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Contact: Daphne Yun, 718-354-4602
Law enforcement rangers recently arrested a local man for poaching at the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Law enforcement rangers, in conjunction with New Jersey State Fish and Game, the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the individual after he was stopped in the park for suspicious activity. Law enforcement rangers found a dead ten point buck with an arrow wound after their initial contact with the suspect. There were also reports of bait being left out to attract deer in various areas of the Sandy Hook Unit. After questioning, the suspect admitted to hunting within Sandy Hook, and to shooting the deer. An arrest was made and the case will be heard in federal court on April 6, 2016. Poaching in a National Park is a federal crime under the Lacey Act. Penalties can include fines up to $10,000 and up to one year in prison. Activities such as killing animals out of season or without a license or considered poaching. Deer hunting in season is legal in New Jersey, but not in Sandy Hook. If you are visiting Sandy Hook and see suspicious activity, please notify law enforcement by calling 732-872-5900. About Gateway National Recreation Area A large diverse urban park spanning two states, Gateway combines recreational activities with natural beauty, wildlife preservation, military history and more. Visitors can hike, picnic, swim, sunbathe, bike, visit the oldest lighthouse in the nation, see an airplane collection and camp overnight, all in the New York metropolitan area. Gateway is one of the ten most visited national parks in the country. For more information about Gateway's upcoming public programs, see the park's Web site at www.nps.gov/gate. To join the conversation about Gateway, like us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Gatewaynps. |
Last updated: May 18, 2016