DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: April 15-21

Reminder for the week: Retaining striped bass during spawning season unlawful in specified Delaware waters

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 April 15-21 made 2,569 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 23 citations. Officers responded to 55 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
Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:
Wildlife Conservation: License forgery or misrepresentation (1), trespass to hunt (2), unlicensed hunting (1), and wild turkey violation – illegal take of beardless bird (1).
Fisheries Conservation: Unlicensed fishing (2), over-the-limit crab pots (1), possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of undersized largemouth bass (1), no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (4), and trespassing to fish (1).
Boating & Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1) and operating a motor vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (2).
Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (2).
Other: Littering (1), damaging state property on a wildlife area (1)*, 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. Citizens 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 anglers that during Delaware’s striped bass spawning season, which began April 1 and continues through midnight on May 31, it is unlawful for any person to take and retain any striped bass from the Nanticoke River or its tributaries, the Delaware River and its tributaries to the north of a line extending due east beginning at and including the south jetty at the mouth of the C&D Canal, or the C&D Canal or its tributaries. Anglers are required to practice catch and release fishing during this season with no harvest allowed in these areas.

In addition, regulations require anglers fishing with natural bait on any striped bass spawning ground during the closed spawning season to use a non-offset circle hook. The Division of Fish & Wildlife recommends that circle hooks always be used when fishing natural baits because of their proven ability to reduce hook-and-release mortality for striped bass and other fish species. The circle hook’s design usually results in fish being hooked in the mouth, simplifying hook removal and reducing injury to the released fish.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, click on 2019 Delaware Fishing 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.

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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 3-9

Reminder for the week: Don’t forget to download our app – DENRP Tip

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 Dec. 3-9 made 1,913 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 40 citations. Officers responded to 50 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 Dec. 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Jeffrey A. Altman, 51, of Middletown, for one count each of failure to retain tag on antlerless deer, failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours, possess or transport of unlawfully taken antlerless deer, and two counts of possession of a firearm/weapon by a person prohibited following an investigation into deer poaching near Middletown. Altman was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 9 and released on a $3,300 unsecured bond, pending a future court appearance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to tag antlerless deer (2), failure to retain tag on antlerless deer (3), failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours (2), possess or transport of unlawfully taken antlerless deer (2), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (1), trespass to hunt (1), federal rules adopted – possession of prohibited lead shot while hunting migratory waterfowl (5), federal rules adopted – hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl over illegal bait (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), and possession of protected wildlife – cormorant (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Commercial: Possession of undersized oysters (2) and failure to attach oyster harvesting tag to bushel containing oysters (1).

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

Public Safety: Striking an occupied dwelling with shot discharged from a firearm (2) and possession of a firearm/weapon by a person prohibited (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*, spinning tires (1)*, malicious mischief by a motor vehicle (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. Citizens 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 have launched a new law enforcement app, enabling the public to connect with our officers, receive alerts, and submit anonymous tips from your smartphones.

Developed by software company tip411, the app encourages the public to provide our agency with factual and anonymous information leading to the arrest of poachers and other violators. The app is available for free download by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. The app can be used with 100 percent anonymity, as tip411’s technology removes all identifying information before our officers see the tips.

When considering what type of tips to report, note that Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, including two K-9 tracking units, investigate hunting, fishing, and boating violations; respond to and investigate boating and hunting accidents; respond to poaching complaints through Operation Game Theft; and patrol state-owned boating access areas, fishing ponds, piers, and 19 state wildlife areas encompassing nearly 65,000 acres statewide. Our officers also conduct marine law enforcement patrols and boating safety checks on Delaware waterways, including within the state’s three-mile offshore limit in the Atlantic Ocean.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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. 5-11

Reminder for the week: Where to find Sunday deer hunting area maps and information

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 Nov. 5-11 made 1,443 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 20 citations. Officers responded to 78 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 Nov. 8, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, safe hunting, hunting laws, and what to expect when being checked by an officer while hunting to attendees of a Hunter Education Class held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

  • On Nov. 8, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited an individual for inattentive operation of a motor vessel following an investigation into a property damage boat accident on the C&D Canal. The individual was fined $82, including court costs, and released.
  • On Nov. 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited an individual for one count each of trespassing to hunt, possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer, and possession of unlawfully taken antlerless deer following an investigation into trespassing to hunt deer on private property near Townsend. The individual was fined $1,557, including court costs and released. The two deer seized as part of the investigation were donated to the Sportsmen Against Hunger program.

