Reminder for the week: Hunters should pay attention to property lines, hunting rules

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. 14-20 made 2,040 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 45 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 Oct.17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and reviewed safe hunting, hunting laws, and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field with attendees at a Hunter Education Class held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.

• On Oct.19, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing and boating questions, and assisted attendees with fishing at a Boy Scout Family Fishing Day at the Akridge Scout Reservation near Dover.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Wildlife Conservation: Kill antlered deer without purchasing a hunter’s choice tag (1) and possess/transport unlawfully taken game – antlered deer (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized striped bass (12), possession of undersize white perch (9), possession of undersized flounder (1), possession of over-the-limit striped bass (1), illegal method of take – using a net for striped bass (7), net marking violation (1), trespass to fish (2), unlicensed fishing (1), and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (1).

Boating & Boating Safety: Failure to observe slow no wake (1) and inattentive operation of a motor vessel (1).

Public Safety: Failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (1).

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (1), driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license (1), fictitious motor vehicle tags (1), and operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1).

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 that hunting game on private property without permission of the owner and/or residents is considered trespassing to hunt. Tracking or recovering game on another’s property, shooting on another’s property, or crossing another’s private property to reach a hunting area without permission are examples of trespassing to hunt.

Other rules and general hunting information:
• 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.
• For more information on hunting in Delaware, including a summary of hunting rules and regulations, click on 2019-2020 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.

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

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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Reminder for the week: Hunters should observe surroundings, know safety zone requirements

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 Sept. 2-8 made 2,322 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 31 citations. Officers responded to 70 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

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (3), improperly marked crab pot (1), trespass to fish (3), and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (1).

Boating & Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), no boating safety certificate (2), and failure to observe slow no wake (1).

Public Safety: Driving with an expired license (1) and possession of drug paraphernalia (3).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (8)*, littering on a state wildlife area (1), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), operating a motor vehicle without insurance (1), and criminal impersonation (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 advise hunters to become familiar with state, county, and local regulations before choosing their hunting spots, be observant of their surroundings, and take appropriate safety precautions.

Only the owner or occupant or a person with specific permission from the owner or occupant can legally discharge a firearm in the firearms safety zone located within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling, house, or residence, or any related barn, stable, or other outbuilding. The statewide safety zone for in-season archery deer hunting is 50 yards. Within these safety zones, it is illegal for anyone other than the owner or occupant to hunt, trap, pursue, disturb, or otherwise chase any wild animal or bird without advance permission of the owner or occupant.

Upstate hunters should also note that New Castle County has its own ordinances, including a 200-yard firearm safety zone from homes, structures, and camps north of I-295 and I-95 and a 100-yard firearm safety zone south of I-295 and I-95 in which firearms may not be discharged. A 50-yard safety zone for in-season archery deer hunting is in effect for all of New Castle County. For more information, please check New Castle County laws and code.

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.

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

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Reminder for the week: Hunters should review wildlife area maps and their regulations before hunting these areas

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. 12-18 made 3,342 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 48 citations. Officers responded to 105 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. 17, 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 Peach Festival in Middletown.

• On Aug. 17, 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 a town event in Frederica.

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 (3), possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of a prohibited shark (1), use of crab pot without required turtle excluder (1), improperly marked crab pots (2), trespass to fish (2), fishing a closed area (1)*, and unlicensed fishing (8)*.

Boating & Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (3), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (3), improper towing with a personal watercraft (1), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), no boating safety certification (4), and operating a vessel without a vessel registration card in possession (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (9)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2)*, damaging state property on a wildlife area (2), and no stopping, standing, or parking (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 is 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 using Division of Fish & Wildlife wildlife areas to review area maps and regulations prior to the upcoming hunting seasons.

Wildlife area maps are available online at maps and provide a detailed overview of wildlife areas, where hunting is permitted, to include Sunday hunting maps, and regulations pertaining to each individual wildlife area.

For more information on hunting and wildlife areas in Delaware, click on 2019 Delaware Hunting Guide. Copies of the guide, as well as the wildlife area maps, are also available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk or by calling 302-739-9912.

