Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 30-Feb. 5

Reminder for the week: Recreational boaters need to watch out for gillnets in tidal waters

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 Jan. 30-Feb. 5 made 1014 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including three vessel boardings for boating safety, hunting and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing nine citations. Officers responded to 22 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 associated recreational trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

On Jan. 31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer AFC Chelsea Allen gave a presentation regarding the career of a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resource Police officer and K-9 Officer River performed a K-9 demonstration to students at Caravel Academy near Bear.
On Feb. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers SCpl. Richard Blaasch & Cpl. Dan Carrow gave a boating safety presentation to a group of Cub Scouts working on their Salmon Run merit badge at the Natural Resources Police’s Delaware City office.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions
Incident of note:

On Feb. 5, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Tyler A. Damon, 21, of Magnolia, for one count each of failure to tag antlered deer, failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours, failure to retain antlered deer tag, hunt deer after special antlerless season, removing antlered deer parts prior to checking, possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer and kill antlered deer without purchasing hunters choice tag. Damon was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on $700 unsecured bond to appear in Kent County Court of Common Pleas at a later date.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), failure to retain antlered deer tag (1), hunt deer after special antlerless season (1), removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (1), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (1), and kill antlered deer without purchasing a hunters choice tag (1).

Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1)*, and excessive speed 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 remind boaters that Wednesday, Feb. 15 is the opening day of the commercial striped bass fixed gillnet season on most tidal waters in Delaware.

“A commercial fixed gillnet is an upright net made of fiber or monofilament measuring up to 200 yards in length and attached to a single pole or anchored on each end. These nets are designed to catch fish by their gills,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “To help ensure the safety of other vessels, the location of fixed gillnets must be well-marked for visibility from the water’s surface.”

Delaware law requires commercial watermen to mark fixed gillnets as follows:

A red or international orange flag measuring 12 inches by 12 inches must be placed on each of the net’s two end poles from April 1 through Nov. 30.
Red or international orange floats measuring a minimum of eight inches in diameter may be substituted for the required end flags on fixed nets from Dec. 1 through March 31.
Each of these flags or floats must be marked with the commercial waterman’s assigned license number.
Flags or floats must include a minimum of 24 square inches of reflective material in order to be visible for nighttime navigation.
White floats measuring four inches in diameter must be placed along the net inside each of the required red or international orange flags or floats, beginning within 20 feet of each end pole.

“Even with these marking requirements, gillnets are not always easy to spot, especially at night and during adverse weather conditions,” said Sgt. McDerby. “Boaters and anglers need to be aware of the size of these nets. If they are set in a series with shared rigging, they can be up to 500 yards long – and they are not necessarily placed in a straight line. Because of the length of the nets and their abundance, particularly in the Delaware Bay and River during striped bass season, navigation can be challenging, even for a seasoned boater.”

All boaters should slow down and use caution when operating in areas where nets have been set, McDerby added. Slowing down will help make navigation much less challenging and decrease the risk of crossing the nets and a potential accident.

For more information on safe boating practices, click Delaware Boating Safety.

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.

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

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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 21-27

Reminder for the week: Boaters need proper gear, safety equipment for cooler fall weather

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, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Nov. 21-27 made 1,134 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 88 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks, issuing 27 citations. Officers responded to 52 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 associated recreational trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incident of note:

• On Nov. 22, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police cited Tyler A. Nepa, 21, of Wilmington for multiple traffic violations after officers observed his illegal use of white & yellow strobe lights to run a red light, near St. Georges. Nepa was cited for failure to stop at a red light, driving while suspended or revoked, operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance and unlawful use of flashing lights. Nepa was released pending a future court date appearance at Justice of the Peace Court 9 in Middletown.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Unlicensed hunting (1), fail to have hunting license in possession (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun (3), possession of unlawfully taken waterfowl (1), violation of federal rules adopted – no federal waterfowl stamp (4), violation of federal rules adopted – no harvest information number “HIP” (1), hunting waterfowl with illegal lead shot (1), possession of unlawful shot size while waterfowl hunting (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3), and operating a vehicle off the established roadway in a state wildlife area (1)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2).

Public Safety: Failure to stop at a red light (1), driving while suspended or revoked (1), operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance (1), unlawful use of flashing lights (1), operating a vehicle with expired registration (1)* and civil possession of marijuana (2)*.

*Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind the boating public that with fall weather comes cooler air and water temperatures, putting those who hunt, fish or cruise our waterways at risk from hypothermia if they fall overboard.

