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

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 Feb. 19-25 made 1,286 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 63 citations. Officers responded to 49 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 in the Community

• On Feb. 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on hunting, fishing, and boating and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer at the Future Farmers of America career fair at Smyrna High School.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

• On Feb. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Reina K. Dickerson, 56, of Harbeson for one count each of driving a vehicle under the influence of a drug and following a motor vehicle too closely near Milton. Dickerson was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution to await arraignment.
• On Feb. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Tina Dempsey, 38, of Leipsic for one count each of possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area, and two counts of possession of cocaine near Dover. Dempsey was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 where she was released on a $400 unsecured bond pending a future court date.
• On Feb. 23, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Leonard J. Karpen, 43, of Middletown for three counts of unlicensed fishing following an investigation into illegal charter boat fishing near Lewes. Karpen was arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 3 where he pled guilty, was fined $405, including court costs and released.
• On Feb. 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested an individual for multiple deer hunting violations near Newark. The following press release was issued in regards to the incident: DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrest Newark man on multiple deer hunting violations.
• Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested multiple individuals for dumping on state wildlife areas in Kent County. The following press release was issued in regards to the incidents: Arrests made for dumping on state wildlife areas.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Possession of unlawfully taken antlerless deer (7), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (1), transport unlawfully taken antlered deer (1), and transport unlawfully taken antlerless deer (4).

Fisheries Conservation: Commercial: Unlicensed fishing (3). Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (3).

Boating & Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (2), and failure to observe slow no wake (1).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana-civil (4)*, possession of cocaine (2), possession of drug paraphernalia (2), following a motor vehicle too closely (1), driving under the influence of a drug (1), and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (8).

Other: Damaging state property on a wildlife area (1), dumping/littering on a state wildlife area (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (20)*, and license forgery or misrepresentation (1).

*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 visitors to state wildlife areas, fishing piers and boat launching facilities that these areas are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless a person is actively and lawfully engaged in fishing, hunting or boating in accordance with state regulations and individual wildlife area rules. Individuals not meeting these requirements who are found in these areas between sunset and sunrise face fines up to $100 for trespassing after hours.

Also, all state wildlife areas are designated carry-in, carry-out for trash. Dumping trash on state wildlife areas is an environmental crime. Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police encourage residents and visitors to report violations. Calls can be made anonymously to 1-800-523-3336. In order to protect our wildlife areas and enhance their enjoyment for the many visitors who follow the rules, we strictly enforce state regulations, as well as Delaware criminal law.

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: Sgt. Brooke Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

Print