DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Aug. 26 – Sept. 1

Reminder for the week: Public urged to report violations of hunting and wildlife regulations using a variety of reporting options

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 Aug. 26 – Sept. 1 made 3,629 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 50 citations. Officers responded to 132 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 Aug. 29, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers responded to a report of a vessel accident involving a 31’ Chris Craft that had struck the Pea Patch Island Jetty on the Delaware River. While there were no injuries, the vessel sustained significant damage to the hull and was towed off of the jetty by a commercial tow service. The operator was cited for one count of failure to maintain a proper lookout.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized white perch (2), possession of undersized striped bass (1), possession of undersized tautog (1), possession of a undersized flounder (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (1), use of crab pots without required turtle excluder (2), improperly marked crab pot (1), over-the-limit crab pots (1), trespass to fish (1), no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (2), and unlicensed fishing (5)*.

Boating & Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (12), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (4), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), failure to observe slow no wake (2), negligent operation of a motor vessel (1), no sound producing device on board (1), no boating safety certificate (3), failure to have boating safety certificate in possession (2), and operating an unregistered vessel (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (1), improper lane change (1), and clamming in a prohibited area (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (1)* and excessive noise from a motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1)*.

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police encourage the public to report violations of Delaware’s hunting and wildlife laws and regulations through Operation Game Theft (OGT), a fund established in 1980 by the Delaware General Assembly to assist in the apprehension and conviction of game law violators. Funded with fines collected for violation of game laws in Delaware and with donations from various sources, OGT provides cash rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in game law violations. The identity of those providing information is kept confidential.

Reporting method options are:

Operation Game Theft 24-hour dispatch center 800-292-3030
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch center 800-523-3336
DENRP Tip app on a smartphone (search “DENRP Tip” to download)
Online here
Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT

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: Aug. 19-25

Reminder for the week: Have a safe Labor Day weekend on Delaware waterways

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 Aug. 19-25 made 1,721 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 29 citations. Officers responded to 78 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 Aug. 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer during a National Wild Turkey Federation picnic in Middletown.
On Aug. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police careers, safe hunting, hunting laws, and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field at a Basic Hunter Education Course held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crabs (1), possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of a undersized flounder (1), no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (1), and unlicensed fishing (4).

Boating & Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (2).

Public Safety: Driving with a suspended license (2)*, failure to have required insurance (1)*, failure to transfer title and registration (1)*, operating a motor vehicle at an unreasonable speed (2), inattentive driving (1), disobeying command to stop in a motor vehicle (1)*, failure to use turn signal (1), and possession of heroin (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1)*, and loitering (2).

*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?
For the Labor Day weekend, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix and puts themselves, their passengers, and other boaters at risk, and that boat operators found to have blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher will face charges for operating a vessel under the influence.

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

Exercising patience and courtesy at crowded boat ramps and docks
Observing all Slow No Wake areas
Maintaining a lookout for other vessels and keeping a safe distance away
Making sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law
Checking navigation lights and making sure to turn them on when operating at night

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

To report boating violations or accidents please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336.

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: Aug. 5-11

Reminder for the week: Purchase your 2019/2020 Delaware hunting license, waterfowl stamp now

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 Aug 5-11 made 3,755 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 80 citations. Officers responded to 120 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 Aug. 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer during the annual Night Out in Wyoming.
On Aug. 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and displayed the Marine Patrol vessel Oscar during the annual Night Out in Milford.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crabs (16), possession of undersized striped bass (6)*, possession of over-the-limit striped bass (1), possession of over-the-limit bluefish (3), possession of flounder parts (1), possession of oysters (1), use of crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), unlicensed fishing (8)*, no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (7), and trespass to fish (1).

Boating & Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (5), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), failure to observe slow no wake (1), negligent operation of a motor vessel (2), operating an unregistered vessel (2), operating a personal watercraft after sunset (1), and no boating safety certification (4).

Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia not marijuana related (2), possession of marijuana – civil (1), and slow moving motor vehicle on a highway (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (14)* 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?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters to purchase their 2019/2020 Delaware hunting licenses and waterfowl stamps (See graphic below).

Resident hunters younger than 13 or 65 and older are not required to purchase a Delaware hunting license. Non-resident hunters 13 and older are required to purchase a Delaware hunting license.

To hunt waterfowl in Delaware, residents age 16 through 64 and non-residents age 16 and older are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl stamp. Resident and non-resident hunters age 16 and older also need a federal migratory bird stamp to hunt waterfowl.