“Boating in colder weather provides some great fishing, hunting and recreational opportunities, but to stay safe in the event of a mishap, it’s all about choosing and using the right gear,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “Keep in mind that falling overboard or getting excessively chilled or wet on deck can put you at risk for hypothermia, so dress and outfit yourself appropriately.”

Immersion in cool water can lead very quickly to hypothermia, in which the body instinctively protects its core by shutting down blood flow to limbs first. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends wearing layers for protection and warmth, including gloves and a hat. Recommended gear also includes three types of protective clothing to reduce risk: flotation coats, which double as life jackets but may not protect against hypothermia if the wearer falls into cold water; immersion or survival suits, which can increase survival time in cold water; or a dry suit, worn for intentional entry into cold water to keep water out and, with thermal layers beneath, keep warmth in.

Other recommended safety items include:
• Life jackets, worn by everyone on board, especially non-swimmers in all seasons; Delaware law requires that all children 12 years old and younger aboard a vessel wear a lifejacket while underway.
• Blankets, to stay warm on board while awaiting rescue.
• Multiple means of communication – a fully-charged cell phone and a marine radio.
• A vessel-mounted or handheld GPS to relay your exact location to assist first responders.
• Items to attract the attention of rescuers: a whistle, a personal position locator beacon (PLB) and a personal emergency locator light and/or flares, all kept in immersion suit pockets and secured with a lanyard.

Boat operators should also plan to spend a little extra time on vessel preparations and maintenance to help prevent breakdowns on the water, including checking fuel levels before heading out. “An equipment failure that would be a minor inconvenience in warmer weather could be life-threatening this time of year,” Sgt. McDerby said.

Sgt. McDerby also added these tips:
• Check your vessel’s capacity plate for maximum weight to avoid overloading, which can lead to possible capsizing; hunting parties are reminded to take the weight of their gear into account.
• Keep your cell phone in a secure pocket and sealed in a plastic bag.
• Pack a set of dry clothing in a sealed plastic bag.
• If you fall overboard or capsize, stay with your boat for a better chance of being found sooner.
• Keep clothing on to help retain heat.
• File a “float plan” with a responsible friend or family member. Include a description of your boat, when you plan to head out, who is going with you, where you plan to go and when you plan to return.

“Filing a float plan is always a good idea, because unforeseen circumstances can hit boaters in any season at any time, including a storm, engine problems, swamping and injuries or other health issues,” Sgt. McDerby said. “With your plans in a friend or family member’s hands, they can call for help if you’re overdue and tell searchers where to begin looking for you, saving precious time.”

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, including an easy-to-use float plan form, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

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.

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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 12-18

Reminder for the week: Purchase your 2016/2017 Delaware hunting license, waterfowl stamps now

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. 12-18 made 1,349 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 78 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 38 complaints and issued 20 citations. This week, with an expanded Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continuing to be deployed as a deterrent, no citations were issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail.

Incidents of note:

On Sept. 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a commercial waterman on 15 counts of improper display of commercial crab pot markings in the Delaware Bay near Woodland Beach. The waterman was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, where he pled guilty to seven counts and was fined $854, including court costs.
On Sept. 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police located a Lincoln man reported overdue on a jet ski. Scott O’Neal, 44, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant from Sussex County Family Court for failure to pay $65,000 bond. In lieu of bond, O’Neal was remanded to the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to attach antlerless deer tag (1), and destruction of state property on a wildlife area (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized blue crabs (1), and possession of summer flounder parts (1).
Commercial: Improper display of commercial crab pot markings (15), and failure to report commercial catch of striped bass (1).

Two press releases about a boating accident also were issued this week:

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach

On Sept. 17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers spoke to the Potomac Irish Setter Club at the C&R Center near Felton about current and new hunting regulations.
On Sept. 15, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers joined other Delaware police, fire and emergency response agencies for 911 Awareness Day at the Sussex county Emergency Communications Center, attended by more than 100 children.
On Sept. 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers gave a presentation about their jobs and how to become a Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officer to a group of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in Harrington. The presentation assisted the scouts with earning their law merit badge.

Are you AWARE?
With fall hunting seasons underway, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters to purchase their 2016/2017 Delaware hunting licenses and waterfowl stamps. A resident annual hunting license costs $25 for ages 16 through 64. A resident junior hunting license costs $5 for ages 13 through 15.

Residents younger than 13 or those 65 and older who have resided in Delaware for one year or longer are not required to purchase a Delaware hunting license; residents younger than 16 or those 65 and older are not required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl stamp. Higher license prices apply to non-resident hunters, and no exemptions are made for non-residents age 65 and older on purchasing a hunting license or waterfowl stamp.

