New York Consolidated Laws, Environmental Conservation Law - ENV § 11-0519. Disposition of fish, wildlife, game, shellfish, crustacea or protected insects seized by or surrendered to enforcement officers

a. seized by an enforcement officer as provided in section 71-0907 and it is thereafter determined that the possession thereof, by the person from whom it was seized, was unlawful under any provision of the Fish and Wildlife Law or regulation pursuant thereto;  or

b. found in or released from a trap, snare, net or other device constituting a nuisance which the officer is authorized summarily to abate as provided in section 71-0915;  or

c. surrendered to an enforcement officer for disposition by any person having lawful custody or possession;  possession thereof shall be deemed vested in the department on behalf of the state.  All such things shall be disposed of as may be determined by the enforcement officer, subject to law and any applicable regulations of the department.