Reminder for the week: A new year brings the need for a new boat registration
DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations 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 Dec. 11-17 made 1,122 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 21 citations. Officers responded to 24 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 Michael N. Castle Trail.
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action
Incident of note:
- On Dec. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Jonathan Waiczak, 46, of Hartly, for two counts of providing unlicensed hunting guide services near Milford. Waiczak was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on his own recognizance pending a future court appearance.
Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:
Wildlife Conservation: Providing unlicensed hunting guide services (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (2), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (2), game animal is not consumed or utilized for its value (1), and unlawfully taken game (1).
Public Safety: Possession of a marijuana-civil (1)*, and possession of drug paraphernalia (1)*.
Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (11)*.
*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.
DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting and boating laws and regulations. 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 http://de.gov/ogt.
Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that their annual Delaware boat registrations expire Dec. 31 and must be renewed before taking their boats out on the water in 2018.
Current annual boat registration fees range from $20 to $120 a year, based on the size of the vessel. Registration fees are used to help fund boating safety patrols, natural resources protection, boating education programs and boating access areas and their maintenance.
Boat owners can register their vessels or renew their registrations online, through DNREC’s boat registration office at 89 Kings Highway in Dover, or through private agents throughout the state. For more information, visit Delaware Boat Registration Information or contact the boat registration office at 302-739-9916.
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Contact: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386 or Sgt. Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913