Reminder for the week: Hunters should pay attention to established blinds, property lines

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, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Oct. 22-28 made 1,436 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 32 citations. Officers responded to 37 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 Actions
Incident of note:

• On Oct. 26, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited three individuals following an investigation into illegal waterfowl hunting near Middletown. All three were charged with one count each of prohibited hunting device – bait, federal rules adopted – hunting with live decoys, and possession of unlawfully taken game – ducks. One of the three individuals was additionally charged with hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, and was issued citations totaling $602, including court costs and released. The other two individuals were issued citations totaling $437 each, including court costs and released.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:
Wildlife Conservation: Prohibited hunting device – bait (5), federal rules adopted – hunting with live decoys (3), possession of unlawfully taken game – ducks (2), possession of over-the-limit ducks (2), trespass to hunt (1), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), possession of unlawfully taken game – ducks (5)*, and federal rules adopted – no federal waterfowl stamp (3)*.
Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (1), possession of flounder parts (1), and possession of undersized striped bass (1).
Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1)*.
Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1).
Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (1), prostitution (1), patronizing a prostitute (1), and knowingly operate off highway vehicle on private property without permission (2).
*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 hunters participating in waterfowl hunting season that hunting from a vessel within 1,500 feet of an established waterfowl blind without permission is prohibited.

Also, hunting game on private property without permission of the owner and/or residents is considered trespass to hunt. Tracking or recovering game on another’s property, shooting on another’s property, or crossing another’s private property to reach a hunting area are examples of trespass to hunt.

Other rules and general hunting information:
• Hunters should check daily bag limits and possession limits, as well as types of arms and ammunition permitted for the game they are planning to hunt.
• If hunting on public wildlife areas, hunters should review wildlife area maps and rules, including hunting times, specific rules for each wildlife area, and any permits they may need. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk or online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.
• Waterfowl hunters should make sure they have their hunting licenses, state and federal stamps and Harvest Information Program number (HIP) before they head for their blinds. To conveniently obtain your free HIP number online from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, click www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Hunters also may call 1-855-335-4868 (1-855-DELHUNT) toll-free.

Delaware hunting 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 hunting licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2018-2019 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk and from license agents throughout the state.

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.

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