Hunters who are exempt from purchasing a license must obtain an annual, free License Exempt Number (LEN). Both exempt and non-exempt hunters of migratory gamebirds, including waterfowl, dove, woodcock, and rail, must also obtain a free Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Both are available online or by calling 855-335-4868 toll-free.

Delaware hunting licenses and waterfowl stamps are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating hunting license agent, purchase a Delaware hunting license or waterfowl stamp or obtain a HIP or LEN number online, click Delaware Licenses & Permits. For additional information on Delaware hunting licenses, call 302-739-9918. Federal migratory bird stamps may be purchased at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, and online. For more information, call 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click 2019-2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, and 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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913, or 302-382-7167.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 22-28

Reminder for the week: Avoid overloading your vessel by checking its capacity plate

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 July 22-28 made 4,319 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 43 citations. Officers responded to 85 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

From July 23-27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers held their annual New Castle County Advanced Youth Academy attended by 15 participants at the Ommelanden Hunter Education Center near New Castle.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

On July 24, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Jerome McLemore, 29, of Lancaster, Pa., for one count of flight to avoid prosecution/out-of-state fugitive. Officers made contact with McLemore while he was fishing without a license at the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Middletown. McLemore was found to have two active warrants for his arrest with extradition issued by the Lancaster County Sherriff’s Office. McLemore was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institute in Wilmington to await extradition.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crabs (9), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), surf fishing violation (1), unlicensed fishing (3), and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (4).

Boating & Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (2), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (5)*, no navigation lights (2), no boating safety certification (4), and operating an unregistered vessel (3).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6), trespass on division lands in a closed area without a permit (1), and flight to avoid prosecution/out-of-state fugitive (1)*.

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters to always check the boat capacity plate, which is usually found near the operator’s position or on the vessel’s transom. This plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and maximum number of people that the vessel can carry safely. Boaters should always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual and on the manufacturer’s capacity plate before heading out on Delaware’s waterways.

Anglers and hunters should also consider the weight of their extra gear to ensure they do not load their vessels beyond the stated capacity.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, including Delaware’s boating safety education courses, please visit Delaware’s Boating Safety website.

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: July 1-7

Reminder for the week: Boating education requirements 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 July 1-7 made 4,718 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 137 citations. Officers responded to 165 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

On July 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Nicole Lachette, 36, of Hockessin, for one count each of trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area and inhaling impairing vapors on the south side of the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Reedy Point after Lachette side-swiped an officer’s patrol vehicle. Delaware State Police conducted the accident investigation and charged Lachette with one count of inattentive driving. The passenger of the vehicle, Logan Grubber, 35, of Wilmington, was charged with one count each of trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area, inhaling impairing vapors, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were released pending a future court appearance.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of sponge crabs (2), possession of undersized blue crabs (6), failure to tend crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (1), crab pot tampering (2), improperly marked crab pots (1), possession of undersized white perch (1)*, unlicensed fishing (9)*, and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (5).
Commercial: Possession of undersized blue crabs (24).

Boating & Boating Safety: No boating safety certification (7), no boating education certificate in possession (10), failure to have vessel registration card in possession (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (14), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (9), water skiing/tubing without wearing required life jacket (1), jumping the wake of another vessel on personal watercraft (1), no navigation lights (1), failure to observe slow no wake (1), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), negligent operation of a motor vessel (1), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (2), and improper marking on a rental personal watercraft (1).

Public Safety: Clamming in a prohibited area (1), leaving the scene of an accident (1), failure to report an accident (1), inattentive driving (1), inhaling impairing vapors (2)*, possession of marijuana (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (2)*.

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (24)*, unattended vehicle (1), operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), and dumping yard waste on a state wildlife area (1)*.

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind both resident and out-of-state boaters that if you were born January 1, 1978 or after, you are required to successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course before operating a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft and rental vessels, on any waterways in the state of Delaware. You must carry your boating safety certification card with you at all times when operating a vessel to provide to an officer when requested.

Delaware is a reciprocity state, so if you took a NASBLA-approved boating safety course through another cooperating state, it is valid and accepted in Delaware. To see if your course qualifies, you can visit this approved list.

For more information on where to find online and in person boating safety courses in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety or contact the Boating Safety & Education Coordinator Sgt. Brooke Mitchell at brooke.mitchell@delaware.gov.

To report boating, fisheries, and wildlife violations, please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336.

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