The winning artwork by George Bradford (trout stamp contest) and Jonathan Milo (waterfowl contest) will be featured on next season’s
stamps, which raise funds for waterfowl conservation efforts and supporting trout stocking across the state /Delaware DNREC Graphic

Trout Competition Won for a Sixth Time by Delaware Artist Who Got First Blue Ribbon 27 Years Ago 

Jonathan Milo of Monroe, Conn. and in-state artist George Bradford of Georgetown have claimed blue ribbons respectively in Delaware’s annual Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Milo’s painting of a goldeneye duck will be featured on the 2027-28 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp. A painting of a rainbow trout by Bradford was awarded first place and will grace the 2027 Delaware Trout Stamp.

“The artistic talent exhibited today made both stamp contests extremely competitive,” DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Pat Emory said after the competition. “The breadth of experience and perspectives in the artwork DNREC receives for the contests is always impressive, whether they’re coming from a federal duck stamp winner or an artist entering their first state competition. Which is to say we encourage artists of all skill levels whose work reflects these sporting and wildlife interests to keep ‘em coming.”

The annual stamp art competition drew 13 entries for the 2027-28 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp and eight entries for 2027 state trout stamp. The waterfowl stamp contest specified that artwork must include the motif of a goldeneye duck in the Delaware Bay. Delaware Trout Stamp contest entries could depict a rainbow, brook or brown trout.

As the 2027-28 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp contest winner, Milo receives a $2,500 cash prize and 150 artist’s proofs of the limited-edition print series of his first-place entry. The Connecticut native, a longtime professional illustrator and artist, specializes in wildlife and outdoor sporting art, with an emphasis on painting fish and fishing subjects. His work has been featured in Outdoor Life, Sporting Classics, Gray’s Sporting Journal and American Angler magazine.

As the 2027 Delaware Trout Stamp winner, Bradford receives a $250 cash prize and retains the rights to reproduce and sell prints of the stamp artwork. Bradford first entered both the Delaware trout and waterfowl stamp contests in 1993. While he has previously placed in the waterfowl stamp competition, including second place in 2021, he has fared far better in the trout stamp contest, placing among recognized entries seven times, including just missing the blue ribbon the last two years before winning his sixth career Delaware trout stamp competition this year. Bradford loves to paint all wildlife as well as landscapes.

Other artists recognized in this year’s Delaware contests were:

2027-28 Waterfowl Stamp

• Second place: Ryan Kniss, Johnstown, Pa.
• Third place: Caleb Metrich, Lake Tomahawk, Wisc.
• Honorable mentions: Richard Clifton, Milford , Del.; Jeffrey Klinefelter, Etna Green, Ind.; Matthew Higgins, Kersey, Pa.

2027 Trout Stamp

• Second place: Christopher White, Port Deposit, Md.
• Third place: Trevor Dumaw, Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Honorable mentions: Jeffrey Klinefelter, Etna Green, Ind.; Christopher White, Port Deposit, Md; JB Basham, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Artwork in each contest was judged by a different set of five judges, with each judge separately evaluating and scoring the respective contest artwork in person. As always, the judges brought a variety of interests and expertise to both contests.

For the Waterfowl Stamp contest, judges were:

• Elio Battista, member of the Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish
• Jessica Paoletti, DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife biologist
• Drew Clendaniel, Delaware waterfowler and stamp collector
• Heather Swyka, Delaware artist
• Keith Windsor, state chair for the Ducks Unlimited Delaware chapter

Judging the trout stamp competition were:

• Ed O’Connell and Sam Palermo, White Clay Fly Fishers Club members
• Garry Grier, member of the State Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish
• Roberta Tucci, retired Delaware State University art professor
• Steven Luell, DNREC Fisheries Section Environmental Scientist

The winning 2027-28 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp will be available for purchase July 1, 2027, with the winning 2027 Delaware Trout Stamp available for purchase Jan. 1, 2027.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, started the Delaware Waterfowl Stamp and print program in 1980 to raise funds for waterfowl conservation, including acquiring and improving wetland habitats vital to the survival of migratory waterfowl. To date, more than $4.2 million has been raised. A Delaware waterfowl stamp and hunting license are required for most waterfowl hunters.

Delaware began requiring trout stamps for anglers in the 1950s, and a Delaware Trout Stamp and a general fishing license are required for most anglers to fish in designated trout waters during certain seasons. Funds from the sale of these stamps are used to purchase trout to stock in select streams in northern New Castle County and in two downstate ponds.

