NY Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0505(5) prohibits feeding white-tailed deer and moose statewide. NYSDEC Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Police enforce in Dutchess County. Bear feeding (intentional or attracting through unsecured garbage) is prohibited under ECL 11-0505(3). Bird feeders are allowed but must be removed April 1 through December 1 in areas where bears are present (common in eastern and northern Dutchess: Pawling, Dover, Amenia, Millbrook).
NY ECL Section 11-0505(5) bans feeding deer and moose; exceptions for 5-acre-plus agricultural operations feeding livestock and for licensed wildlife rehabilitators. ECL Section 11-0505(3) prohibits intentionally feeding bears and also prohibits leaving food, garbage, or other attractants that are likely to attract bears; DEC may issue abatement orders. Fines under ECL Section 71-0923: up to $250 first offense, $1,000 subsequent; Forest Rangers may seize feeders. DEC Region 3 office (21 S. Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz, 845-256-3000) covers Dutchess. Bird feeders permitted but DEC advises removal April-December in bear country. Black bears are established in eastern Dutchess along the Taconic ridge (Pawling, Dover, Amenia, Pine Plains) and occasionally west. Unsecured garbage that attracts bears may result in DEC warning and subsequent ECL citation. Rabies concerns: DO NOT feed or touch wild mammals; report to Dutchess County DBCH (845-486-3404) or DEC.
Deer/moose feeding first offense up to $250; repeat up to $1,000; bear feeding or bear-attracting garbage: up to $250 first, $500-$1,000 subsequent; possible confiscation of feeders.
Dutchess County, NY
Aircraft noise in Dutchess County is preempted by federal law under 49 USC 40103 (FAA sole authority over navigable airspace). Dutchess County Airport (POU) ...
Dutchess County, NY
No countywide quiet-hours statute in Dutchess. Each town, city, and village (Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Fishkill, Hyde Park, Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Wappinger, etc.)...
Dutchess County, NY
NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375(31) prohibits excessive vehicle noise and requires mufflers in working order. The SLEEP Act (effective April 2022) rai...
Dutchess County, NY
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Dutchess County, NY
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Dutchess County, NY
Street parking governed by individual town/village codes across Dutchess County. NY Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1201 prohibits parking within 15 feet of ...
See how Dutchess County's wildlife feeding rules stack up against other locations.
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