Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 18-24

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. 18-24 made 1,485 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 10 citations. Officers responded to 31 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.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1) and possession of unlawfully taken Canada goose (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Failure to observe slow no wake (1).

Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1)* and shooting within 15 yards of a public roadway (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5)*.

*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 anglers that it’s time to purchase their 2018 Delaware fishing licenses, as 2017 licenses expire Dec. 31. A valid fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing and clamming in Delaware in both tidal and non-tidal waters.

Anglers under the age of 16 and residents age 65 and older are not required to purchase fishing licenses in Delaware, however they are still required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. License exempt anglers also include non-resident boat fishing license holders who do not have an individual license and individuals fishing on licensed boats who do not have an individual license. Some requirements differ for non-resident anglers.

To obtain the free F.I.N. number by visiting https://www.delaware-fin.com/ or calling 800-432-9228 toll-free.

Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386 or Sgt. Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913