More information about Delaware’s Waterfowl Stamp contest can be found on the de.gov/waterfowlstamp webpage. For more information about the Trout Stamp contest visit the de.gov/troutstamp webpage.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 75,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Alyssa Imprescia, alyssa.imprescia@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Last year’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman event held at Lums Pond State Park, offered a variety of courses such as foraging, archery and fishing along with the opportunity for participants to enhance skills that encourage enjoyment of outdoor activities. /Delaware DNREC Photo

BOW Registration Opens Sept. 1 for the Three-Day Weekend Event Known to Sell Out Within Hours; Registration Deadline Sept. 17

Camp Barnes in Sussex County will welcome this year’s participants to the 2026 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program the weekend of Oct. 2 to 4, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.

The 2026 event marks BOW’s 27th year in Delaware with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife hosting the program. Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 11:00 a.m.– usually selling out within a few hours, but closing Thursday, Sept. 17 if capacity has not been reached. Returning once again to Camp Barnes near Frankford, the BOW program is open this year to 60 participants looking to learn valuable outdoors skills.

BOW offers a variety of 3.5-hour and 1.5-hour recreational courses taught by DNREC staff and volunteer instructors, who share their expertise and provide instruction in a safe, supportive and non-competitive atmosphere. The cost of participating in the full BOW weekend is $200, which includes meals, lodging, instruction and use of necessary equipment and supplies. A small additional fee is charged for online registration.

Participants can choose from a wide range of hands-on courses. This year’s BOW offerings include Surf Fishing, Shotgun Shooting, Crabbing, Birding, Waterfowling, Archery, Seining, Nature ID Workshops and more.

A specialty course this year at BOW is a mentored crossbow deer hunt at the nearby Assawoman Wildlife Area, limited to five participants and led by DNREC’s Hunter Education instructors and volunteers. The hunting opportunity emphasizes deer management on the wildlife area and involves safe use of a crossbow while taking part in the mentored deer hunt. Participants in the hunt are required to have a Delaware hunting license and hunter education certification prior to the BOW event. Each hunter will be partnered with a mentor during the managed hunt.

More information about Delaware BOW, including online registration, can be found at the de.gov/bow webpage.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 75,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Alyssa Imprescia, alyssa.imprescia@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Presentations Will Showcase Reserve’s Mission

While Celebrating National Estuaries Week

In celebration of National Estuaries Week (Sept. 19 to 27), the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR) will hold a two-day Research and Stewardship Symposium at the St. Jones and Blackbird Creek Reserves on Sept. 22 and 23. The symposium will showcase the Reserve’s mission of engaging people, applying science and protecting places.

“For those interested in learning about current research or habitat management projects, both symposium days will provide ample opportunities to view both and to engage with reserve staff,” said Lynne Pusey, DNERR training and engagement coordinator for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy.

The symposium will feature presentations, a poster exhibition, demonstrations, site tours and hands-on experiences. The event is free, but registration is required. The registration deadline is Sept. 4 and space is limited.

The first day will be a “Choose your own adventure” to allow participants to attend multiple presentation sessions at the St. Jones Reserve in Dover. There will also be a poster session to showcase research projects on DNERR property or in conjunction with DNERR staff.

Day one will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover.

The second day will be a site visit to the Blackbird Creek Reserve in Townsend to explore land conservation efforts, as well as past and present restoration sites and research projects.

Day two will run from 9 a.m. to noon at the Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Rd., Townsend.

Participants can choose to attend one or both days of symposium events.

Lunch will be provided on day one for the St. Jones symposium presentations. Lunch will not be provided for the day two Blackbird Creek Reserve site visit. Site visit participants should wear boots or waterproof shoes for walking in potentially wet areas, dress for the weather (layers are encouraged) and bring a lunch, hat, water and insect repellent.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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Calcasieu Pass sailing with the Atlantic menhaden fleet and, right, when DNREC reefed the ship /Delaware DNREC photos

Calcasieu Pass Sunk on Del-Jersey-Land Reef to Create More Marine Habitat, Angling and Dive Opportunities

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has once again expanded Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system, creating more marine habitat by sinking the Calcasieu Pass, an offshore oilfield supply vessel turned menhaden processing ship, onto Reef Site 13 following environmental remediation and approval. Also known as the Del-Jersey-Land Reef, the site is the centerpiece of the reef system – with its offshore location equidistant from ports in the three states that make up its name.

The Calcasieu Pass, 180 feet long with a 40-foot beam, will provide valuable habitat for aquatic life, along with angling and diving opportunities for outdoor recreationalists. Originally built in 1982 as an offshore supply vessel, later joining the East Coast menhaden fleet, the ship’s final repurposing is expected to buoy both economic and environmental opportunity for Delaware.

“The addition of this vessel to our reef system continues DNREC’s commitment to improving marine habitat while giving retired maritime vessels a new purpose beneath the waves,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “The artificial reef system is a driver for Delaware’s coastal and conservation economies, and carries out the Department’s mission of conserving and sustaining our natural resources.”

