Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 29-Feb.4

Reminder for the week: Conservation Order allows snow goose harvest

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 29-Feb. 4 made 1,106 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 18 citations. Officers responded to 27 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:

  • On Jan. 31, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested Joseph P. Dimattia, 38, of Dover, for two counts of failure to tag antlerless deer and one count each of failure to tag antlered deer and failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours, following an investigation into deer hunting violations near Townsend. Dimattia was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7, where he plead guilty, was fined $180, including court costs, and released.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlerless deer (2), failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), trespass to hunt (3), hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp (1), and possession of over the limit Canada Geese (1).

Public Safety: Failure to drive at speed appropriate for conditions (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5), operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*, damaging state property on a wildlife area (1)*, and possession of drug paraphernalia (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 http://de.gov/ogt.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind hunters that the 2018 Conservation Order to harvest snow geese will open Monday, Feb. 12 and run through Friday, April 13, 2018.

The Snow Goose Conservation Order allows use of unplugged shotguns and electronic calls, with no daily bag and possession limits. Legal shooting hours start a half-hour before sunrise and are extended to a half-hour after sunset. Federal and state hunting regulations otherwise apply.

Hunters who wish to participate in the Conservation Order must register for a free, annual permit, available by visiting www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Participants are required to re-visit this website after the Conservation Order has closed to report their harvest to the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Participants must also have a valid Delaware hunting license or a Maryland resident hunting license, a Delaware waterfowl stamp, and a Delaware Harvest Information Program (HIP) number.

Hunters needing assistance in obtaining a permit number should call 302-735-3600 during business hours Monday through Friday. For more information on the Conservation Order, please call 302-739-9912 or visit www.fw.delaware.gov.

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


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 8-14

Reminder for the week: Trapping has regulations and laws 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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 8-14 made 1,135 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 60 citations. Officers responded to 41 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

Incidents of note:

  • On Jan. 14, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Seven Nye, 18, of Marydel, with five counts each of the following: failure to attach deer tag to antlerless deer; failure to retain tag on antlerless deer; failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours; removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking; possess or transport antlerless deer that was unlawfully killed and one count of unlawful to use antlerless deer tag during invalid season following an investigation into illegal hunting during the 2017 season near Marydel. Nye was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7, where he plead guilty, was fined $535, including court costs and released.
  • On Jan. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested an individual for multiple trapping and state wildlife area violations near Hartly. The following press release was issued in regards to the incident: Hartly-man-arrested-for-multiple-trapping-and-state-wildlife-area-violations.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to attach deer tag to antlerless deer (5), failure to retain tag on antlerless deer (5), failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours (5), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (5), possess or transport antlerless deer that was unlawfully killed (5), unlawful to use antlerless deer tag during invalid season (1), unlicensed hunting (1), illegal method of take (1), failure to attach and sign federal duck stamp (5), possession of an unlawful body-gripping trap (1), setting an illegal leg hold trap (1), unlawfully trapping on the Fish & Wildlife-owned Tappahanna Wildlife Area (1), setting improperly tagged traps (6), and hunting illegally on Sunday (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (1), possession of drug paraphernalia-marijuana related (3), possession of marijuana-civil (1), operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), reckless driving (1), and malicious mischief with a motor vehicle (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (7), and operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (2).

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?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind trappers to review state regulations and laws governing trapping before doing so.

Trapping is prohibited in Delaware except by valid contract or permit holders. Trapping licenses are not available electronically from licensing agents or online. Licenses must be purchased through the Division of Fish & Wildlife. An approved Trapping Education Course is mandatory for all persons born on or after January 1, 1978.

Other Trapping regulations and laws include:

  • It is illegal to set foothold traps with toothed or serrated jaws.
  • Traps must be visited at least once every 24 hours.
  • It is illegal to use or possess killer or conibear traps with a jaw spread in excess of 5 inches.

For additional information on Delaware trapping licenses, call 302-739-9918 and visit the Hunter Education Courses website to sign up for a Mandatory Trapper Course.

For an overview of all the regulations and laws on trapping in Delaware, click on 2017 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide.

