Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Greene County Welcomes a New ECO

Greene County's newest ECO, Darren Milliron, (right), began his assignment in our county last month. His first order of business was to introduce himself to area sportsmen at their county-wide meeting. He displayed his support when Green County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs President, Hank Coons, (left) accepted a $500.00 donation from NYSCOPBA for the 2025 Youth Pheasant Hunt. Correction Officer Kurt Plank, (center), presented the check from his union alongside his law enforcement colleague.

At the March meeting of the Greene County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, NYS ECO Darren Milliron introduced himself as Greene County’s newest conservation officer. The meeting was well attended as Federation President, Hank Coons and the rest of the board and membership welcomed their new ECO. 

 ECO Milliron, a five-year veteran of the force who spent the first leg of his career in New York City, transferred to the county in mid-March. He is a self-described hunter and fishermen, who plans to focus a bit more on hunting now that he’s no longer confined to city environs and happily upstate in the country. He’s already bought a home and is quickly settling in. 

 ECO Milliron explained he focused chiefly upon fisheries enforcement during his assignment in the five boroughs. The New York Bight is rich in abundance with all manner of valuable fish species such as striped bass, blackfish, black sea bass, in addition to lobsters and hard clams which are frequently harvested illegally. That target rich environment led to many arrests by ECO Milliron involving the illegal commercialization of our marine resources. 

 Darren Milliron replaces ECO Jason Smith who recently transferred from Greene to Saratoga County. You may remember ECO Smith as the hard-working, dedicated officer who reliably assisted whenever called upon, especially when helping out with the annual Youth Pheasant Hunt, Youth Turkey Hunt, and Catskill Central School District Fishing Days. He was active in poaching enforcement and among the Greene County ECOs who helped bring to justice three Earlton men convicted in a prolific deer jacking case a few years back. We thank ECO Jason Smith for his contributions to Greene County and wish him all the best with his new assignment up in Region 5.

 Officer Milliron joins veteran ECO Lucas Palmateer, comprising the two ECOs assigned to Greene County. At one time three ECOs were assigned to the county, but that has not been the case for many years. Their supervisor, Lt. Anthony Glorioso also resides in Greene County, but currently supervises ECOs in Delaware, Greene, Columbia, and Rensselaer Counties. This overly expansive supervisory coverage is due to the two current vacant ECO lieutenant posts in the nine counties comprising Region 4. DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement is currently seeking to fill those two vacant lieutenant items which will lessen the burden of supervision throughout the region as they are in the process of filling ECO vacancies throughout the state.

 So, please join me in welcoming ECO Darren Milliron to Greene County. Let’s give him a helping hand whenever possible to ensure the protection of our fish, wildlife, and natural resources for future generations.

News and Notes

Recreational striped bass fishing season joins trout Season as both began on April 1st

The striped bass fishing season in the tidal Hudson River North of the George Washington Bridge shares its opening with the trout opener on April 1. DEC says now is the time to sign-up for the Hudson River Cooperative Angler Program, whether you catch-and-release or take home a keeper. Share your fishing trip information and help biologists understand and manage our striped bass fishery. For more information on the angler program and instructions on installing the Survey123 App to access the online logbook, visit DEC’s Hudson River Cooperative Angler or email hudsonangler@dec.ny.gov. 

*Remember, all boat operators, regardless of their age are now required to take a class and possess proof of being certified in safe boat handling while operating any motorized vessel in NY.

Shed Hunting Seminar at Westkill Brewing Co. on April 5th; 

The Westkill Brewing Company at 2173 Spruceton Road in West Kill NY is hosting an antler shed hunting instructional seminar at a cost of $30.00 per person on April 5th at 11:00 am at their brewery. There will be raffles to benefit a veterans hunting program plus much more. 

For tickets, registration, and further information, go and view their colorful website at https://www.westkillbrewing.com/. 

Free Turkey Calling Seminar on April 13th 

One week after Westkill Brewing’s Shed Hunting seminar, they will host a Free Turkey Calling Seminar on April 13th beginning at 2:00 pm. There will be instruction, raffles for vets, 50/50s and much more. No registration is required for the turkey calling seminar.

Youth Turkey Hunt Scheduled this April in Greene County

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club (NHWC) in conjunction with the New York Conservation Officer’s Association (NYCOA) and the Northern Catskill’s Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is holding the 2nd Annual Greene County Youth Turkey Hunt on April 26th. There will be hunting in the am, followed by a BBQ from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville. There is a safety briefing presentation that includes hunting tips and tactics and shotgun patterning at the NHWC on April 19th at 10:00 am. Properly licensed youth’s aged 12-15 can either hunt with their families and friends or, those in need of a mentor can contact the organizer of the event, ECO Lucas Palmateer 518-478-1698 or Lt. Anthony Glorioso 518-755-9242 for more information and to sign up for this event no later than April 17, 2025.    

Remember to report poaching and pollution violations by calling the 24-hour ECO Dispatch at: 1-844-DEC-ECOS.