Reminder for the week: Operating golf carts, ATVs and other unregistered vehicles on wildlife areas, boat ramps and other facilities is illegal

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC’s Division ofFish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between May 16-22 made 1,091 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 96 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 25 complaints and issued 37 citations. This week, with an expanded Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continuing to be deployed as a deterrent, no citations were issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

An incident of note:

• On May 17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Ronald Lewis, 63, of Camden, for negligent operation of a vessel following an investigation into a boating accident on the Delaware Bay. Lewis and a passenger were rescued from the bay after the boat he was operating sank due to overloading. Lewis was issued a citation for $107, including court costs.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (3), unlawful commercial crabbing in a non-commercial area (1), tending more than two recreational crab pots (11), improperly marked recreational crab pots (10), failure to tend recreational crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (7), and illegal use of cast net in tidal water within 300 feet of a dam or spillway (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation of a vessel (1), and operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1).

A DNREC press release was issued related to a number of this week’s crabbing citations:

• Sussex waterman arrested for multiple commercial crabbing violations

Are you AWARE?
With seasonal weather here at last and summer just around the corner, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind visitors that it is illegal to operate unregistered vehicles – including ATVs and golf carts – on state wildlife areas, boat ramps and other Division of Fish & Wildlife facilities.

“These types of vehicles are not equipped to be operated on roadways or in heavy traffic and present unique safety hazards,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “These vehicles can be dangerous, especially when operated by children, or with no lights after dark.”

Two areas of particular concern are the Masseys Landing public boat ramp and the Okie Preserve Wildlife Area, both in Long Neck in Sussex County. The Long Neck area has a high concentration of golf carts in use by local residents. Operators of these vehicles who drive on wildlife areas, boat ramps or other facilities face fines starting at $50 for each violation.

For more information on individual wildlife areas, including the rules and regulations specific to each, visitors are encouraged to check out Delaware wildlife area maps, which are available in hard copy at DNREC’s licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

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.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 195

DOVER – Fawning season for white-tailed deer has begun in Delaware, with most fawns born during the last week of May through the first week of June. Every year at about this time, well-meaning wildlife watchers call DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife offices about “abandoned” fawns, thinking that doing the right thing means “saving” these newborns by bringing them home or to a wildlife rehabilitator.

Actually, that’s the wrong thing to do, according to Division of Fish & Wildlife program manager and biologist Joe Rogerson: “People who remove fawns from the wild may not realize some wildlife facts,” he said. “First and foremost, the fawn hasn’t been ‘abandoned’ at all.”

“Even if a fawn appears to be alone, the mother is likely bedded close by. Newborn fawns need to feed every few hours so the doe never strays far,” Rogerson said. “Fawns don’t become active enough to start traveling with their mothers until they are about two months old, so the survival instinct of a newborn fawn is to stay very still and ‘hide’ from predators.”

Furthermore, research has shown that many fawns cared for by people have a greatly decreased chance of survival once they are released back into the wild, compared to deer raised by their mothers. Fawns raised in the wild are able to learn survival instincts from their mothers that people simply cannot teach them.

Not only is removing a fawn from its hiding place not in the animal’s best interest, it is also illegal in Delaware to possess or attempt to rehabilitate a live white-tailed deer or any native wildlife without a permit from the Division of Fish & Wildlife. These offenses are punishable by fines of $100 to $250 per offense, plus prosecution and court costs. A second offense within five years of a conviction is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 plus court costs; the person may also face up to 20 days in jail in addition to or in place of the fine. In addition, any deer held illegally in captivity will be removed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife, and in some cases these confiscated deer are euthanized if not suitable for rehabilitation. Furthermore, it is a violation of both state and federal laws to move wildlife between states.

“The bottom line is, if you really care about the fawn and its well-being, please leave the animal alone. Its mother will soon return and the animal will have a far greater chance at survival than if you take it home,” Rogerson added. “This same practice is applicable for most recently-born animals that people may encounter this spring. Generally, an animal’s best chance at survival is when it is left in the wild.”

For more information about fawns or Delaware’s white-tailed deer, please contact Joe Rogerson at 302-735-3600.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 191

LEWES – Four pairs of piping plovers are incubating nests on the Point in Cape Henlopen State Park, with the first hatches anticipated as soon as next week, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Also, a fifth pair on the Point and a pair at Gordons Pond have chosen territories in preparation for nesting.

In other beachnester news, one American oystercatcher nest also is being incubated at Gordons Pond.

For more information about beachnesting birds and monitoring efforts, please contact Matthew Bailey at 302-382-4151 or email matthew.bailey@delaware.gov.

