DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Jan. 14-20

Reminder for the week: Deer hunting seasons ending

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 Jan. 14-20 made 1,242 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 43 citations. Officers responded to 35 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

On Jan. 18, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Angelo J. Rispoli Jr., 23, of New Castle, for one count each of conspiracy third degree, hunting on a state game refuge, and two counts of possess or transport an antlered deer unlawfully killed near Wilmington. Rispoli was video arraigned at Sussex County Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released on unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespassing to hunt (1), provide hunting guide service without having required guide license (6), unlicensed hunting (3), unlawful to hunt migratory waterfowl except from designated blind sites (2), possession of prohibited lead shot while hunting migratory waterfowl (2), prohibited hunting device – waterfowl bait (3), federal rules adopted – no federal waterfowl stamp (1), possess or transport an antlered deer unlawfully killed (3), possess or transport an antlerless deer unlawfully killed (1), kill an antlered deer without purchasing a hunter choice tag (1), failure to attach antlered deer tag (1), failure to attach antlerless deer tag (1), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours (1), hunt antlerless deer in archery season with a weapon other than a bow & arrow (1), purchase or sell deer parts (1), use of unlawfully loaded rifle when in pursuit, taking or hunting of protected wildlife (1), hunting on a state game refuge (1), and set use metal traps without metallic plate or tag and license of owner (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1).

Public Safety: Failure to display required hunter orange during a deer firearms season (2), unlawfully loaded firearm in/on a motor vehicle (1), and possess, purchase, own or control of a firearm by a person prohibited (1).

Other: Damage state property (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (4)*, and conspiracy third degree (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 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 remind hunters of the end of deer hunting seasons:

Shotgun season ends Sunday, Jan. 27
Archery and Crossbow seasons end Thursday, Jan. 31
Muzzleloader season ends Sunday, Feb. 3 (archery equipment and crossbows can be used during muzzleloader season)

Although deer hunting seasons are ending, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police still encourage the public who witness or has information about a game law violation to report the violator as soon as possible so we can immediately investigate. Some illegal activities that should be reported include:

The use of an artificial light to illuminate wildlife, also known as spotlighting, in any manner, including from a motor vehicle, for the purpose of hunting or observing
Target shooting on state wildlife areas (target shooting on private property is allowed seven days a week, within the parameters of local, county, and state ordinances)
Shots fired from or across a public road or right-of-way, or within 15 yards of a public roadway (carrying a loaded weapon in a vehicle or vessel in association with hunting also is illegal)

For more information on the 2018/2019 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 2018-2019 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide. Newly updated wildlife area maps with area-specific regulations are available online at Wildlife Area Maps.

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

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

Reminder for the week: Happy Holidays to you and yours

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 Dec.10-16 made 2,118 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 38 citations. Officers responded to 46 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

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police careers, safe hunting practices, hunting laws, and what to expect when checked by an officer in the field during multiple Basic Hunter Education Courses at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Wildlife Conservation: Possession of unlawfully taken game – mallard (1), possession of unlawfully taken game – white-tailed deer (2), failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to retain tag on antlered deer (2), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (1), failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (2), unlicensed hunting (4), hunting on a refuge (1), hunting within 1500’ of an established blind (1), and trespassing to hunt (2).

Public Safety: Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (1) and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (16).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3)*.

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

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police wish you and yours a Happy Holiday season.

Also, some New Year reminders:

Boaters – Delaware boat registrations expire Dec. 31, and must be renewed before taking boats out on the water in 2019. Boat owners can register their boats 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.
Anglers – It’s time to purchase your 2019 Delaware fishing licenses on or after Jan. 1, as 2018 licenses expire Dec. 31. A valid fishing license is required for fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Delaware in both tidal and non-tidal waters. Delaware fishing licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware licenses. For additional information on Delaware fishing licenses, call 302-739-9918.

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: Dec. 3-9

Reminder for the week: Don’t forget to download our app – DENRP Tip

DOVER – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety, DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Dec. 3-9 made 1,913 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 40 citations. Officers responded to 50 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

On Dec. 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Jeffrey A. Altman, 51, of Middletown, for one count each of failure to retain tag on antlerless deer, failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours, possess or transport of unlawfully taken antlerless deer, and two counts of possession of a firearm/weapon by a person prohibited following an investigation into deer poaching near Middletown. Altman was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 9 and released on a $3,300 unsecured bond, pending a future court appearance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Failure to tag antlered deer (1), failure to tag antlerless deer (2), failure to retain tag on antlerless deer (3), failure to check antlerless deer within 24 hours (2), possess or transport of unlawfully taken antlerless deer (2), removing antlerless deer parts prior to checking (1), trespass to hunt (1), federal rules adopted – possession of prohibited lead shot while hunting migratory waterfowl (5), federal rules adopted – hunting migratory waterfowl without required federal waterfowl stamp (1), hunting migratory waterfowl over illegal bait (2), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), and possession of protected wildlife – cormorant (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Commercial: Possession of undersized oysters (2) and failure to attach oyster harvesting tag to bushel containing oysters (1).

