Reminder for the week: Spring ahead of Spring Aboard

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’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 28-Feb. 3 made 1,152 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 16 citations. Officers responded to 28 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

• On Jan. 30, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Jeremy T. Delinois, 24, of Leipsic, for one count each of possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp, and no hunting license in possession. Delinois was video arraigned at Kent County Justice Peace Court 7 and released on unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: License forgery or misrepresentation (1), no hunting license in possession (1), and hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (1) and leaving the scene of a property damage vehicle collision (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 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to http://de.gov/ogt, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters to spring ahead of the upcoming National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) Spring Aboard campaign for boating education by enrolling now in a boater safety course.

This year’s Spring Aboard campaign will take place from March 17-23, with boating safety courses currently being offered. These courses cover the rules and regulations of Delaware’s waterways, including appropriate speed limits, responsible boating skills and awareness, how to distinguish navigational aids and water depths, weather tips, information about basic engine mechanics, required and/or recommended safety equipment, what to do if a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer stops your vessel, and the dangers of boating under the influence. Upon completing the course, boaters receive a boating safety certificate, which is required to operate motorized boats in Delaware for boaters born on or after Jan. 1, 1978.

For more information, including Delaware’s boating safety course schedule, access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook, and other boating information, please visit Delaware Boating Safety or contact Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, at 302-365-8705 or email john.mcderby@delaware.gov.

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 Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

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