To hunt waterfowl in Delaware, residents age 16 through 64 who have lived in the state for one year or longer are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl stamp. For hunters age 16 and older, a federal migratory bird hunting stamp is required to hunt waterfowl. Federal duck stamps may be purchased at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online at www.fws.gov/duckstamps. For more information, call 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724).

Hunters who are exempt from purchasing a license must obtain an annual, free License Exempt Number (LEN). Both exempt and non-exempt hunters of migratory gamebirds, including waterfowl, dove, woodcock and rail, also must obtain a free Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Both are available online or by calling 855-335-4868 toll-free.

If hunting waterfowl or deer on a state wildlife area from a blind or deer stand that was selected through a lottery, all hunters in the blind or stand are required to carry their $20 annual lottery permit. This permit is waived for hunters participating in Division of Fish & Wildlife-designated youth hunting days.

Delaware hunting licenses, lottery permits and waterfowl stamps are sold online, at the licensing office in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating hunting license agent, to purchase a license or lottery permit or to obtain a HIP or LEN number online, click Delaware Licenses and Permits. For additional information on Delaware hunting licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click 2016-2017 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 Contacts: Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913 or 302-354-1386, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 350

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police blotter: Sept. 5-11

Reminder for the week: Hunters and residents encouraged to review Delaware hunting 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. 5-11 made 1,787 contacts with anglers, hunters, boaters and the general public, including 96 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 38 complaints and issued 27 citations, one of which was related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there is an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

Incidents of note:

On Sept. 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested two Sussex County men for one count each of loitering to engage in sex at Redden State Forest near Georgetown. Both were released, pending an appearance in Sussex County Family Court at a later date.
On Sept. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a juvenile and charged him with eight counts of damaging/defacing state property on a wildlife area and one count of criminal mischief under $1,000, related to an investigation into graffiti at the Horseys Pond fishing area. The juvenile was released to his parents, pending an appearance in Sussex County Family Court at a later date.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp (4), damaging/defacing state property on a wildlife area (8), criminal mischief under $1,000 (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2), and littering on a state wildlife area (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (2)*, possession of undersized blue crabs (3), possession of undersized white perch (1), trespassing to fish (1), and fishing in a closed area (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (1).

Public Safety: Loitering to engage in sex (2).

*Citation issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area: unlicensed fishing (1).

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police News, Training and Outreach

On Sept. 10-11, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer and answered questions on hunting, boating and fishing opportunities in Delaware at the annual Nanticoke Indian Pow Wow near Millsboro.
On Sept. 10, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers displayed a marine patrol boat and answered boating safety questions at the Houston Fire Department’s Fire Prevention & Safety Day.
On Sept. 9, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended a “Welcome to Dover” event at Dover Air Force Base and answered questions about hunting, boating and fishing opportunities in Delaware.
On Sept. 8, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers gave a presentation about careers in fish and wildlife law enforcement at a hunter safety class at the Little Creek Hunter Education Center.

Are you AWARE?
With September’s mourning dove and resident Canada goose seasons as well as archery deer season underway and more hunting season dates ahead, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind both hunters and residents who live near hunting areas to become familiar with Delaware hunting regulations.

“Something new this year that hunters as well as the public should know is that Sunday deer hunting will be allowed on five Sundays – Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and 20, Dec. 11 in 2016 and on Jan. 15, 2017 – on private lands with landowner permission and designated public lands including wildlife areas,” said Sgt. John McDerby, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “These are the only Sundays when hunting is allowed in Delaware, and deer are the only game species that can be harvested.”

Sgt. McDerby noted that residents also can expect to see and hear hunting activity in the next several months, such as:

In most areas, hunting hours begin a half hour before sunrise and end a half hour after sunset.
Hunting between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise is illegal. (Exception: Night hunting for raccoon and opossum in season.)
Hunting is allowed on private lands with permission of the landowner.
Regulated hunting is allowed on most state wildlife areas.
Regulations for specific wildlife areas, including hunting days and hours, are included on wildlife area maps.

“We recommend that residents who live near hunting areas – private or public – familiarize themselves with season dates and regulations by checking wildlife area maps and our hunting and trapping guide,” said Sgt. McDerby. “Although most hunters observe these regulations, we also encourage the public to report any illegal hunting activity they observe.”

