(Seventh-grader Lily Groover of Slatington, Pa. experiences her first sea duck hunt last fall on Rehoboth Bay/Submitted photo)
Reminder for the week: Waterfowl hunters, get your license and stamps,
check your gear
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 Oct. 28 – Nov.3 made 3,252 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 15 citations. Officers responded to 53 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 Nov.3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and reviewed safe hunting practices, hunting laws, and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field with attendees at a Hunter Education Class at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.
Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:
Wildlife Conservation: Illegal to hunt red fox during chase only season (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl over illegal bait (2), possession of unlawfully taken game – waterfowl (2), and trespass to hunt (1).
Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized tautog (1).
Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (2)*, and operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (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?
With waterfowl hunting seasons starting later in the month, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters that most waterfowl hunters must purchase a hunting license, a state waterfowl stamp, and a federal waterfowl stamp. For more information on license and stamp requirements visit 2019-2020 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Waterfowl hunters are also reminded to check their hunting gear bags, coats, boats, and any other gear to make sure they are not carrying lead shot. Non-toxic shot, as approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is required for all waterfowl hunting within the State of Delaware. For a list of currently approved non-toxic shot types visit http://flyways.us/faq/what-type-shot-approved-non-toxic-us.
Also, if you are waterfowl hunting from a boat, please ensure that you have all the required safety equipment on board and have plenty of cold weather clothing and equipment.
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Contact: Sgt. Brooke Mitchell, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913, or 302-382-7167.