Division of Fish & Wildlife
- DNREC’s first beneficial-reuse marsh restoration project succeeds with thin-layer spray application Delaware’s first foray into beneficial-reuse marsh restoration recently twinned maintenance dredging and “thin-layer” spray application of dredge spoil material as a one-two punch for reinvigorating a faltering marsh on Pepper Creek in Dagsboro. The project – a collaborative effort with the Center for Inland Bays, spearheaded by DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship and entailing many other department programs – involved extensive planning, environmental permitting and the customizing of equipment for the innovative dredging and thin-layer application.May 22, 2013
- Stretch of beach at Cape Henlopen State Park closed to safeguard nesting piping plovers The first piping plover nest of the season at Gordon’s Pond Beach in Cape Henlopen State Park has been discovered, with the parents-to-be defending their territory, DNREC Wildlife Biologist Matthew Bailey announced. The nest was found late last week, and when last observed, contained three eggs. May 21, 2013
- State awarded $1 million federal grant to protect critical lands in the Delaware Bayshore More than 800 acres of valuable coastal lands in the Delaware Bayshore, will be conserved and protected thanks to a federal grant awarded to DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.May 15, 2013
- DNREC Falcon Cam update: Four chicks, all fit and outfitted with bands for future flight and fate The four peregrine falcon chicks given starring roles on the DNREC Falcon Cam – sponsored by the Delaware Ornithological Society and DuPont’s Clear Into the Future initiative – were outfitted for their own ornithological future this week. They were banded Tuesday by the US Fish & Wildlife Service so as to enable the gathering of biological and biographical data from them as they spread their wings into adulthood. May 15, 2013
- Wilmington Peregrine Falcons again a full family unit after revitalized chick’s return to nest box With the recent return to the nest box of a chick that was artificially fed and cared for by human hand while it gained weight and strength to fend for itself in the box, the Wilmington Peregrine Falcons of DNREC Falcon Cam fame have regained the family dynamic as the four chicks prepare to fledge.May 14, 2013
- DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Blotter: April 16-23; Reminder for the week: As season starts, crabbers need be attentive to regs and rigs To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents between April 16-23 made 597 contacts with hunters, anglers and boaters, and other members of the public, including 57 boardings for boating safety/fishing regulation compliance checks. Agents responded to 33 complaints and issued 22 citations for violations of fish, game, traffic and criminal regulations.April 26, 2013
- Warm weather is returning, and so are Delaware’s bats; DNREC's Division of Fish & Wildlife seeks volunteer bat spotters Delaware is home to eight species of bats, several of which have begun their annual move from winter hibernation sites to summer maternity colonies. Female bats return pregnant to the colonies where they congregate to give birth and raise their pups. In Delaware, these colonies can often take up residence in barns, garages, attics and homes. April 23, 2013
- Baby wild animals in your yard? DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recommends "If you care, leave them there" With spring mowing season underway and having fielded recent calls from people who have found what they believe are “abandoned” baby rabbits, DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife would like to remind well-meaning wildlife watchers not to “rescue” young wild animals. Young Eastern cottontail rabbits, in particular, may appear to be alone, since their mothers often temporarily leave their ground nests to avoid attracting predators, returning only to feed their young. April 23, 2013
- DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Blotter: April 9-16; Reminder for the week: Before turkey hunting, know the regulations To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents between April 9 and April 16 made 669 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 26 boating safety/fishing regulation compliance checks. April 23, 2013
- DNREC Fish & Wildlife Enforcement Blotter: April 3-9; Reminder for the week: Turkey season opens April 13 To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, between April 3 and April 9 DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents made 1,135 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 12 boating safety/fishing regulation compliance checks. April 12, 2013
- Milford man charged with illegally selling mounted wildlife An investigation that began in January culminated in DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Enforcement agents citing a Milford man for illegally offering mounted deer heads, turkeys and a bear for sale online.April 12, 2013
- DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife accepting applications for 2013-2014 low-number hunting license lottery on June 4 DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is continuing to accept applications from Delaware residents for its annual low-number hunting license lottery. The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct the lottery drawing for 20 available low-number Delaware hunting licenses with numbers under 1,000 at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 4.April 12, 2013
- 2013 Mosquito Control season begins this week with spraying wooded wetlands Weather permitting, DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section has started its annual spring woodland-pool spraying this week, treating wooded wetlands for control of immature (larval) mosquitoes near populated areas in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 acres with woodland pools where early season mosquitoes breed in quantity will be strategically larvicided by helicopter, and possibly fixed-wing aircraft. April 4, 2013
- DNREC’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program distributes nearly 19,000 pounds of venison to Delawareans in need During the 2012-2013 deer season, hunters donated 18,761 pounds of venison from 708 deer to the Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger Program. DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife staff is working to distribute the frozen ground venison to more than 30 charitable organizations and food pantries throughout the state to provide meals for needy Delawareans. April 4, 2013
- Anglers reminded that harvesting river herring is prohibited DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds recreational anglers and commercial watermen that harvest or possession of river herring, a popular baitfish, is illegal in Delaware. Anglers must have a valid receipt from a state or jurisdiction where harvest is still permitted to possess river herring.April 4, 2013