HARRINGTON – Today at the Delaware State Fair, Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary David Small honored the winners of the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s 30th annual Youth Fishing Tournament, held last month at ponds across the state.

This year’s Kent County winner and statewide first place winner is 12-year-old Ethan Wong of Frederica, who caught 3.99 pounds of fish in Wyoming Pond.

The New Castle County winner, and second-place finisher statewide, is 7-year-old Onna Crowley of Middletown, who caught 3.66 pounds of fish from Lums Pond.

The Sussex County winner, and third-place statewide finisher, is 9-year-old Luke Hitchens of Dagsboro, who caught 3 pounds of fish in Ingrams Pond near Millsboro.

This year’s tournament drew a total of 173 young anglers and their families. The New Castle County location, Lums Pond in Bear, drew 86 children and teens casting lines, while at Kent County’s Wyoming Pond, 36 youngsters turned out. Sussex County reeled in 51 young anglers at Ingrams Pond in Millsboro. Winners received fishing rods and tackle boxes as well as trophies, and all participants received prizes. All of the fish caught in the tournament were weighed and released.

The Youth Fishing Tournament was established to introduce young people to the sport of fishing and to teach the catch-and-release approach to conservation. The free tournament, held annually in June, is open to youth ages 4 through 15. The Division of Fish & Wildlife-sponsored tournament is organized and put on by Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, with DNREC Fisheries Section biologists serving as official weigh masters at each of the three ponds during the event.

For more information on the Youth Fishing Tournament, please call 302-739-9913.

DNREC’s Youth Fishing Tournament is part of Delaware’s Children in Nature Initiative, a statewide effort to improve environmental literacy in Delaware, create opportunities for children to participate in enriching outdoor experiences, combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Delaware’s multi-agency initiative, which partners state and federal agencies with community organizations, is part of the national No Child Left Inside program.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 283

HARRINGTON – Today at the Delaware State Fair, Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary David Small honored the winners of the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s annual Hunting and Fishing Photo Contests for their eye-catching visuals which also rewarded them with cover photos for the Delaware hunting and fishing guides published yearly.

The 2016 Fishing Photo Contest winner, “My First Catch,” taken by Steve Rosemary of Lewes, appears on the cover of the 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide. The photo features Mr. Rosemary’s granddaughter Cyena Williams surf-fishing in the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henlopen State Park.

Also recognized for the Fishing Photo Contest were second place winner Amy Baldwin of Newark, and honorable mentions, Randy Piascinski of Townsend, Craig Rhoads and Steve Rosemary.

The 2015/16 Hunting Photo Contest winner, “A Day to Remember,” taken by Lance Barrowcliff of Wilmington, appears on the cover of the 2015-2016 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. His winning photo features his brother, Brian Barrowcliff, and Brian’s four-year-old son Brody Barrowcliff waterfowl hunting with their chocolate Labrador Retriever Cocoa in Townsend.

Recognized for the Hunting Photo Contest were second place winner Paul Garcia of Smyrna, and honorable mentions Rob Hossler of Smyrna, Barbara Greer of Middletown and Paul Garcia.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife is accepting this year’s Fishing Photo Contest entries now through Sunday, Oct. 31, 2016 for the 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide to be published next spring.

For this year’s fishing photo contest, a judging panel comprised of DNREC staff will be looking for photos that best portray the contest theme, “Fishing with Family or Friends.” Judges also will look at technical criteria including resolution, clarity and composition.

The contest is open to Delaware residents of all ages, with a maximum of three entries per person. To be eligible, photographs must have been taken in Delaware. Portrait orientation is preferred; landscape photos, if chosen among contest winners, may be cropped for presentation.

Entries may be mailed to DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Photo Contest, Attention: Jennifer Childears, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. All entries must be postmarked or delivered by Saturday, Oct. 31, and must include a completed and signed entry form and photo release form if the photograph contains images of children.

For more information, including entry forms, please visit Fish & Wildlife photo contest or contact Jennifer Childears at 302-739-9910, or email jennifer.childears@delaware.gov.

