DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife seeking great shots from Delaware hunters for annual photo contest

Entries accepted through Jan. 31, with new digital submission option Fishing photo contest ending Oct. 31

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife invites hunters and outdoor photographers to enter the 2017/2018 Delaware Hunting Photo Contest. The winning photo will appear either on the cover or be featured inside the 2018/2019 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide.

New this year, for ease of entry in the contest, photographers will be able to submit their photos digitally at Fish & Wildlife photo contest. Photographers without the technology to upload their photos online may continue to submit their entries as prints. The hunting photo contest is accepting entries now through Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, from Delaware residents of any age, with a maximum of three entries per person.

A judging panel comprised of DNREC staff will be looking for technically-suitable photos that best portray this year’s contest theme, “A Day Afield,” by depicting hunters enjoying their time in the great outdoors. To be eligible, photographs must have been taken in Delaware and depict persons involved in lawful hunting activities.

Complete contest rules and information, entry forms and instructions for uploading entries can be found at Fish & Wildlife photo contest. For more information, please contact Jennifer Childears at 302-739-9910, or email jennifer.childears@delaware.gov.

The current Fishing Photo Contest, with the theme “Catch a Memory,” is accepting photos until Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Vol.47, No. 213

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

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 18-24

Reminder for the week: Public encouraged to report fishing, hunting, boating violations

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Sept. 18-24 made 2,081 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 86 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 19 citations. Officers responded to 30 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. 19, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on firearms safety, game animal identification and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field at a hunter safety education class, in Little Creek.
On Sept. 19, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on firearms safety, game animal identification and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field hunter safety education class at Owens Station, near Greenwood.
On Sept. 23, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed boating safety, search and rescue, and hunting and fishing enforcement at the Townsend Fair. Officers displayed the Operation Game Theft Trailer, which was very popular.
The week of Sept. 18-22, 2017, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers AFC Chelsea Allen, Cpl. Josh Hudson with K-9 River and K-9 Rosco attended their quarterly K-9 training hosted by Maryland Natural Resource Police, at Camp Baker in Western Maryland. K-9s River & Rosco were both recertified in human tracking, article search, as well as scent detection for deer, waterfowl & fish.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (3), possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), and possession of undersized blue crabs (1).

Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3), trespassing in a closed area of a state wildlife area (8), and damage to division property (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 800-292-3030or online at http://de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?

With hunting season underway, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police encourage residents and visitors to report violations of fishing, hunting and boating regulations, and share tips on information needed to investigate and make a case based on such reports.

“Since it is not possible for Natural Resources Police officers to be everywhere 24/7, we encourage compliant anglers, hunters and boaters as well as the general public to report possible fish, wildlife and boating regulation violations to us for investigation,” said Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “A timely call with good information helps our officers to better protect more of our resources, enforce Delaware’s regulations and educate the public.”

To ensure accurate, complete reports, callers are encouraged to take written notes when they witness what they believe to be a violation. The following information will assist agents in their investigation:

Time of day/night, date and location of the alleged violation
Descriptions of the alleged violators including any details on clothing and physical appearance; names if known
Descriptions of any vehicles or vessels involved; license plate numbers or boat registration numbers if known
Descriptions of any weapons involved
Descriptions of any fish, wildlife or other resources involved
Any other details about the incident witnessed, including possible human victims

“Just one word of caution to ethical hunters and others who witness illegal activity: for your own safety, do not try to confront suspected violators yourself,” Lt. McDerby added. “Leave that to trained natural resources police officers.”

To report any suspicious or illegal activity observed, contact Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at Operation Game Theft.

For more information, contact Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police at 302-739-9913 during weekday business hours or call the 24-hour line at 302-739-4580.

Follow 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.

media Contact: Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386

13 students graduate from DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Advanced Youth Academy

NEW CASTLE – Thirteen students, their families, officers, and instructors recently celebrated the completion of the week-long DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police’s Advanced Youth Academy, with the graduation ceremony at Cabela’s in Newark.

