DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Sept. 9-15

Reminder for the week: Hunters must be aware of restrictions and regulations
when importing harvested deer carcasses or parts from other states into 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’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Sept. 9-15 made 2,076 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 63 citations. Officers responded to 67 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

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespass to hunt (1), no federal duck stamp (1), and failure to display conservation access pass (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of undersized white perch (3)*, possession of undersized striped bass (1), trespass to fish (3), unlicensed fishing (4)*, and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (2).

Boating & Boating Safety: Failure to report a motor vessel accident (1), failure to operate a reasonable speed to avoid a motor vessel collision (1), and operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1)*.

Public Safety: Possession of a concealed deadly weapon – firearm (1), possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony (1), possession of drug paraphernalia – not marijuana related (2), possession of drug paraphernalia – civil (2), possession of marijuana other than for personal use (1), possession of marijuana – civil (2)*, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (1), possession of heroin (1), possession of a controlled substance with aggravating factor (1), unreasonable speed (2), careless driving (2), excessive speed on a wildlife area (1)*, failure to adhere to learner’s permit restrictions (1), and failure to stop at a red light (1).

Other: Possession of a weapon with an altered serial number (1), conspiracy 3rd degree (2), operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), driving with a suspended or revoked license (1), escaping load from motor vehicle (1), dumping (2), wildlife area map violation – parking outside of designated zone (2), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (13)*, and trespass closed area on Division lands (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. The Public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to http://de.gov/ogt, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?
It is unlawful to import or possess any carcass or parts of a carcass of any member of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, or moose) originating from areas of another state or Canadian province where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found in free-ranging or captive deer or other Cervidae species.

However, the following deer, elk, and moose parts may be imported into the state:

Boned-out meat that is cut and wrapped
Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or skull attached
Hides or capes with no skull attached
Clean (no meat or tissue attached) skull plates with antlers attached
Antlers (with no meat or tissue attached)
Upper canine teeth (buglers, whistlers, or ivories)
Finished taxidermy products

Regionally, the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia have confirmed the presence of CWD. From these states, hunters are restricted from bringing entire deer carcasses into Delaware and may only bring the above mentioned parts from the counties in which CWD has been found. If hunters are hunting in portions of these states outside of those areas, they are not restricted from bringing a harvested carcass back to Delaware.

CWD is documented in the following counties in neighboring states, and are subject to the import restrictions:

Maryland – Allegany and Washington counties
Pennsylvania – Adams, Armstrong, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, Somerset, Westmoreland, and York counties
Virginia – Clarke, Culpeper, Frederick, Madison, Orange, Shenandoah, and Warren counties
West Virginia – Berkley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, and Morgan counties

CWD has been detected in 26 states and three Canadian provinces. For a complete list of restricted areas within other states, please visit http://cwd-info.org/ or contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302-735-3600.

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913, or 302-382-7167.

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife announces Delaware hunting seasons opening in October

Hunting opportunities offered at many state wildlife areas

DOVER – Numerous Delaware hunting seasons open in October, including Sunday firearm deer hunting opportunities, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through the end of the deer season on Feb. 2, 2020, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective, established deer hunting seasons. Please refer to Sunday Hunting webpage for Sunday deer hunting information, including hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas.

Hunting seasons opening in October:

Snow goose: Oct. 1-Jan. 31, 2020, and Feb. 8, 2020
Antlerless deer: Oct. 4-6, 21, and 25-28, including Sundays
Muzzleloader deer: Oct. 11-20, including Sundays
Youth Waterfowl Hunt: Oct. 19
Ducks, coots, and mergansers: first season split Oct. 25-Nov. 6
Tundra swan, only by permit issued through a pre-season lottery, Oct. 25-Jan. 31, 2020

Continuing hunting seasons include:

Moorhen, gallinule, sora, Virginia rail, king rail, and clapper rail: through Nov. 21
Common snipe: through Nov. 30
Archery and crossbow deer: through Feb. 2, 2020, including all Sundays
Gray squirrel: through Feb. 1, 2020 (closed during November shotgun deer season)
Coyote hunting season: through Feb. 28, 2020
Crows: through Mar. 31, 2020 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only)
Groundhog: through June 30, 2020

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at Wildlife Area Hunting Maps.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp. More information on hunting license and Delaware waterfowl stamp requirements is available at Delaware Licenses. Waterfowl and other migratory game bird (except crow) hunters will need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. To register for a LEN number or HIP number, hunters can go to Delaware Hunter and Trapper Registration or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. For hunters age 16 and older, a federal migratory bird stamp is also required to hunt waterfowl.

To purchase a hunting license, either in person or online, hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, must have a basic hunter education safety course card/number. Hunters who took a Delaware hunter safety course starting in 2008 can print their hunter safety card by going to http://de.gov/huntersafety. Hunters who took their Delaware hunter safety course before 2008 should call the Hunter Education Office at 302-735-3600, ext. 1 to obtain a hunter safety card.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps, and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at Delaware Licenses, at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, or from hunting license agents statewide. Federal migratory bird stamps are available at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, and online at Federal duck stamps.

For more information on hunting, click 2019-2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide and Wildlife Area Hunting Maps. Hard copies of guide and newly-updated hunting maps are also available at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office. More information on hunting licenses, season details, and the Conservation Access Pass is also available by calling the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.

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

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

Vol. 49, No. 237

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: July 1-7

Reminder for the week: Boating education requirements 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’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between July 1-7 made 4,718 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 137 citations. Officers responded to 165 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A 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

On July 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Nicole Lachette, 36, of Hockessin, for one count each of trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area and inhaling impairing vapors on the south side of the C&D Canal Conservation Area near Reedy Point after Lachette side-swiped an officer’s patrol vehicle. Delaware State Police conducted the accident investigation and charged Lachette with one count of inattentive driving. The passenger of the vehicle, Logan Grubber, 35, of Wilmington, was charged with one count each of trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area, inhaling impairing vapors, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects were released pending a future court appearance.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Possession of sponge crabs (2), possession of undersized blue crabs (6), failure to tend crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (1), crab pot tampering (2), improperly marked crab pots (1), possession of undersized white perch (1)*, unlicensed fishing (9)*, and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (5).
Commercial: Possession of undersized blue crabs (24).

Boating & Boating Safety: No boating safety certification (7), no boating education certificate in possession (10), failure to have vessel registration card in possession (1), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (14), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (9), water skiing/tubing without wearing required life jacket (1), jumping the wake of another vessel on personal watercraft (1), no navigation lights (1), failure to observe slow no wake (1), failure to maintain a proper lookout (1), negligent operation of a motor vessel (1), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (2), and improper marking on a rental personal watercraft (1).

Public Safety: Clamming in a prohibited area (1), leaving the scene of an accident (1), failure to report an accident (1), inattentive driving (1), inhaling impairing vapors (2)*, possession of marijuana (1), and possession of drug paraphernalia (2)*.

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (24)*, unattended vehicle (1), operating an unregistered motor vehicle (1), and dumping yard waste on a state wildlife area (1)*.

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

Are you AWARE?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind both resident and out-of-state boaters that if you were born January 1, 1978 or after, you are required to successfully complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety course before operating a motorized vessel, including personal watercraft and rental vessels, on any waterways in the state of Delaware. You must carry your boating safety certification card with you at all times when operating a vessel to provide to an officer when requested.

Delaware is a reciprocity state, so if you took a NASBLA-approved boating safety course through another cooperating state, it is valid and accepted in Delaware. To see if your course qualifies, you can visit this approved list.

For more information on where to find online and in person boating safety courses in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety or contact the Boating Safety & Education Coordinator Sgt. Brooke Mitchell at brooke.mitchell@delaware.gov.