The Division’s 2016/17 Hunting Photo Contest will accept entries from Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016 through Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, with similar guidelines.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 280

NEWARK – A full complement of 20 students concluded their week-long training at the Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s inaugural Youth Academy with a recognition ceremony held at and hosted by Cabela’s at the Christiana Mall. As DNREC rolled out the law enforcement academy for the first time, students learned skills in boating, fishing and hunting as seen from both sides of an NRP officer’s badge. Ranging in age from 12 to 15, the students completed their Delaware boating and hunter education classes and received their boating and hunting education certificates at the concluding ceremony in front of family and friends.

Candidates were chosen to attend the academy staged July 18-22 based on their interests as well as their experience level – and their eagerness to gain relevant experience for perhaps one day joining the ranks of DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resource Police. Each NRP Youth Academy applicant also had to submit a 500-word essay on why she or he wanted to attend. The academy offered free tuition for those selected to participate, with the majority of the training taking place at DNREC’s Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center in New Castle.

In attending the week-long academy, students got exposed to the gamut of an NRP officer’s daily routine. They took part in patrol work as Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers by completing field scenarios that included checking deer stands and duck blinds; using a decoy deer to nab poachers in the act, and by making contact with visitors to Delaware’s wildlife areas managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. They also were given instruction in the safe operation of vessels, as well as learning about on-the-water enforcement activities. Throughout the academy, instructors emphasized the guiding principles of law enforcement, which included honor, respect, discipline, positive attitude, team work, leadership and commitment.

“The goal for the academy was to open the outdoor world to 20 young people, to expose them to boating, fishing and hunting and to share with them who we are and what it means to be a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer,” said Captain Drew Aydelotte, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police and acting NRP chief during the Youth Academy. “This group of young people represents the next generation of ethical outdoorsmen and women – and hopefully future officers who will join our elite unit.”

The 20 enrollees who completed the academy were: Johnathan Adkins of Dover; Ross Alexander Jr. of Bear; Alistair Bebbington of Newark; Benjamin Burris of Lothian, Md.; Troy Christiansen of Dover; Joshua Dyer of Dover; Haley Erickson of Clayton; Joseph Harwell of Newark; Ethan Hines of Townsend; Logan Koenig of Dover; Noah Kracyla of Townsend; Connor McDerby of Newark; Joseph McDermott of Townsend; Easley Pierson of Smyrna; Alexander Poore of New Castle; Luke Poore of New Castle; Anthony Puleo of Newark; William Shahan of Newark; Trevor Smith of Middletown, and James Williams of Marydel.

Awards were presented at the academy’s concluding ceremony to students who showed exceptional leadership, teamwork, sharpshooting, archery skills and fishing skills. William Shahan received the leadership award; James Williams was cited for teamwork; Easley Pierson was recognized for sharpshooting; Joseph Mcdermott excelled at archery; and Trevor Smith’s fishing skills all were lauded by NRP instructors.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police also thank the following sponsors who helped make the inaugural youth academy possible:

• Cabela’s
• Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited
• Custom Improvers, Inc.
• Pat’s Salon in Townsend
• Chick-fil-a Middletown
• Delaware City Valero
• PSC Contracting, Inc.
• Pat’s Pizzeria in Delaware City
• La Matesina Pizza in Townsend

To learn more about the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Natural Resources Police and its Youth Academy, please visit the law enforcement agency’s Facebook and Twitter pages at https://www.facebook.com/DEFWNRPolice/ and https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice, or the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police homepage on the DNREC website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Pages/Enforcement.aspx

Media Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 278

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites anglers and photography enthusiasts to enter the 2016 Delaware Fishing Photo Contest. The winning photo will be featured either on the cover or in the 2017 Delaware Fishing Guide to be published early next year.

A judging panel comprised of DNREC staff will be looking for photos that best portray this year’s contest theme, “Fishing with Family or Friends,” by depicting anglers enjoying fishing in the great outdoors with their family or friends. Judges also will be looking at technical criteria including resolution, clarity and composition.

“The photography contest is a great chance for anglers to showcase and share their fishing adventures with other anglers,” said Division of Fish & Wildlife Director David Saveikis. “The theme helps reinforce and capture the fun of a shared outdoor fishing experience.”

The contest is open to Delaware residents of all ages, with a maximum of three entries per person. To be eligible, photographs must have been taken in Delaware. Portrait orientation is preferred; landscape photos, if chosen among contest winners, may be cropped for presentation.

