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

Reminder for the week: Safety on the C&D Canal Conservation Area

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 Oct. 15-21 made 4,070 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing five citations. Officers responded to 39 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. 18, 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 at the Harrington Community Day at the Harrington Fire Department.
  • On Oct. 18, 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 at a Boy Scout Troop #603 meeting near Newark.
  • On Oct. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers provided security and logistical support for the C&D Canal Half Marathon & 5K held on the Michael N. Castle Trail.
  • On Oct. 20, 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 at the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival near Townsend.
  • On Oct. 21, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions at a Hunter Education Class held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Facility.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incident of note:

  • On Oct. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers investigated a motor vehicle and bicycle accident that occurred on the C&D Canal Conservation Area. The bicyclist sustained minor injuries and no citations have been issued as a result of the investigation.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife area map violation – deer hunt on refuge (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2), possession of undersized striped bass (1), and tending more than two crab pots (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 de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?

The C&D Canal Conservation Area is used for a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as bicycling, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and hunting. We encourage all of our visitors to demonstrate awareness of the rules and regulations of the area so that the area can remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone.

There are a few rules and regulations to highlight. Only vehicles licensed for use upon public highways and roadways are allowed to operate on wildlife areas roads, where they cannot be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour. There are many sharp turns and hidden entrances, so maintaining this safe speed will assist in avoiding accidents. Also, horses and bicycles can only be ridden on maintained roads or trails that have been so designated by the Division on current wildlife area maps. If you plan on bicycling on area roads rather than using the bike trails, please be on the lookout for vehicles.

Find more information on the C&D Canal Conservation Area, maps of all wildlife areas, and rules and regulations for the Wildlife areas.

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


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police make arrests for drug and prostitution charges

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a Kent County woman for multiple drug-related and prostitution charges and a Kent County man for prostitution-related charges on Sept. 22 along Port Mahon Road near the Little Creek Wildlife Area outside Dover.

Yuliya A. Rakovsky, 29, of Dover, was charged with one count each of possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance/cocaine; possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance/heroin; possession of drug paraphernalia not marijuana-related; and prostitution.

Charles T. Stelljes, 71, of Leipsic, was charged with one count of patronizing a prostitute.

Both Rakovsky and Stelljes were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. Rakovsky was released on a $1,000 unsecured bond, while Stelljes was released on a $500 unsecured bond, both pending future court appearances in the Kent County Court of Common Pleas.

Citizens are encouraged to report wildlife area violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580.

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

Vol. 48, No. 261


DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrest commercial waterman for numerous shellfish and boating violations

DELAWARE CITY – Following an investigation into illegal activity on the Delaware River, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a commercial waterman from Sussex County on Sept. 20 for more than 600 shellfish and boating violations near Delaware City.

Shawn P. Moore, 40, of Georgetown, was charged with 322 counts of failure to tend commercial crab pots within 72 hours; 171 counts of improperly-marked commercial crab pot license number on buoy; 121 counts of over-the-limit commercial crab pots; two counts of crabbing from a vessel not displaying a proper color panel; and one count each of commercial crabbing under a crab pot number not assigned by DNREC; failure to have a commercial license in his possession; no fire extinguisher; no sound-producing device; and reckless operation of a vessel.

Moore was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 in New Castle, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released on his own recognizance pending a future appearance in the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas.

Citizens are encouraged to report fisheries violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 800-523-3336.

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

Vol. 48, No. 258


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 10-16

Reminder for the week: Youth hunting opportunities in Delaware

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 Sept.10-16 made 1,561 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 26 citations. Officers responded to 59 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 Sept. 16, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions during a Hunter Education Class at the Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center near New Castle.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incident of note:

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

Wildlife Conservation: Unsigned federal migratory waterfowl stamp (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crabs (1), use of crab pots without required turtle excluder (1), possession of undersized striped bass (1), unlicensed fishing (4)*, and no F.I.N. (6).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating an unregistered vessel (1) and no boat ramp certificate (1).

Public Safety: Striking dwelling with shot from firearm (1), excessive speed on a state wildlife area (1)*, possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance/cocaine (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia not marijuana-related (1).

Other: Parking in a no parking zone (1), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway (1), and trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4).

*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?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police reminds the public that there are great opportunities for getting youth outdoors to hunt during the upcoming seasons. Three dates are set aside for youth during the 2018/2019 hunting season:

  • Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days: October 20, 2018 and Feb. 9, 2019
  • Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Deer Hunt: Nov. 3, 2018
  • Youth/Non-ambulatory Disabled Turkey Hunt: April 6, 2019

Please remember the following when taking youth hunting:

  • Both resident and non-resident youth ages 13-15 must purchase a junior hunting license to hunt in Delaware. If a youth turns 16 during a hunting season, the youth should purchase an adult hunting license rather than a youth license.
  • An adult must accompany a youth hunter, and the adult must be a licensed hunter or license-exempt hunter who has the lawful right to hunt in Delaware. The youth must be under the direct supervision of the adult, which means within arm’s reach of the supervising adult.

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 30-Aug. 5

Reminder for the week: Visitors to wildlife, fishing, and boating areas asked to respect natural resources

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 29 and Aug. 5 made 2,224 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 47 citations. Officers responded to 72 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:

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Failure to tend crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (1), possession of undersized striped bass (1), no F.I.N. number (5), unlicensed fishing (4), fishing in a closed area of a state wildlife area (1), possession of undersized white perch (3)*, possession of undersized blue crab (5), illegal use of cast net in tidal water within 300 feet of a dam or spillway (1), and possession of flounder parts (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (2), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (3), and failure to observe slow no wake violation (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance/cocaine and the street drug commonly known as Ecstasy (2), possession of drug paraphernalia not marijuana related (3), possession of drug paraphernalia marijuana related (2), marijuana personal use quantity 21 or older – civil (1), parking in a no stopping, standing, parking zone (2), and harvesting shellfish from a prohibited area (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4), stop/obstruct passage of vehicles (1), and failure to have driver’s license in possession (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 de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police continue to patrol and closely monitor state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities, and multi-use areas for visitor safety and compliance, as well as checking for illegal activity such as drug use, dumping, and damaging wildlife habitat.

State wildlife areas, fishing piers, and boat launching facilities are closed to the public from sunset to sunrise unless a person is actively and lawfully engaged in fishing, hunting, or boating in accordance with state regulations and individual wildlife area rules. Individuals not meeting these requirements and found at these sites between sunset and sunrise face fines up to $100 for trespassing after hours.

For more information on individual wildlife areas, including the rules and regulations specific to each area, visitors are encouraged to review Delaware wildlife area maps published by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. The maps are available in hard copy at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and also can be found online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.

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