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

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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Reminder for the week: Wildlife area visitors encouraged to know and follow rules

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 29-Aug. 4 made 2,491 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 88 citations. Officers responded to 130 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 Aug. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Omar Blue, 37, of Wilmington, Melissa Tinsley, 36, of Middletown, and Renee Rogers, 35, of Wilmington, at the south side of the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Reedy Point. Blue was charged with one count each of carrying a concealed dangerous instrument, possess/consume a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia – not marijuana related, possession of marijuana – civil, and trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area. Tinsley was charged with one count of trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area. Rogers was charged with one count each of possess/consume a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia – not marijuana related, and trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area. All subjects were released upon completion of the investigation.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crabs (15)*, failure to tend to crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (1), use of crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), illegal method of take of conch (2), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), possession of undersized white perch (2), over-the-limit bluefish (2), possession of a prohibited shark (1), unlicensed fishing (6)*, no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (8), and trespass to fish (1).

Boating & 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 (2), operating a personal watercraft without required life jackets (1), no throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet long or longer (1), operating a non-compliant vessel (1), no boating safety certification (5), no boat ramp certificate (1), operating an unregistered vessel (1), and operating a vessel without a vessel registration card in possession (1).

Public Safety: Carry a concealed dangerous instrument (1)*, possess/consume a controlled substance (2)*, possession of drug paraphernalia – not marijuana related (2)*, possession of

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (18)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1), wildlife area map violation – crabbing in a closed area (2), conduct activity in wetland without a permit (1), no stopping, standing, or parking (2), criminal trespass 3rd (1), and criminal mischief under $1,000 (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 visitors to enjoy our state wildlife areas while complying with established rules and regulations.

General wildlife area rules and regulations include:
• State wildlife areas are open from sunrise to sunset and closed to public access from sunset to sunrise, with the exception of those lawfully engaged in hunting or fishing. Others found in state wildlife areas between sunset and sunrise will be cited for trespassing after hours.
• Camping, swimming, dumping and littering, target shooting (including paintball), and fires are prohibited in state wildlife areas.
• Horses and bicycles may only be ridden on maintained roads or trails that have been designated by the Division on current wildlife area maps.
• Hunting is permitted only in specified areas and only when in season.
• Parking in a manner that blocks access to a road, trail, or boat ramp is prohibited. Violators will be towed at owner’s expense.
• Operating vehicles off-road, including ATVs, is prohibited; all vehicles must be registered, remain on designated roads, and not exceed a speed of 20 mph.
• All state wildlife areas are designated carry-in, carry-out for trash.

For more information on regulations for specific wildlife areas, click Delaware Hunting Maps. Hard copies of the maps are also available at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, or by calling the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.

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

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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Reminder for the week: New Year – New fishing licenses & boat registrations!

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 for the three week period between Dec. 17- Jan. 6 made 2,849 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 51 citations. Officers responded to 128 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 Jan. 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested William C. McCrea, 30, of Massey, Maryland, for one count each of hunting antlered deer during the special antlerless season and possession of unlawfully taken game – antlered deer, following an investigation near Clayton. McCrea was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 where he pled guilty, was fined $115, including court costs, and released.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Hunt antlered deer during special antlerless season (1), possession of unlawfully taken game – antlered deer (2), failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunters choice deer tag (1), unlicensed hunting (2), hunting illegally on Sunday in Delaware State Forestry lands (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (2)*, hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp (2), federal laws adopted – hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required HIP number (1), trespassing to hunt (2), and hunting on a refuge (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2). Commercial: Commercial crabbing without a Delaware crabbing license (5) and commercial crab dredging from a vessel not licensed for crab dredging (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: No navigation lights (3).

Public Safety: Speeding on a state wildlife area (1)* and possession of drug paraphernalia – not marijuana related (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (10)*, operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (6)*, damaging state property on a state wildlife area (1)*, and operating an unregistered motor vehicle (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?
It has been a few weeks since we have gotten news out, so here is a refresher on some New Year reminders:

• Boaters – Delaware boat registrations that expired Dec. 31, 2018 must be renewed before taking boats out on the water this year. Boat owners can register their boats or renew their registrations online, through DNREC’s boat registration office at 89 Kings Highway in Dover, DE 19901, or through private agents throughout the state. For more information, visit Delaware Boat Registration Information or contact the boat registration office at 302-739-9916.

• Anglers – It’s time to purchase your 2019 Delaware fishing licenses as 2018 licenses expired Dec. 31. A valid fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Delaware in both tidal and non-tidal waters. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

• 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.

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

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