Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 18-24

Reminder for the week: Have a safe holiday 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 Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 18-24 made 3,198 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 37 citations. Officers responded to 52 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 in the Community

On June 21, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, Sgt. Chillas and K-9 River visited the Harrington Police Department’s Youth Academy and gave a K-9 demonstration.
On June 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions with a Brandywine Creek State Park summer camp. The campers were then taken on a police boat ride in the C&D Canal.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action

Incident of note:

On June 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested an individual for one count each of leaving the scene of a property collision accident, fail to drive at speed appropriate for conditions, failure to have required insurance, operating a motor vehicle off of an established roadway on a state wildlife area, and three counts of possession of undersized blue crab. The arrest followed an investigation into a vehicle accident that occurred June 13, in the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Frankford. The individual was arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court 3 in Georgetown and released on $450 unsecured bond and $200 secured bond pending a future court date.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (3), trespass to fish (1), possession of undersized blue crab (3), over the limit recreational crab pots (1), possession of tautog during a closed season (1), and possession of undersized summer flounder (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (4), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), operating a personal watercraft without a life jacket (1), no throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet long or longer (1), unregistered vessel (2), and failure to report a boating accident within 24 hours (1).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (1), leaving the scene of a property collision accident (1), failure to drive at speed appropriate for conditions (1), and failure to have required insurance (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (9)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2), and destruction of state property (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. 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.

Are you AWARE?
With many boaters heading out on the water for the long 4th of July holiday weekend, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix – and that boat operators found to have blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher will face charges for operating a vessel under the influence as well as putting themselves, their passengers and other boaters at risk.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers will also be out on the water, increasing their presence for Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide enforcement and education campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities. For more information on Operation Dry Water visit, this press release.

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 other vessels and keep a safe distance away.
Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, including congested areas.
Make sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law.
Check navigation lights and make 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 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: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: May 28-June 3

Reminder for the week: Know and use aids to navigation while boating

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 Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between May 28-June 3 made 2,480 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 35 citations. Officers responded to 44 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 in the Community

On May 29-31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers hosted programs introducing students from Cedar Lane Early Childhood Education Center to Delaware’s native wildlife and natural resources at Lums Pond State Park.
On June 2, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers hosted the 32nd annual Youth Fishing Tournament at which 213 children and their families enjoyed a great day of fishing at three tournament locations throughout the state. The tournament introduces its participants to the sport of fishing and teaches conservation through the practice of “Catch & Release.”

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action

Incident of note:

On May 31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested an individual for multiple assault charges near Smyrna. The following press release was issued in regards to the incident: DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrest Smyrna man on multiple assault charges.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (3), trespass to fish (1), possession of undersized blue crab (6), unlawful to catch shark between May 15-July 15 (1), and possession of undersized striped bass (2).

Boating and Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), no boating safety certificate (1), failure to observe slow/no wake zone (1), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), and no fire extinguisher on board (1).

Public Safety: Aggravated menacing (1), assault third degree – intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury to another (1), terroristic threatening (1), and offensive touching (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4), parking/obstruct boat ramp, roadway or trail with vehicle (1), possession of drug paraphernalia (2), theft by false promise under $1,500 (1), unattended vehicle (3), and operating an unregistered motor vehicle 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 want to remind boaters to take time before going underway to become educated on the aids to navigation and the waterways in which you will be traveling.

Aids to navigation is a system of buoys and markers that assist a boater in determining their position on the water and identify any potential dangers and waterway obstructions. Aids to navigation can be used to plot position and course on nautical charts and also assist in choosing the preferred and safest route when out on the water.

To learn more about aids to navigation and safe boating, sign up to take a boater’s safety course by visiting our Boating Safety link.

To report boating and fisheries violations please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24hour 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 Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

DNREC’s Office of Boating Safety and Education encourages boaters to ‘Spring Aboard’ by taking a boating safety course

National campaign: Great days on the water start with boating safety education

DOVER – DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Office of Boating Safety and Education joins the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) to encourage boaters to “Spring Aboard,” a March 18-24 nationwide campaign to prepare for boating season by enrolling in a boating safety course.

Under Delaware law, all persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete a boating safety course in order to operate a boat or personal watercraft in Delaware waters. Boaters must carry their boating safety card with them at all times while operating a vessel as proof of the required course completion.