At the advanced Natural Resources Police academy, held for the first time this year, students ages 12 to 15 acquired skills for camping, fishing, and hunting, and were exposed to the various aspects of a Natural Resources Police officer’s daily routine. Students completed their turkey hunter certification, participated in a fishing derby, assisted wildlife biologists with capturing and banding mourning doves, participated in skeet shooting as well as .22 caliber rifle target shooting, and camped at Lums Pond State Park primitive campground on Friday night. To finish up the camp, students participated in a public outreach event with officers displaying the Operation Game Theft trailer at Cabela’s in Newark.

“Our students are our greatest environmental stewards. The Youth Academy is geared towards building their knowledge base of some of the things we do at DNREC, while getting them out into the natural resources we are working to protect,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “By returning to take this advanced course, these students have taken the next step toward possible environmental careers – perhaps even with DNREC.”

Students who completed the New Castle County Advanced Youth Academy, held at DNREC’s Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center in New Castle, were: Ross Alexander of Bear; Alistair Bebbington of Newark; Benjamin Burris of Lothian, Md.; Troy Christiansen of Dover; Riley Graham of Townsend; Noah Kracyla of Townsend; Connor McDerby of Newark; Joseph McDermott of Townsend; Hannah Price of Stroudsburg, Pa.; Anthony Puleo of Newark; Trevor Smith of Middletown; Carter Wilkins of Landenberg, Pa.; and Gage Williams of Marydel. Ten out of the 13 students were returning students who had completed the inaugural Natural Resources Police Basic Youth Academy held in July 2016.

In addition to the students’ earning their certificates for completing their turkey hunter education class at graduation, Natural Resources Police instructors presented individual awards to five class members. Riley Graham took home the leadership award; Hannah Price received the sportsmanship award; Gage Williams won the sharpshooting award (skeet); and Noah Kracyla was recognized for fishing skills as well as his sharpshooting skills (rifle target shooting).

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police also thank the following sponsors who helped make this year’s youth academy possible: Cabela’s; Signature Stitches of Dover; Delaware Chapter of Ducks Unlimited; Delaware Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation; Quality Deer Management Association; PSC Contracting, Inc.; and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Learn more about the Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police and the Youth Academy.

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

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 11-17

Reminder for the week: Public urged to report violations of hunting and wildlife regulations

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Sept. 11-17 made 2,055 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 177 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 19 citations. Officers responded to 38 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. 11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed Patrol vessel MP-Romeo and presented information on boating and Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police careers to approximately 400 first through fifth graders at Lulu Ross Elementary School in Milford.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespass to hunt (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2), failed to obtain a FIN number before fishing in Delaware waters (1), possession of undersized striped bass (1), and possession of undersized blue crab (6).

Boating and Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1), and failure to maintain a proper lookout (1).

Public Safety: Shellfish in closed polluted area- recreational clamming (1), and unreasonable speed (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state 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.

Are you AWARE?

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police encourage the public to report violations of Delaware’s hunting and wildlife regulations through Operation Game Theft (OGT), a fund established in 1980 by the Delaware General Assembly to assist in the apprehension and conviction of game law violators. Funded with all fines collected for violation of game laws in Delaware and with donations from various sources, OGT provides rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons involved in game law violations. The identity of those providing information is kept confidential, and rewards are paid in cash.

Following is a list of rewards paid by Operation Game Theft for information on violations covered under the fund:

Rewards of $100 – $1,000

Commercialization of wildlife (sale of wildlife or wildlife parts)
Killing an endangered/threatened species
Any violation in which a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer is assaulted
Fleeing to avoid prosecution for a wildlife violation

Rewards of $100 – $500

Illegally hunting black ducks, canvasbacks, turkeys or Canada geese
Poisoning wildlife
Destruction of state wildlife areas or equipment
Gross over-limits of wildlife
Illegally hunting waterfowl or deer on state game refuges
Willful obstruction of lawful hunting
Illegally hunting/trapping out of season or at night
Hunting during license revocation
Possession, tending or setting killer traps with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches

Rewards up to $100

Fraudulent use of hunting license and/or fraudulently obtaining a hunting license
Illegally hunting with a rifle
Dumping trash on state wildlife areas

NOTE: An additional $100 reward will be paid by the Delaware Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally killing a wild turkey in Delaware.