The new reef addition’s name reflects its original commissioning – Calcasieu Pass is a bend of the Calcasieu Ship Channel, at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, near Lake Charles, La. – an area that specializes in liquified natural gas production. The ship supported offshore oilfield operations until 1989, when it was converted into an Atlantic menhaden fishing vessel. Calcasieu Pass then sailed for more than 30 years from Reedville, Va. in the Atlantic menhaden reduction industry, processing the species for the many commercial products that menhaden is an ingredient in, from fish oil to pet food to lipstick and cosmetics.

On the Del-Jersey-Land Reef, Calcasieu Pass will provide complex underwater habitat that attracts a variety of reef-associated fish and invertebrates. Over time, marine organisms such as mussels, barnacles, and corals will colonize the structure, creating a thriving ecosystem from the bottom up that supports both marine life and recreational fishing and deep-water diving opportunities.

The Calcasieu Pass sinking was carried out by Norfolk, Va.-based marine contractor Coleen Marine, which has handled numerous reef deployments over the DNREC artificial reef program’s existence at many of Delaware’s 14 permitted artificial reef sites.

As with all ships and other reefed vessels that DNREC sends down, Calcasieu Pass was sunk only after receiving approvals from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Coast Guard for environmental cleanliness and safety. Before a vessel is turned into an artificial reef, it undergoes extensive preparation in accordance with all applicable federal and state environmental standards to ensure it is suitable for use.

To buy and reef Calcasieu Pass, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, which oversees the reef program, invested $285,000 in federal Sport Fish Restoration funds.

For more information about the DNREC Artificial Reef Program, visit the de.gov/artificialreefs webpage.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 75,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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Regulatory Changes Will Expand Deer Sampling Efforts Within
State and Establish a Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone

With the initial discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Delaware confirmed earlier this year, and the start of deer hunting season less than a month away, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted emergency regulations to try to limit the spread of CWD and confine it to the area where it was found.

The initial identification triggered activation of the state’s CWD plan, with one of the first steps to conduct widespread sampling in the area where the initial cases were found. In July, DNREC worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection (APHIS) Wildlife Services and local landowners to collect and test additional deer to better understand the distribution and prevalence of CWD in the area. APHIS focused cluster sampling of 100 deer adjacent to the two initial CWD findings did not turn up any more cases of the disease.

The new emergency regulations – which relate to the area in Central Sussex County where CWD was found – are designed to reduce activities that bring deer together, limit the movement of potentially infected animals and infectious material, and increase CWD testing during the upcoming season. DNREC will continue CWD surveillance, with state and federal wildlife disease experts evaluating testing results to determine next steps.

“While it comes as a relief that no additional positive samples were found during the focused cluster sampling, the measures in the new regulations aim to help us contain CWD while its range is limited in our state,” DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson said. “Now is the time to get ahead of CWD, because once CWD starts spreading it’s much more difficult to manage.”

The new regulations implemented by DNREC as of Aug. 17 will:

• Establish a CWD Management Zone (CMZ) that encompasses Wildlife Management Zones 14 and 16, including DNREC’s Midlands Wildlife Area and Trap Pond State Park, in lower Sussex County.
• Prohibit the use of bait and feed for attracting deer within the CMZ;
• Requires hunters to check in deer harvested within the CMZ during the November general firearm “shotgun” deer season (Nov. 13-22) at two designated stations:
  • Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s Jones Crossroads Landfill near Georgetown
  • The Gumboro Service Center, near where the Whitetail Open takes place.
• Defines requirements for hunters moving harvested deer out of the CMZ elsewhere within the state.
• Prohibits the rehabilitation and relocation of “rescued” deer fawns originating within the Sussex County CMZ, and
• Places a statewide ban on the use of natural urine-based “buck lures” to hunt deer. Buck lures are connected to CWD because infectious abnormal misfolded proteins, called prions, that cause the fatal disease are shed in animal bodily fluids – and can be transmitted to other deer either from direct contact or when browsing vegetation grown in CWD-tainted soil.

Hunters interested in having their deer tested during the hunting season will be able to do so at self-serve drop-off locations located throughout the state. More details for this service, to be provided at no cost to hunters, will be available on the DNREC website prior to the start of the hunting season. Also, before the season begins, the Division of Fish and Wildlife will distribute an addendum to the 2026 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide with expanded information about CWD. This pamphlet will be available when hunters pick up their guide in hard copy and also will be found on the de.gov/cwd webpage.

Emergency regulations are good for 120 days with a potential 60-day extension. However, in order to make the changes permanent, DNREC will need to go through the normal regulatory process, including public comment.

More information about CWD, including the state response plan to the disease, a map of the management area where CWD was confirmed, and public guidance for hunting deer in Delaware and eating venison from harvested animals – can be found on the de.gov/cwd webpage. For more insights into CWD and living in a state where it exists, see DNREC’s Outdoor Delaware online magazine.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 75,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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