About the piping plover
The piping plover was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1986, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife is responsible for its protection in Delaware. Under a binding agreement and species management plan that DNREC made in 1990 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) – the federal agency with oversight of this ESA-protected species – piping plover nesting areas at Cape Henlopen State Park are closed annually to the public to protect the shorebirds from disturbance during their nesting season from March into September. The closure, which includes the Point and smaller areas around Gordon’s Pond and with both feeding habitat and nesting areas protected, has been successful, increasing the number of piping plover nesting pairs from a low of two pairs to a high of nine pairs. Piping plovers feed on small invertebrates that inhabit the intertidal zone near their nesting territories. Chicks are not fed by their parents, but rather are led to the shoreline to forage while the adults keep watch for potential threats. Allowing pedestrian traffic in the intertidal zone adjoining nesting areas would disturb the vital link between nesting and foraging habitat, and risks adverse stress or mortality to the chicks.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 193

Tournament marks the start of National Fishing & Boating Week June 4-12; entry forms online

DOVER – As part of their activities for National Fishing and Boating Week (June 4-12), Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police will hold their 30th Annual Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 4 at Ingrams Pond near Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Wyoming and at the dog training area of Lums Pond State Park near Bear.

The tournament is open to youths ages 4 through 15. An adult must accompany youngsters under age 12 and contestants must bring their own fishing equipment. Prizes will be awarded at 1:30 p.m. in three age groups: 4 through 7, 8 through 11 and 12 through 15. The tournament is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. to register for the tournament.

The tournament was established to introduce youth to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release angling approach to conservation.

“Since the tournament’s first year in ‘86, this event has grown tremendously and has introduced more than 200 youths each year to sport fishing,” said Sgt. John McDerby of the Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, which sponsors the tournament.

In addition to the fishing tournament celebrating the start of National Fishing and Boating Week, the Division of Fish & Wildlife has designated June 4 and 5 as free fishing days when anyone may fish in Delaware waters without a fishing license.

Anglers are reminded that even though they don’t need a license to fish on those two days, those who are age 16 and older are still required to obtain a free Fisherman Identification Network (F.I.N.) number, available online at www.delaware-fin.com or by calling 1-800-432-9228. Anglers also are required to comply with Delaware’s fishing regulations, including size and daily catch limits.

For more information on the Youth Fishing Tournament, including the registration form, please call 302-739-9913 or click 2016 Youth Fishing Tournament.

The Youth Fishing Tournament is part of Delaware’s Children in Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve environmental literacy in Delaware, create opportunities for children to participate in enriching outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi-agency initiative, which partners state and federal agencies with community organizations, is part of the national No Child Left Inside program.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 192

To make it a safer Memorial Day holiday weekend, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise boaters to stay sober

DOVER – For the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix – and that boat operators with blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher risk facing charges for operating under the influence (OUI), as well as putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters in Delaware waters at risk.

“Just like driving a road vehicle, operating a boat with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is in violation of Delaware and federal laws,” said Sgt. John McDerby of F&W Natural Resources Police, noting that marine patrols are increased over the holiday weekend to ensure safe boating and public safety. “Boat operators found at or above the legal limit will find their voyage terminated, will be arrested and may have their vessel impounded. Boat operators under the influence also can face fines and potential jail time.”

According to national statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is a leading contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. Nationally in 2015, 306 accidents involved alcohol use and resulted in 122 deaths and 258 injuries.

“Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an accident is to make the wiser choice – don’t drink and boat,” said Sgt. McDerby. “Environmental stressors aboard a boat – such as constant motion, heat, sun glare and dehydration – all enhance the effects of any amount of alcohol. Because of this, we strongly recommend that boat operators not consume alcohol, and we encourage having a non-drinking designated boat operator.”

Other tips for recreational boaters to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend include:

• Exercise patience and courtesy at crowded boat ramps and docks.
• Observe all “Slow No Wake” areas.
• Maintain a lookout for and keep a safe distance from other vessels.
• Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds.
• Keep your speed down and use extra caution in congested areas.
• Make sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law.
• Wear your life jacket and encourage all your passengers 13 and older to wear them also.
• Check navigation lights and make sure to turn them on when operating at night.
• Carry your Boating Education Card and all required safety equipment appropriate for your size vessel.
• Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards are considered vessels, and passengers are required to have a life jacket on board and carry a whistle or other sound-producing device. If out after sunset, a flashlight is also required.

For access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook and other safe boating information, please click Delaware Boating Safety, or contact Delaware Boating Safety Coordinator Sgt. John McDerby at 302-739-9913 or email john.mcderby@delaware.gov.

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.

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 190