Sgt. McDerby also added some tips on what residents should report:

Hearing gunshots at night between a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise.
Seeing hunters or becoming aware they are shooting on your property if they do not have your permission to hunt.
Seeing hunters afield or hearing gunshots coming from wildlife areas on Sunday, with the exception of the five Sundays noted above at areas open to deer hunting on those dates.
Witnessing shots fired across a public road or right-of-way, or within 15 yards or closer to a public roadway. (NOTE: carrying a loaded weapon in a vehicle or vessel also is illegal.)
Hunting migratory waterfowl and game birds, including doves, over bait is illegal in Delaware. An area is generally considered baited if grain or other feed has been placed as a lure or attraction.
Target shooting on state wildlife areas is illegal at all times; target shooting on private property is allowed seven days a week, within the parameters of local, county and state ordinances.

For more information on the 2016/2017 hunting seasons – including hunter education, licensing, hunting and trapping seasons, limits, regulations, wildlife area information and more, with sections devoted to deer, small game, turkey and migratory birds – click on 2016-2017 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide. Newly updated wildlife area maps with area-specific regulations are available online at Wildlife Area Maps.

Printed copies of the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide and the wildlife area maps are also available at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or by calling the Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912. The printed guide also is available from license agents throughout the state.

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

Vol. 46, No. 340

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police blotter: Aug. 22-28

Reminder for the week: Natural Resources Police patrols increased to monitor hunting, fishing seasons concurrently in full swing

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 Aug. 22-28 made 2,263 contacts with anglers, boaters and the general public, including 419 vessel boardings for boating safety and fishing regulation compliance checks. Officers responded to 80 complaints and issued 47 citations, seven of which were related to the C&D Canal Conservation Area and associated recreational trail, where there continues to be an increased Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence.

Incidents of note:

On Aug. 28, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited John R. Mitchell Jr., 42, of Ocean View with one count each of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (OUI), no personal flotation device, no fire extinguisher and no vessel registration card in possession. Mitchell was cited in the Indian River Bay near White House Beach. He was released with an order to appear in Justice of the Peace Court 14 at a later date.
On Aug. 27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited John J. Kass, 44, of Pottstown, Pa. with one count of OUI on Rehoboth Bay near Massey’s Landing. Kass was released with an order to appear in Justice of the Peace Court 14 at a later date.
Increased patrols in Kent County wildlife areas during this time period resulted in multiple citations issued for entering after hours and one citation for possession of marijuana.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Entering a wildlife area after hours (8)*.

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (5)*, possession of undersized weakfish (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), possession of undersized blue crabs (4), crab pot tampering (non-commercial) (1), improperly marked recreational crab pots (2), possession of summer flounder parts (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of lifejackets (2), no lifejacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (7), operating under the influence (2), failure to observe slow-no-wake zone (3), failure to provide flares or visual distress signal equipment (1), failure to have fire extinguisher aboard (1), failure to possess registration card (1), and allowing the use of a non-compliant vessel (1), no boater education card (1).

Public Safety: Unregistered motor vehicle in a wildlife area (1)*, excessive speed in a wildlife area (1)*, possession of marijuana (1), possession of drug paraphernalia (1), criminal trespass (1).

* Citations issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area: unlicensed fishing (4), entering a wildlife area after hours (1).

Are you AWARE?
With several hunting seasons having opened Sept. 1 and fishing still at full-throttle, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police continue to increase patrols 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 vandalism, littering, dumping and damaging wildlife habitat.

“The public is encouraged to enjoy our wildlife, fishing and boating access areas and the unique outdoor experiences they offer,” said Sgt. John McDerby of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police. “However, as stewards of this land for the general public, we cannot allow the few people who do not respect our conservation mission to ruin things for the many who do. Those caught abusing our natural resources through illegal activities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

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.

Wildlife area visitors also are reminded that it is illegal to operate motor vehicles – including motorcycles, cars, trucks and SUVs – off established roadways in state wildlife areas. Violators found to cause damage also will be cited for destruction of state property. In addition, operating a motor vehicle that is not licensed for use on established public roadways – including ATVs – is prohibited both on and off-road on state wildlife areas.

The following rules also apply to all state wildlife areas, fishing piers, public boat launching facilities and multi-use areas:

Camping, swimming, target shooting (including paintball), dumping and littering, and fires are prohibited.
Dog training is permitted only within established dog training areas or during open hunting seasons for the game animals that the dog is being trained to hunt.
Hunting is permitted only in specified areas and only during designated hunting seasons.
Firearms are prohibited on state wildlife areas from March 1 to Aug. 31, except during legal hunting seasons or as authorized by the Division of Fish & Wildlife.
All of these sites have a carry-in, carry-out trash policy.

“Littering can be a problem, especially in many fishing areas, so please leave no trace behind and take your trash with you,” Sgt. McDerby said.

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.

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

Vol. 46, No. 325