The contest opened Sunday, May 1. Entries may be mailed to DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Photo Contest, Attention: Jennifer Childears, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901. All entries must be postmarked or delivered by Saturday, Oct. 31, and must include a completed and signed entry form and photo release form if the photograph contains images of children.

Photos must be submitted as 8 x 10 photo quality prints, with no frames or mats and no markings or signatures on the front or back. Winning entries must be made available in a digital version with resolution of 300 dpi or greater (when blown up to 8 x 10 inches).

Normal processing of RAW image files, minimal cropping and minor adjustments to color and contrast are acceptable. HDR and focus stacking are permitted as long as manipulation is disclosed upon entry. Nothing should be added to the image or, aside from dust spots, taken away. The entrant must hold all rights to the photograph and must not infringe on the rights of any other person. Images that involve unlawful harm to fish or damage to the environment should not be submitted and will not be accepted. Entries will not be returned.

For more information, including entry forms, please visit Fish & Wildlife photo contest or contact Jennifer Childears at 302-739-9910, or email jennifer.childears@delaware.gov.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 267

SLAUGHTER BEACH – The DuPont Nature Center at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, a DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facility, will hold two Family Fish-n-Fun Days, as well as two other family-friendly special programs later this month in and near Slaughter Beach. The center is located at 2992 Lighthouse Road, east of Milford, DE 19963.

• Family Fish-n-Fun Days – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 23 and Saturday, Aug. 6, all ages, outdoor program, Slaughter Beach Pavilion, 359 Bay Avenue, Milford, DE 19963
  Meeting at the Slaughter Beach Pavilion located behind the Slaughter Beach fire hall, participants will learn about the saltwater ecosystem, how to identify fish, fish anatomy, ethical fishing skills, knot-tying, casting, baiting hooks and surf fishing through hands-on activities with nature center staff and volunteers. Fishing gear and other materials will be provided. Participants should pack lunch, snacks and beverages (no glass containers), sunscreen and insect repellant, and wear outdoor clothing, including beach-appropriate shoes and a hat.
• Dip Netting Adventures and Nature Walk – 1:30-3 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, ages 5 and older, indoor/outdoor program, DuPont Nature Center
  Participants will explore the center’s live animals and exhibits before heading outside to learn more about the importance of the salt marsh ecosystem. Working in teams at the Cedar Creek bridge and boat ramp, participants will use a dip net and a bucket to catch and identify live aquatic species that live in the Delaware estuary. During the walk to the boat ramp, participants will use binoculars to spot and identify wildlife, as well as pick up trash along the road to help keep wildlife from being harmed by it. Sunscreen, bug spray, walking shoes and hats are suggested.
• Fishy Fashions – 1-3 p.m. Friday, July 29, all ages, indoor program, DuPont Nature Center
  Participants will view the center’s live fish and learn about the parts of a fish – scales, fins, tail, eyes, etc. – and then learn how to use Gyotaku fish printing to create a “fish print” on a bandana. Participants are also encouraged to bring a t-shirt for fish printing.

Admission to the programs is free, but space is limited, so please preregister by calling the center at 302-422-1329 or emailing lynne.pusey@delaware.gov.

A Delaware recreational fishing license is required for Fish-n-Fun participants age 16 and older; a fishing license is not required for those younger than 16 and for Delaware residents age 65 and older. Delaware fishing 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 fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918, or click on 2016 Delaware Fishing Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk and from license agents throughout the state.

Both resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number. The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.

Perched on the edge of Mispillion Harbor at the intersection of the mouths of the Mispillion River and Cedar Creek, the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s DuPont Nature Center regularly offers a variety of interactive exhibits, school tours and educational programs. Spring and summer hours from May 1 through Aug. 31 are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. September hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. The center will close for the season at the end of the day Friday, Sept. 30, reopening in April 2017. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the DuPont Nature Center and its programs, please call 302-422-1329, or visit DuPont Nature Center.

The DuPont Nature Center is a focal point of the Delaware Bayshore, and is part of DNREC’s Delaware Bayshore Initiative, a landscape approach to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat, increase volunteer participation in habitat stewardship projects, enhance low-impact outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities, and promote associated environmentally compatible economic development. For more information, click Delaware Bayshore.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 254