Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

DEEP News Release Header

10/23/2018

Illegal Deer Hunting Arrests

Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) with the assistance of Woodbury Police and the Connecticut State Police Troop L arrested three individuals in connection with illegal deer hunting in Roxbury on Monday, October 22, 2018.
State EnCon Police and Woodbury Police have received numerous complaints of illegal deer hunting after sunset in proximity to the Roxbury Airport. A proactive Woodbury Police Officer was conducting a patrol check of the area after midnight on October 22, 2018 when they observed a vehicle traveling along Route 317 with the occupants actively shining the open grass fields, an area frequented by deer, where deer are known to be present, and a prime deer habitat. The officer suspected the occupants of illegal deer jacklighting and conducted a motor vehicle stop in Roxbury.
The occupants identified as Eftihios Marnelakis, 22 of Southbury, Mihali Marnelakis, 20 of Southbury, and Jacob Parcell, 21 of Southbury, were found to be in possession of numerous flashlights/spotlight, ammunition, and multiple firearms, to include a loaded high powered rifle, within the passenger compartment as well as evidence of a recent deer kill processing in the bed of the pickup.
The accused were placed under arrest by State EnCon Police and processed at Troop A in Southbury for the following violations of C.G.S. 53-204 Hunting from a public roadway, C.G.S. 53-205 Possession of loaded weapon in a motor vehicle, C.G.S. 26-85 Jacklighting Deer, and C.G.S. 53a-217e(c)(1) Negligent hunting 2nd degree. The accused were each released on a $5,000 surety bond and are scheduled to appear on 11/8/2018 at GA18 Torrington.
Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook