Reminder for the week: Hunters should observe surroundings, know safety zone requirements

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 Sept. 2-8 made 2,322 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 31 citations. Officers responded to 70 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

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (3), improperly marked crab pot (1), trespass to fish (3), and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (1).

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

Public Safety: Driving with an expired license (1) and possession of drug paraphernalia (3).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (8)*, littering on a state wildlife area (1), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), operating a motor vehicle without insurance (1), and criminal impersonation (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. The Public 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 advise hunters to become familiar with state, county, and local regulations before choosing their hunting spots, be observant of their surroundings, and take appropriate safety precautions.

Only the owner or occupant or a person with specific permission from the owner or occupant can legally discharge a firearm in the firearms safety zone located within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling, house, or residence, or any related barn, stable, or other outbuilding. The statewide safety zone for in-season archery deer hunting is 50 yards. Within these safety zones, it is illegal for anyone other than the owner or occupant to hunt, trap, pursue, disturb, or otherwise chase any wild animal or bird without advance permission of the owner or occupant.

Upstate hunters should also note that New Castle County has its own ordinances, including a 200-yard firearm safety zone from homes, structures, and camps north of I-295 and I-95 and a 100-yard firearm safety zone south of I-295 and I-95 in which firearms may not be discharged. A 50-yard safety zone for in-season archery deer hunting is in effect for all of New Castle County. For more information, please check New Castle County laws and code.

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

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