Delaware News

On eve of Delaware’s shotgun deer hunting season, a reminder from DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police:

DOVER – DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind the public that certain state-owned lands are closed to public access – including hunting. Anyone found accessing these sites is subject to trespassing and other charges. Other state-owned lands are designated as accessible to the public for recreational use, including hunting. Particularly, those state-owned properties closed to the public include numerous created wetland sites established by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to offset environmental impacts from transportation projects throughout the state. These created wetlands are protected properties closely monitored to evaluate how well they are becoming established and whether they meet environmental standards. Any damage to these sites as a result of trespassing or other activities – such as illegally erecting blinds or clearing vegetation for hunting, or using the sites for other outdoor recreation activities – may impact DelDOT’s compliance with state and federal environmental permit requirements.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 7-13

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. 7-13 made 2,857 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 28 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.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police assist in search for missing windsurfer who was found safe on shore

DEWEY BEACH – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers responded to a report from Dewey Beach seasonal police officers of an overdue windsurfer who went missing on Rehoboth Bay Thursday evening after embarking from Towers Road Bayside in Dewey Beach. The uninjured missing male windsurfer was located at 7:45 a.m. today at Bay City off Long Neck, and was subsequently transported to his vehicle by Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers. The windsurfer, who was outfitted with required safety equipment including a lifejacket and whistle, indicated to Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police that the sail disconnected from his board and could not be reset, and that his whistle was unheard while he was on the water, resulting in him floating for about six hours from his starting location to Bay City, where he was able to safely reach shore.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Youth Academies graduate 59 students

This year’s DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Youth Academy program was a huge success, with 59 students completing the academies’ curriculum the past summer. Now in its fourth year, the popular program is geared to students ages 12 to 15 with an interest in natural resources and law enforcement, with a focus on acquiring or enhancing boating, fishing, and hunting skills.

DNREC’s Natural Resource Police Park Rangers conduct surf-fishing enforcement operation at two coastal state parks

FENWICK ISLAND – On Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation’s Natural Resource Police Rangers conducted a targeted enforcement operation for compliance with Delaware’s surf fishing regulations at surf fishing beaches and surf crossings at Fenwick Island and Cape Henlopen State Parks. The operation was in response to complaints of surf-fishers failing to abide by regulations, particularly the “actively engaged” rule for fishing from the beach.