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Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 1 – 7

Reminder for the week: Be cautious when boating icy waters or walking on frozen ponds

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Jan. 1-7 made 915 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 23 citations. Officers responded to 33 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 CommunityDE F&W Natural Resources Police logo

  • On Jan. 5, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and K9 River attended an event sponsored by The Sisterhood of the Outdoors at the Cabela’s store in Newark.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incident of note:

  • On Jan. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited Brandon W. Kemp, 18, of Magnolia, for one count each of the following: hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp, hunting migratory waterfowl without required HIP number, hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp, hunting illegally on Sunday, possession of unlawfully taken game, and hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic lead shot following an illegal hunting near Magnolia. Kemp was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7, where he plead guilty, was fined $250, including court costs and released.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (3), hunting migratory waterfowl without required HIP number (1), hunting migratory waterfowl without required state waterfowl stamp (2), hunting illegally on Sunday (1), possession of unlawfully taken game (1), hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic lead shot (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1)*, and prohibited hunting device (bait) (3).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana-civil (1).

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5), damaging state property (1), and parking violation (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?

With the cold weather, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind anglers, hunters and winter outdoor enthusiasts of the potential hazards of ice and being in winter weather, and offers these tips:

  • Waterfowlers using a boat while hunting should watch ice conditions and currents carefully to avoid becoming locked in by ice. Drifting ice in tidal marshes and waterways also can complicate rescue efforts.
  • Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts should exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto ice, and should always take along someone who could provide or summon help in an emergency situation.
  • Examine ice carefully before walking on it. Freshwater ice should be a minimum of 2 to 3 inches thick, clear and sound, with no thin spots caused by springs or currents. Be wary of snow on the ice, which can hide weak spots. For ice fishing, ice should be at least 4 inches thick.
  • Driving ATVs, snowmobiles and passenger vehicles on ice is strongly discouraged. To support the weight of a vehicle, ice must be at least 7 to 10 inches thick. Without an extended period of extreme cold, ice is unlikely to reach this thickness in Delaware.

Media Contact: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386, or Sgt. Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Dec. 25 – 31

Reminder for the week: It’s a good time to take a Boater Safety Course

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 25-31 made 741 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 16 citations. Officers responded to 26 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:

  • On Dec. 27, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited David H. McRobie, 52, of Delmar, for one count each of the following: possess or transport antlered deer that was unlawfully killed, failure to attach deer tag to antlered deer, failure to attach deer tag to antlerless deer, and must wear hunter orange, after contacting him while hunting off Delmar Road near Delmar. McRobie was fined $2,726, including court costs and released. The antlered deer was seized and checked in at Redden State Forest Headquarters to be donated towards the Sportsmen Against Hunger Program.

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), possess or transport antlered deer that was unlawfully killed (1), failure to attach deer tag to antlered deer (1), failure to attach deer tag to antlerless deer (1), and must wear hunter orange (1).

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (4)*, damaging state property (1)*, and trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5).

*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?

If the cold weather has you bored indoors, take a Boater Safety Course! Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1978 must successfully complete an approved boating safety course before operating a motorboat and/or personal watercraft (PWC) in Delaware. Approved courses can be conveniently taken online and found at de.gov/boatsafety.

If you are bearing the cold outdoors, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind the boating public to stay safe and take precautions for the winter weather and cold water, which puts those who hunt, fish or cruise our waterways at risk from hypothermia if they fall overboard.

For more information about Boating Safety Courses in Delaware, please contact Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Boating Education Coordinator, Sgt. Brooke Africa, at 302-739-9086.

Media Contacts: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386 or Sgt. Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913


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

Reminder for the week: A new year brings the need for a new boat registration

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 11-17 made 1,122 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters and the general public, issuing 21 citations. Officers responded to 24 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 Action

Incident of note:

  • On Dec. 12, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Jonathan Waiczak, 46, of Hartly, for two counts of providing unlicensed hunting guide services near Milford. Waiczak was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 and released on his own recognizance pending a future court appearance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Providing unlicensed hunting guide services (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (2), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (2), game animal is not consumed or utilized for its value (1), and unlawfully taken game (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a marijuana-civil (1)*, and possession of drug paraphernalia (1)*.

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (11)*.

*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?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that their annual Delaware boat registrations expire Dec. 31 and must be renewed before taking their boats out on the water in 2018.

Current annual boat registration fees range from $20 to $120 a year, based on the size of the vessel. Registration fees are used to help fund boating safety patrols, natural resources protection, boating education programs and boating access areas and their maintenance.

Boat owners can register their vessels or renew their registrations online, through DNREC’s boat registration office at 89 Kings Highway in Dover, 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.

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Contact: Lt. John McDerby 302-354-1386 or Sgt. Brooke Africa 302-382-7167, or Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 302-739-9913