October 26, 2010
DEC officers arrest hunter for shots fired
State environmental conservation officers arrested two hunters for separate incidents that took place on Sunday, Oct. 17, including one incident in which two hunters claimed shots were fired in their direction, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Monday.
Margaretteville resident Michael P. Ardito, who is 70 years old, allegedly fired two shots over the head of one hunter and in the direction of a ridge where the second hunter was located in the town of Minerva in Essex County. The incident allegedly took place after one of the hunters had accidentally crossed onto property owned by Ardito, Jr.
When told to get off the property, the hunter complied and turned to leave, the DEC said. But Ardito allegedly fired anyway. He was reportedly in possession of a rifle, although only the deer muzzleloading season was open. The hunters reported the incident to state police, who notified environmental conservation officers. A state trooper and an environmental conservation officer responded to Ardito’s residence and encountered him returning from hunting on his property.
Ardito was charged with two felonies – reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon, and two misdemeanors – as well as menacing and hunting deer with a rifle during the muzzleloading season.
He was arraigned in town of Minerva court and released after posting bail.
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Deer taken illegally
A forest ranger, environmental conservation officers investigated a deer illegally taken near Great Camp Sagamore in the town of Long Lake.
Terry Gordon, 49, of Keeseville, was issued tickets for taking illegal deer and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, both misdemeanors, and shooting within a safety zone, a violation.