DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 25 – Dec. 1

Reminder for the week: Rules on using bait while hunting in Delaware

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 Nov. 25 – Dec. 1 made 1,172 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 31 citations. Officers responded to 47 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

  • On Nov. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended a Toys for Tots donation event with DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin, State Parks Natural Resources Police, and Environmental Crimes Natural Resources Police at the Brandywine Zoo as reported in a DNREC press release.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Wildlife Conservation: Hunting migratory waterfowl over illegal bait (1), possession of unlawfully taken waterfowl (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (3), possess/transport unlawfully taken game – antlerless deer (6), trespass to hunt (1), and hunting on a refuge (2).

Boating & Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1).

Public Safety: Possession, purchase, ownership, or control of a firearm, deadly weapon, or ammunition by a person prohibited (5), possession of marijuana – civil (1)*, possession of marijuana – aggravating factor other than for personal use (1), possession of a controlled substance – tier 5 methamphetamines (1), manufacture, deliver, or possession of LSD (1), possession of human growth hormones without prescription (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4)* and wildlife area map violation – parked in an area designated no stopping, standing, or parking (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?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters that it is illegal to use bait to hunt game, except for hunting deer on privately-owned lands. Bait is defined in Delaware law as any nontoxic food material, compound, or mixture of ingredients which wildlife is able to consume.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2019-2020 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. Printed copies of the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide are available at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or by calling the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. The printed guide also is available from license agents throughout the state.

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


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 18-24

Reminder for the week: Happy Thanksgiving hunting reminders

Picture of the DNREC Natural Resources Police BadgeDOVER – 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 Nov. 18-24 made 1,433 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 17 citations. Officers responded to 61 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A 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

  • Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers concluded multiple trespassing to hunt investigations, resulting in two separate arrests of individuals charged with hunting and trespassing on closed Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) properties as described in a press release.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), unlicensed hunting (1), trespass to hunt (1), and wildlife area map violation – hunting on a Sunday in an area of Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area closed to Sunday hunting (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Commercial: Possession of undersized oyster (1).

Public Safety: Failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1), possession, purchase, ownership, or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (1), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (1), possession of marijuana – civil (1), and driving without using headlights (1)*.

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*.

*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?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

For those who will be hunting this holiday, please remember the following:

  • Waterfowl hunters should check their hunting gear bags, coats, boats, and any other gear to make sure that they are not carrying any lead shot left over from deer or other hunting seasons.
  • After harvesting a deer, an appropriate tag must be attached to the animal before it is field dressed or moved from the place of harvest.
  • All successful deer hunters must register their deer within 24 hours of harvest.
  • Prior to registering a deer, hunters may not cut the meat or remove any part of the deer except the internal organs.
  • If you have an emergency, call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24 hour dispatch line at 302-739-4580.

For more information on the 2019/2020 hunting seasons – including hunter education, licensing, hunting and trapping seasons, limits, regulations, wildlife area information, and more, with sections devoted to deer, small game, turkey, and migratory birds – click on 2019/2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide.

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


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 11-17

Reminder for the week: Required hunter education in Delaware

Picture of the DNREC Natural Resources Police BadgeDOVER – 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 Nov. 11-17 made 2,416 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 40 citations. Officers responded to 74 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

  • On Nov. 17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers provided security and logistical support to the Blue Cheetah Timing C&D Canal Half Marathon & 5K held on the Michael N. Castle Trail in the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlered deer (4), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (1)*, removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (2), failure to purchase a hunter choice tag prior to killing an antlered deer (1), hunting deer with the aid of illegal bait on a wildlife area (6)*, spotlighting (1), hunting on a refuge (2), hunting deer on a Sunday on a state forest (1), hunting deer in archery season with weapon other than a bow (1), trespass to hunt (2), and unlicensed hunting (1).

Public Safety: Failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (6), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (3), and possession, purchase, ownership or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (3).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2)*, driving with a suspended or revoked license (1)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1)*, fictitious tags (1)*, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance (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 remind the public that per Delaware law, all people born after Jan. 1, 1967, are required to satisfactorily complete a Basic Hunter Education Course to obtain a Delaware hunting license or youth hunting license. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult when taking the course. Hunter education certification is not issued to children under 10 years of age. To learn more about Hunter Education, visit this link, or call
302-735-3600, Ext.1.

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


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 28 – Nov. 3

(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

Picture of the DNREC Natural Resources Police BadgeDOVER – 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.

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


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 21-27

Reminder for the week: Don’t forget to winterize your boats

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. 21-27 made 2,028 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 13 citations. Officers responded to 49 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 Oct. 27, 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: Hunting over bait on a state wildlife area (6)*, possession of unlawfully taken game – duck (1)*, hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), and unlicensed hunting (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized conch (1) and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (2).

Boating & Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (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 remind boaters not to forget to winterize their boats. Helpful steps include:

  • Replace engine oil and fuel filters
  • Flush and drain water lines
  • Disconnect batteries
  • Stabilize fuel
  • Protect internal engine components
  • Replace gear oil
  • Remove valuables
  • Clean and wax
  • Cover

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