Operation Game Theft’s primary focus is on catching and deterring those who illegally kill wildlife species, including ducks, geese, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and endangered or threatened species. “While poaching is broadly defined as the illegal hunting or killing of wildlife, it actually robs natural resources from the people of Delaware, especially from the majority of hunters who hunt legally and ethically,” said Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “With the help of Delaware citizens, we can better battle poaching to conserve our wildlife resources.”

Residents and landowners in Delaware are encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal activity that they observe as soon as possible to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030 or online at Operation Game Theft. “To report a violation, please provide all the information you can. Details that might seem insignificant often help in solving cases,” Lt. McDerby said. “And the sooner you can get the information to us, the better the chances are that we can catch violators.”

Useful details include:

Time, date and location of the violation observed;
Species and numbers of wildlife involved;
How the animal was taken and its current location, if known;
A vehicle description and tag number; and
Age, height, weight, hair color, clothing and any other identifying features of the violator(s), if this information can be obtained safely without contacting, confronting or attempting to restrain the violator(s).

For more information, contact Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police at 302-739-9913 during weekday business hours or call the 24-hour line at 302-739-4580.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2017-2018 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide. The guide also is available in printed form at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk in the Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and from license agents throughout the state.

Follow 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.

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 4-10

Reminder for the week: Hunters should observe surroundings, take safety precautions.

DOVER – To achieve public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Sept. 4-10 made 2,166 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, including 239 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 25 citations. Officers responded to 49 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 September 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended a hunter safety education class in Little Creek, presenting on the importance of firearms safety, game animal identification and what to expect when checked by an officer.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

On September 8, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Calvin R. Walters, 58, of Frankford, for three counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited, after contacting him while hunting in the Assawoman Wildlife Area near Frankford. Walters was arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 3 and released on a $3,000 bond pending a future court appearance in Sussex County Superior Court.
On September 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Trey L. Drouillard, 22, of Seaford, for one count each of criminal impersonation, possession of drug paraphernalia and littering upon a highway or adjacent property, following a traffic stop near the boat ramp in Seaford. Drouillard was issued a criminal summons for the charges with an order to appear in Sussex County Court of Common Pleas at a future date. Drouillard was transported to Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 3 for arraignment for two outstanding capiases. Drouillard was committed to Sussex County Correctional Institute and issued a $9,000 cash bond.

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 (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (1), possession of undersized white perch (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (2), and crabbing in a closed area of a state wildlife area (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Negligent operation (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1), no boating safety certificate (2), allow the use of a non-compliant vessel (2), and operating a PWC after sunset (1).

Public Safety: Shellfish in closed polluted area – recreational clamming (1), possession of drug paraphernalia (1), and possession of a deadly weapon by a person prohibited (3).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2), operating an unregistered mo
tor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1)*, criminal impersonation (1), and littering upon highway or adjacent property (1).

*Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police advise hunters to become familiar with state, county and local regulations before choosing their hunting spots, and share a reminder to always be observant of a hunter’s surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions.

“Hunters should always consider their surroundings and how far the ammunition they are using can travel,” said Lt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, noting that it is illegal in Delaware to discharge a firearm so that a shotgun pellet, slug or bullet lands upon any occupied dwelling, house or residence, or any related barn, stable or other outbuilding.

In addition, only the owner or occupant or a person with specific permission from the owner or occupant can legally discharge a firearm 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 this safety zone, 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.

Discharging a firearm while on or within 15 yards of a public road or right-of-way is also illegal in Delaware, unless it is an area controlled by DNREC, the Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of the Interior and designated as an area open to hunting or trapping. Shooting at a wild bird or wild animal in a public roadway or firing across a public roadway is also prohibited.

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 in which firearms may not be discharged, and a 100-yard firearm safety zone south of I-295 and I-95. 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.

During all firearms deer seasons, all hunters on both private and public lands, except those hunting migratory waterfowl, are required to wear hunter orange for safety reasons in the form of no less than 400 square inches of hunter orange material on the head, chest and back. Those hunting from a ground blind and completely concealed are required to place 400 square inches of hunter orange material within 10 feet outside the blind and at least 3 feet off the ground. Small game hunters and archery deer hunters are included in those required to wear hunter orange.

In addition, small game hunters should note, they are required to wear 250 square inches of hunter orange material for safety reasons. This requirement applies only on state wildlife areas; private lands are not included.

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

Follow 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.

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