A wide variety of courses are available to fit every boater’s schedule, from classroom courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons to online offerings available anytime day or night. During “Spring Aboard,” several education providers that offer Delaware-approved online boating safety courses do so at a discounted price or offer other incentives. Delaware’s Office of Boating Safety and Education also provides volunteer instructors for private and non-profit organizations, schools, clubs, and the general public to educate boaters on skills and seamanship.

Delaware’s course covers the rules and regulations for the state’s waterways, including appropriate speed limits, responsible boating skills and awareness, and how to distinguish navigational aids and water depths. Also covered are weather tips, information about basic engine mechanics and required and/or recommended safety equipment, what to do if a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer stops your vessel, and the dangers of boating under the influence.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that of accidents where the level of operator education was known, 77 percent of boating-related deaths occurred on boats where the operator had never received boating education instruction. Forty-nine states and U.S. territories require proof of completion of a boating education course for operators of some powered vessels.

NASBLA is a national nonprofit organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety, and represents recreational boating authorities in all 50 states and the U.S. territories, including Delaware. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers, and volunteers, NASBLA serves more than 73.5 million American boaters.

For more information, including Delaware’s boating safety course schedule and access to the online Delaware Boating Handbook, please click Delaware Boating Safety, springaboard.org/home, or contact Sgt. Brooke Africa at 302-739-9913 or email brooke.africa@delaware.gov.

Like Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Media contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 48, No. 57

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 23-29

Reminder for the week: Hunters should pay attention to established blinds, property lines

DOVER – Officers responded to 33 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

Incident of note:

On Oct. 28, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers responded to a fatal boat accident on the Broadkill River, north of Oyster Rocks Road, near Milton. At this time the accident still remains under investigation. The following press release was issued in regards to the accident: Victim of Saturday’s fatal boating accident in Sussex County identified.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Impeding lawful hunt (1), trespassing to hunt (1), and hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crab (1), and trespassing to fish (2).

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

Public Safety: Trespassing to hunt on railroad tracks (6).

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*, and lewdness (2)*.

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

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters participating in waterfowl hunting season that hunting from a vessel within 1,500 feet of an established waterfowl blind without permission is prohibited.

Also, hunting game on private property without permission of the owner and/or residents is considered trespassing to hunt and is a hunting violation. Tracking or recovering game on another’s property, shooting on another’s property or crossing another’s private property to reach a hunting area are examples of trespassing to hunt. Those cited for trespassing to hunt face potential fines up to $100 plus court costs.

Other rules and general hunting information:

Hunters should check daily bag limits and possession limits, as well as types of arms and ammunition permitted for the game they are planning to hunt.
If hunting on public wildlife areas, hunters should review wildlife area maps and rules, including hunting times, specific rules for each wildlife area and any permits they may need. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk or online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.
Waterfowl hunters should make sure they have their hunting licenses, state and federal stamps and Harvest Information Program number (HIP) before they head for their blinds. To conveniently obtain your free HIP number online from your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop, click www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Hunters also may call 1-855-335-4868 (1-855-DELHUNT) toll-free.

Delaware hunting licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware hunting licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2017-2018 Delaware Hunting and 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, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Media Contact2: Lt. John McDerby, 302-354-1386, or Sgt. Brooke Africa, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913.

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police rescue woman thrown overboard from her own boat into Rehoboth Bay

MILLSBORO – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers rescued a 65-year-old Lewes woman from Rehoboth Bay Thursday after she was ejected from her fishing skiff and it continued to spin out of control toward where she had been thrown into the water.

F&W NRP officers were on patrol near Massey’s Landing when they spotted the unoccupied vessel traveling in circles. Officers then saw the victim in the water, and maneuvered their patrol boat to shield her as her unmanned boat drew closer.

The unnamed victim was pulled from the water by F&W Natural Resources Police, and was not injured in the incident, according to Lt. John McDerby, while her boat also was recovered by NRP officers and towed back to shore.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters of the importance of always wearing their ignition safety switch lanyard, also known as the “kill switch.” When worn and deployed, the kill switch lanyard shuts off the vessel’s engine in the event of an emergency, such as an operator going overboard. Lt. McDerby said that it is highly recommended that all boaters attach the ignition safety switch lanyard to their wrist, or life jacket before getting underway.

This safety mechanism, along with always wearing a lifejacket, can help save lives on the water, he said.

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