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), failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to tag antlerless deer (1), hunting deer over bait on a state wildlife area (2), failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms season (2), unlicensed hunting (1), trespass to hunt (1), hunting on a refuge (1), hunting in a closed area on a state wildlife area (1), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (1), and possession of unlawfully taken antlerless deer (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Inattentive operation of a motor vessel (1).

Public Safety: Having an unlawfully loaded firearm (2) and discharging a firearm within 15 yards of a public road (1).

Other: Destruction of state property (1)*, failure to have drivers’ license in possession (1)*, and trespassing after hours 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. 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?
Sunday deer hunting is allowed in Delaware during the 2018/2019 deer hunting season on all Sundays that occur from Sept. 1, 2018 through Feb. 3, 2019, using those weapons legal for the respective established hunting seasons.

For more information, to include Sunday deer hunting opportunities on public wildlife areas, please visit this link.

For more information on the 2018/2019 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 2018-2019 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, 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 23-29

Reminder for the week: Observe safety precautions when towing water skiers, tubers, and knee-boarders

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 July 23-29 made 2,563 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 98 citations. Officers responded to 85 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 July 27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions for kids attending the Brandywine Creek State Park’s summer camp. The campers were then taken on a police boat ride.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Action

Incidents of note:

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crab (19), unlicensed fishing (4)*, no F.I.N. (2), possession of prohibited shark species (3), unlawful possession of horseshoe crabs (1), unlawful to remove oysters from tributaries (4), trespass to fish (4), and possession of undersized white perch (8)*. Commercial: Improperly marked crab pots (9) and failure to tend crab pots at least one within required 72-hour timeframe (11).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating an unregistered vessel (1), negligent operation of a vessel (1), failure to observe slow no wake (2), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (2), no boating safety certificate (4), and operating a personal watercraft without required life jacket (2).

Public Safety: Leaving the scene of an accident (1), driving with a suspended or revoked license (1), reckless driving (1), operating a motor vehicle at an unreasonable speed (1), possession of drug paraphernalia marijuana related (2), and target shooting on a state wildlife area (2)*.

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (11)* and unattended motor vehicle in 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. 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?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters of some important safety regulations when towing water skiers, tubers and knee-boarders:

  • Requires at least three participants – the water skier, the boat operator and a competent observer
  • Personal watercraft (PWC) used for towing skiers, tubers or knee boarders must have enough seats – minimum of three – to carry the operator, observer and skier.
  • Recreational water skiers, tubers and knee-boarders must wear lifejackets at all times.
  • A tow line cannot exceed 75 feet in length.
  • Observe all “slow-no-wake” areas.
  • Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, especially in congested areas.
  • Observe marked “No Water Skiing” areas, which include all marked swimming areas, Assawoman Canal, Rehoboth-Lewes Canal and portions of Indian River Inlet, Roosevelt Inlet, Whites Creek and the channel through Masseys Landing.
  • Maintain a safe and reasonable distance from shipping lanes, other vessels, persons and property.
  • Water skiing is prohibited at night between sunset and sunrise, and within 100 feet of persons in the water, piers, docks, floats, wharfs, vessels anchored or adrift and private or public boat launch ramps.

For more information, please visit the Delaware Boating Safety webpage.

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


Holiday weekend anti-crime operation in Kent County by Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on DNREC-managed properties results in 71 citations

DOVER – In response to complaints of damaged state property, illegal drug use, littering, and trespassing, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers over the Memorial Day weekend issued a total of 71 citations as part of an evening crime prevention operation throughout Kent County. The operation targeted state-owned wildlife areas, ponds, and fishing and boating access areas managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police also said ongoing operations are intended to curb illegal activities on Division of Fish & Wildlife-managed properties throughout the state.

An incident of note: Cassidy M. Sawyer, 19, of Leipsic, was arrested May 26, and charged with one count each of: possession or consumption of marijuana by an 18 to 21-year-old, personal use quantity; possession or consumption of heroin; and possession of drug paraphernalia not marijuana-related at Port Mahon near Dover. Sawyer was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, where she was released on $751 unsecured bond, pending a future court date.

Citations issued during the operation included: 37 citations issued for trespassing after hours; eight drug-related offenses, including the case noted; 21 fishing violations; and four boating violations. Citations were issued at Woodland Beach fishing pier, Bowers Beach boat ramp, Port Mahon boat ramp and fishing pier near Dover, Cedar Creek boat ramp and fishing area near Slaughter Beach, Haven Lake boat ramp and Blairs Pond boat ramp near Milford, Mud Mill Pond west of Dover, Wyoming Mill Pond, and Coursey Pond and McGinnis Pond both near Frederica.

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.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9086 or 302-354-1386; or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 48, No. 142