To report boating, fisheries, and wildlife violations, please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336.

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

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: June 24-30

Reminder for the week: Have a safe holiday weekend on Delaware waterways

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’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between June 24-30 made 2,410 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 76 citations. Officers responded to 82 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A 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

On June 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Willard Burris, 61, of Felton, for 17 counts of failure to tend commercial crab pots at least once within the required 72-hour timeframe on the Delaware Bay. Burris was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7, where he plead guilty, was fined $187, including court costs, and released.

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 (2), use of crab pots without required turtle excluder (3), crab pot tampering (2), possession of undersized blue crabs (8), possession of undersized largemouth bass (1), possession of undersized summer flounder (1), unlicensed fishing (6)*, and no Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number (2).
Commercial: Failure to tend crab pots at least once within required 72-hour timeframe (17) and crab pot tampering (2).

Boating & Boating Safety: No life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (2), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (4), operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol (1), negligent operation of a motor vessel (1), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (2), jumping the wake of another vessel on personal watercraft (1), failure to observe slow no wake (3), and no boating education certificate (5).

Public Safety: Passing in a no passing-zone (1) and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (10)* and littering (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. The public is encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to http://de.gov/ogt, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police want the many boaters heading out for the long 4th of July holiday weekend to enjoy safe boating on Delaware’s waterways, and remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix. Boat operators found to have blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher will face charges for operating a vessel under the influence as well as putting themselves, their passengers, and other boaters at risk.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers will be out on the water during the holiday weekend, increasing their presence for Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities. For more information on Operation Dry Water visit DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police promoting Operation Dry Water July 5-7.

Other tips for recreational boaters to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend include:

Exercise patience and courtesy at crowded boat ramps and docks.
Observe all Slow No Wake areas.
Maintain a lookout for other vessels and keep a safe distance away.
Avoid traveling at unsafe speeds, including congested areas.
Make sure children 12 and younger are wearing life jackets while underway as required by law.
Check navigation lights and make sure to turn them on when operating at night.

For more information on safe boating practices in Delaware, please visit Delaware Boating Safety.

To report boating, fisheries, and wildlife violations, please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24-hour dispatch line at: 302-739-4580 or 1-800-523-3336.

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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913, or 302-382-7167.

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police promoting Operation Dry Water July 5-7

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police today announced their active participation in Operation Dry Water, an annual nationwide awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at preventing alcohol and drug-related boating accidents and fatalities.

Over the July 5-7 weekend, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers will increase their presence on Delaware’s waterways to educate boaters on the danger and risk of operating a vessel under the influence. Enforcement efforts against operating under the influence (OUI) also will be intensified during the Operation Dry Water campaign. Boat operators found with blood alcohol levels at or exceeding the state and federal limit of 0.08 percent will be arrested and may have their vessel impounded, as well as face fines and potential jail time for OUI.

According to national statistics released by the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is a leading contributing factor to fatal boating accidents. To avoid putting themselves, their passengers, and other boaters at risk, boat operators are urged to stay sober and follow safe boating practices, or to plan ahead by having a non-drinking, qualified designated boat operator on board if alcohol is consumed.

During Operation Dry Water in 2018, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers made 3,056 contacts with boat operators and passengers and conducted 573 boardings while performing standard vessel safety equipment checks and encouraging safe boating practices. Forty-six citations were issued, helping to raise awareness of and reduce unsafe boating practices, with one of the citations issued for OUI.

Operation Dry Water is coordinated nationwide by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), in partnership with state marine enforcement agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard. For more information on Operation Dry Water visit: http://www.operationdrywater.org/.

For more information, visit Delaware Boating Safety or contact Delaware Boating Safety & Education Coordinator Sgt. Brooke Mitchell at 302-739-9915 or email brooke.mitchell@delaware.gov.

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. Brooke Mitchell, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-382-7167, or 302-739-9913, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 180