Reminder for the week: Wildlife area visitors encouraged to know and follow rules

DOVER – 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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between April 24-30 made 2,091 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 84 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 10 citations. Officers responded to 40 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. An increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

• On April 29, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police with K-9 River displayed a Natural Resources Police vehicle while attending a Touch-A-Truck event held at the Providence Creek Academy in Clayton.
• On April 28, 29 and 30, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer and presented information on Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police roles in protecting Delaware’s outdoors during the Delmarva Outdoors Expo at the Harrington Fairgrounds.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

An incident of note:

• From April 24-30, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police patrolling wildlife areas in Sussex County for unlawful activity issued two citations for trespassing after hours at Concord Pond near Seaford and two citations for trespassing after hours at Ingrams Pond near Millsboro.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (3).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operate a vessel with expired registration (1)*.

Public Safety: Park in a no-stopping, standing, parking zone (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4), and excessive speed on a state wildlife area (1).

Citizens are encouraged to report fish, wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at de.gov/ogt.

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?

With warmer temperatures settling in, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind visitors to enjoy our state wildlife areas while complying with established rules and regulations.

General wildlife area rules and regulations include:

• State wildlife areas are open from sunrise to sunset and closed to public access from sunset to sunrise, with the exception of those lawfully engaged in hunting or fishing. Anyone not engaged in these activities when found in state wildlife areas between sunset and sunrise will be cited for trespassing after hours.
• Camping, swimming, dumping and littering, target shooting (including paintball) and fires are prohibited in state wildlife areas.
• Dog training is permitted only within established dog training areas or during open hunting seasons for the game animals that the dog is being trained to hunt.
• Hunting is permitted only in specified areas and only when in season.
• Firearms are prohibited on state wildlife areas from March 1 through Aug. 31, except as otherwise authorized by the Division of Fish & Wildlife for hunting or dog training.
• Operating vehicles off-road, including ATVs, is prohibited; all vehicles must be licensed, remain on designated roads and not exceed a speed of 20 mph.
• All state wildlife areas are designated carry-in, carry-out for trash.

“We encourage Delaware residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful wildlife areas by engaging in a host of low-impact activities, including hunting and fishing in season, hiking, wildlife and bird watching, photography, kayaking, canoeing and enjoying established trails,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “To protect our wildlife areas and enhance their enjoyment for the many visitors who follow the rules, however, we strictly enforce state regulations, as well as Delaware criminal law.”

For more information on regulations for specific wildlife areas, click Delaware Hunting Maps. Printed copies of the maps are also available at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or by calling the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386

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