31, DEC’s Ray Brook dispatch received a report of a stranded kayak in the north branch of the Boquet River. Six tickets were issued by Cranker, including hunting deer over bait, establishing a salt lick, and failure to carry a hunting license. Both subjects were brought out to Cranker who drove in to meet them. After checking the first stand, Balerno found and detained a subject and his radio, while Praczkajlo proceeded to check the second stand, which was also occupied. and proceeded on foot for a mile to the baited stands. To avoid detection, rangers were dropped off by Cranker at approximately 5 p.m.
Rangers previously located illegal deer hunting activity, including ground blinds baited with corn, apples, and mineral blocks. 30, forest rangers Jeffrey Balerno and Robert Praczkajlo, along with Environmental Conservation Police Officer Jim Cranker, conducted a joint enforcement operation on the Santa Clara easement in the town of Waverly. At 7:06 p.m., Evans located the 24- and 26-year-old hikers from Ithaca, gave them headlamps, and escorted the pair back to the parking area where they were reunited with their hiking group at 7:48 p.m.
Forest Ranger Peter Evans responded to the trailhead to meet with the reporting party. The pair was last seen at the summit at approximately 2:30 p.m., with only their cell phones for a light source. 30 at 6:17 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker reporting two members of his party overdue from hiking Mount Marcy.