officers were able to track the deer much to the apparent reluctance of the hunters.  The deer was found approximately 40 yards from where the hunters had been standing.  The deer, a doe, was seized by the officers. The last hunter to fire at the deer was issued summonses.

Marine Region Highlights

Joint operations with NMFS agents and NJ CO’s were conducted in response to the black sea bass closure in federal waters. On 11/3/09 CO Scott along NMFS agents boarded the party fishing vessel Ocean Explorer in Belmar. Undercover agents aboard the vessel documented the vessel fishing for black sea bass in federal waters as well as short black sea bass filleted by the mate and hidden on the vessel. CO Scott issued a summons for undersized black sea bass to the mate. A federal case has been initiated for the closure and other violations. On 11/9/09 another joint operation for black sea bass enforcement was conducted aboard the party fishing vessel Dauntless in Point Pleasant Beach. Undercover agents documented this vessel fishing for black sea bass in federal waters. The agents also observed the mates filleting undersized black sea bass which were discarded as the vessel entered the Manasquan Inlet prior to docking. This is a violation of the requirements of the vessel’s state-issued fillet permit. When the vessel docked and the officers boarded the vessel, the patrons left behind 152 undersized black sea bass and 45 legal size black sea bass. Based on information supplied to CO Swift, three patrons were issued summonses for possession of undersized black sea bass. The vessel’s owner, captain and two mates were issued summonses for filleting undersized black sea bass and discarding carcasses prior to docking. Along with penalties ranging from $300-3000, a 60 day suspension of the fillet permit will be assessed upon conviction.

CO Swift was provided information in reference to the party fishing vessel Queen Mary II keeping any striped bass that were caught on their annual Thanksgiving Day fishing trip. On Thanksgiving Day, COs Scott and Swift boarded this vessel as it returned to its dock in Point Pleasant Beach. The inspection uncovered five undersized striped bass carcasses. A summons was issued to the captain.

On 11/28/09 CO Dravis inspected a recreational vessel named "Earley Bird" as it pulled into Southside Marina in Brielle. When the three occupants of the vessel observed CO Dravis at the dock they pretended they were having trouble docking the vessel and stated they would be going to a more sheltered slip on the other side of marina.  As they pulled away, CO Dravis reacted by jumping off the dock onto the deck of the boat. CO Dravis found one bluefish and nine striped bass.  Eight of the stripers measured less than 28 inches. The captain/owner of the vessel was written a court mandatory summons for possession of eight undersized striped bass and three over limit.

CO Swift settled a case in Neptune City on 12/3/09 in reference to the FV Last Lady II where a $300 penalty was assessed and a 60 day fillet permit suspension for discarding scup carcasses prior to docking.

On 12/3/09 COs Scott and Swift conducted a patrol of the Barnegat Light jetty in the Barnegat Inlet. Inspections were made as fishermen exited the jetty and returned to their vehicles. A total of 13 summonses were issued for possession of undersized tautog and possession of over daily bag limit of six tautog. A summons for interference with the duties of a Conservation Officer was issued to an individual who tried to elude detection by the COs. A total of 30 illegal tautog were seized by the officers.

On December 18th at 2100 hrs Lt Canale assisted National Marine Fishery Service Special Agent Jason Couse with the boarding of FV Carol Marie at Lunds Fisheries in Cape May.  The FV Carol Marie was landing a General Category sea scallop trip also known as a “day” scallop trip limited to 400lbs.  The vessel which was identified as a result of their vessel monitoring system was observed entering the Hudson Canyon Closed area which is located 80 miles from the coast of NJ.  Lt Canale and SA Couse inspected the vessel when it landed, interviewed the captain and crew about their recent, as well as their two previous trips into the closed area.  Officers seized their catch of 400lb of sea scallops.  During this investigation, while the crew was being identified, one crewman provided a false name, date of birth and social security number.  Numerous warrants for this individual were identified. Officers turned the individual over to Lower Twp police for processing on the active warrants.

On December 12th,   weather conditions created blow-out conditions at low tide.  Lieutenant Canale assisted CO Nicklow on a patrol of the dock areas along the bay-shore in Brigantine.  CO Nicklow and Lieutenant Canale apprehended three commercial clammers harvesting clams within dock areas off of 17th St. South. Appropriate enforcement action was taken and all clams were returned to the water.

Training Unit Highlights

Lieutenant Leonard conducted a 5 hour block of instruction in Defensive Tactics for the officers of the Marine Region.  Topics covered included use of the expandable baton, handcuffing and take-downs.

Quarterly Scoped Rifle qualifications were recently conducted for the Wildlife Control and Bureau of Law Enforcement Precision Rifle shooters.

Lieutenants Tim Williamson and Mark Leonard conducted a training class at the Colliers Mills Training Center and the Morris County Police Academy on Black Bear Incident Response for Law Enforcement Officers.  These were the 29th and 30th training classes held on this subject with a total of 50 officers from various municipalities, State and federal agencies attending. 

The Training Unit hosted a ballistic workshop at the Black River WMA Law Enforcement Range.  The workshop evaluated and compared penetration, expansion and weight retention of a variety of duty ammunition, carried by law enforcement officers, as it was fired into “ballistic gel”.  All of these measurements and procedures were followed according to the F.B.I. protocol for conducting ballistic testing and evaluating/comparing different rounds of ammunition.

An annual firearms training session was conducted for all Wildlife Services Section personnel issued rim-fire rifles and shotguns.  

Lieutenants Williamson and Leonard and Captain Brown assisted various Regions with their Patrol effort during the Six-Day Firearm Deer Season.