Boating & Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1) and negligent operation of a motor vessel (1).

Public Safety: Striking an occupied dwelling with shot discharged from a firearm (2) and possession of a firearm/weapon by a person prohibited (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (6)*, spinning tires (1)*, malicious mischief by a motor vehicle (1)*, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance (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 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?
Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police have launched a new law enforcement app, enabling the public to connect with our officers, receive alerts, and submit anonymous tips from your smartphones.

Developed by software company tip411, the app encourages the public to provide our agency with factual and anonymous information leading to the arrest of poachers and other violators. The app is available for free download by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. The app can be used with 100 percent anonymity, as tip411’s technology removes all identifying information before our officers see the tips.

When considering what type of tips to report, note that Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, including two K-9 tracking units, investigate hunting, fishing, and boating violations; respond to and investigate boating and hunting accidents; respond to poaching complaints through Operation Game Theft; and patrol state-owned boating access areas, fishing ponds, piers, and 19 state wildlife areas encompassing nearly 65,000 acres statewide. Our officers also conduct marine law enforcement patrols and boating safety checks on Delaware waterways, including within the state’s three-mile offshore limit in the Atlantic Ocean.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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: Nov. 26-Dec. 2

Reminder for the week: Waterfowl hunters should check gear for prohibited lead shot, ensure boats are safety and weather ready

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 Nov. 26-Dec. 2 made 1,235 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 21 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

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers presented information on the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, safe hunting, hunting laws, and what to expect when being checked by an officer while hunting during Hunter Education classes held at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Center.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Wildlife Conservation: Possess or transport an unlawfully taken antlered deer (1).

Public Safety: Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (7) and possession of drug paraphernalia – not marijuana related (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (10)* and destruction of state property (1)*.

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

Are you AWARE?
With the last 2018 regular duck hunting season split starting Dec. 7 and other waterfowl hunting seasons still open or opening soon, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind waterfowl hunters to check their hunting gear bags, coats, boats, and any other gear to make sure they are not carrying any lead shot or other lead ammunition.

Non-toxic shot, as approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is required for all waterfowl hunting within the State of Delaware. There are no exceptions. For a list of currently approved non-toxic shot types visit http://flyways.us/faq/what-type-shot-approved-non-toxic-us.

Also, if you are waterfowl hunting using a boat, please ensure that you have all the required safety equipment on board and cold weather gear and provisions available.

For more information on waterfowl hunting and boating safety requirements in Delaware, click on 2018-2019 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.

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 DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9913

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 19-25

Reminder for the week: Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police hiring full-time officers

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 Nov.19-25 made 1,063 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 40 citations. Officers responded to 36 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 Nov. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers and answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions during a Hunter Education Class at the Little Creek Hunter Education Training Facility.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

On Nov. 20, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Shannon D. Cockrell, 49, of Newark, for one count each of trespass to hunt, killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunter’s choice deer tag, failure to tag antlered deer, and possession or transport of an unlawfully taken antlered deer, following an investigation into trespassing to hunt on private property near Newark. Cockrell was arraigned at New Castle County Justice of the Peace Court 9 in Middletown, where he plead guilty and was fined $4,319, including court costs.
On Nov. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Edward R. Wyatt, 69, of Harrington, for one count each of unlicensed hunting, killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunter’s choice deer tag, failure to tag antlered deer, failure to retain tag on antlered deer, failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours, unlawfully removing antlered deer parts prior to checking, and possession or transport of an unlawfully taken antlered deer near Felton. Wyatt was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, where he transferred his case to the Court of Common Pleas, and was released on his own recognizance.

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

Wildlife Conservation: Trespass to hunt (2), hunting on a refuge (1), unlicensed hunting (1), failure to tag antlered deer (2), failure to retain tag on antlered deer (1), killing an antlered deer without first purchasing a hunters choice deer tag (2), failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours (1), unlawfully removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (1), possession or transport of an unlawfully taken antlered deer (3), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), hunting migratory waterfowl with illegal toxic lead shot (3), hunting migratory waterfowl after established shooting hours (3), federal rules adopted – no federal waterfowl stamp (1), possession of unlawful game (2), and wildlife area map violation (1).

Fisheries Conservation: Commercial: Failure to attach oyster harvesting tag to bushel containing oysters (6).

Boating and Boating Safety: No navigation lights (1) and operating a motor vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (3).

Public Safety: Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vessel (2).

Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3).

Are you AWARE?
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are hiring full-time officer positions. If you are interested in joining the agency, don’t wait, submit your application today! The application deadline is Dec. 5, 2018.

To submit an application, visit the State of Delaware Employment link here. For questions about Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police or the role of officers, contact Sgt. Brooke Mitchell by e-mail at brooke.mitchell@delaware.gov or by phone at 302-382-7167.

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