DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police make deer poaching arrests near Harrington

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a Marydel, Md. man Oct. 30 for multiple hunting and traffic charges, and also arrested a Harrington juvenile for multiple hunting charges following an investigation into deer poaching that occurred Oct. 26 on Fox Hunters Road near Harrington.

Joshua P. Dorrell, 21, was arrested for one count each of hunting deer during a closed season; hunting at nighttime; having an unlawfully-loaded firearm; discharging a firearm within 15 yards of a public road; conspiracy 3rd degree; driving without a valid license; failure to have insurance identification in possession; expired tags; and fictitious or cancelled registration card, number plate or tag. Dorrell was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover and released on a $2,400 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.

A 15-year-old juvenile was arrested in connection with the same incident and charged with one count each of hunting deer during closed season; hunting at nighttime; and conspiracy 3rd degree. The juvenile was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover, where the case was transferred to the Court of Common Pleas, and released to a parent.

Citizens are encouraged to report wildlife 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.

Media contact: Sgt. Brooke Mitchell, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-739-9086 or 302-382-7167; or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Vol. 48, No. 304

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DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Oct. 22-28

Reminder for the week: Hunters should pay attention to established blinds, property lines

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 Oct. 22-28 made 1,436 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 32 citations. Officers responded to 37 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 Oct. 26, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers cited three individuals following an investigation into illegal waterfowl hunting near Middletown. All three were charged with one count each of prohibited hunting device – bait, federal rules adopted – hunting with live decoys, and possession of unlawfully taken game – ducks. One of the three individuals was additionally charged with hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells, and was issued citations totaling $602, including court costs and released. The other two individuals were issued citations totaling $437 each, including court costs and released.

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:
Wildlife Conservation: Prohibited hunting device – bait (5), federal rules adopted – hunting with live decoys (3), possession of unlawfully taken game – ducks (2), possession of over-the-limit ducks (2), trespass to hunt (1), hunting with an unplugged shotgun capable of holding more than three shells (1), possession of unlawfully taken game – ducks (5)*, and federal rules adopted – no federal waterfowl stamp (3)*.
Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (1), possession of flounder parts (1), and possession of undersized striped bass (1).
Boating and Boating Safety: Operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (1)*.
Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1).
Other: Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (1), prostitution (1), patronizing a prostitute (1), and knowingly operate off highway vehicle on private property without permission (2).
*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 participating in waterfowl hunting season that hunting from a vessel within 1,500 feet of an established waterfowl blind without permission is prohibited.

Also, hunting game on private property without permission of the owner and/or residents is considered trespass to hunt. Tracking or recovering game on another’s property, shooting on another’s property, or crossing another’s private property to reach a hunting area are examples of trespass to hunt.

Other rules and general hunting information:
• Hunters should check daily bag limits and possession limits, as well as types of arms and ammunition permitted for the game they are planning to hunt.
• If hunting on public wildlife areas, hunters should review wildlife area maps and rules, including hunting times, specific rules for each wildlife area, and any permits they may need. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at DNREC’s Dover licensing desk or online at Delaware Wildlife Area Maps.
• Waterfowl hunters should make sure they have their hunting licenses, state and federal stamps and Harvest Information Program number (HIP) before they head for their blinds. To conveniently obtain your free HIP number online from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, click www.dnrec.delaware.gov/delhunt. Hunters also may call 1-855-335-4868 (1-855-DELHUNT) toll-free.

Delaware hunting licenses are sold online, at the licensing desk in DNREC’s Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit Delaware Licenses. For additional information on Delaware hunting licenses, call 302-739-9918.

For more information on hunting in Delaware, click on 2018-2019 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.

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.

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

Reminder for the week: Paddle sports and vessel safety courses available

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 Oct. 1-7 made 2,469 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 35 citations. Officers responded to 34 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 Oct. 1, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions and displayed marine patrol vessel Bravo while attending the Clayton Fire Department open house.
  • On Oct. 4, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers attended an event held on the Mike Castle Trail announcing the installation of a bicycle air pump and repair station donated by Bike Delaware and Grain HTO at the St. George’s Trailhead.
  • On Oct. 6, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions and displayed marine patrol vessel Romeo while attending the Houston Volunteer Fire Department’s Safety Day.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

Incidents of note:

  • On Oct. 3, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested Brandon James, 33, of Dover, for one count each of dumping on a state wildlife area and driving with a suspended or revoked license at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area near Smyrna. James was arraigned at Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover and released on a $600 unsecured bond pending a future court appearance.
  • On Oct 5 (and Oct. 8 outside this reporting period) Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers arrested two individuals in separate incidents for possession of a firearm by person prohibited. The following press release was issued regarding the incidents: Firearm possession arrests.
  • On Oct. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers investigated a vessel accident with injuries that occurred at the south Reedy Point Jetty on the C&D Canal. The vessel operator was cited for inattentive operation of a motor vessel after striking the jetty.
  • On Oct. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers assisted Maryland Natural Resources Police on the C&D Canal just over the state line with a water rescue after a vessel had run aground and sank along the shoreline.
  • On Oct. 7, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers rescued a kayaker from a culvert pipe near Delaware City. The following press release was issued regarding the incident: Kayaker rescued.

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Undersize white perch (3), unlicensed fishing (2), and trespass to fish (3).

Boating and Boating Safety: No fire extinguisher on board (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (4), inattentive operation of a motor vessel (1), and no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1).

Public Safety: Failure to display required hunter orange (1), public intoxication (1), possession of drug paraphernalia – marijuana related (3), possession of a firearm by a person prohibited (1), and possession of marijuana – civil (1)*.

Other: Camping on division lands (1), trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (5), dumping on a state wildlife area (2), damaging state property on a state wildlife area (1), operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (2)*, unlawful entry of the C&D Canal dog training area (1)*, and driving with a suspended or revoked license (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?
Did you know that there is a FREE Paddle Sports Safety Course available online through BOATERexam? If you plan to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, consider visiting this link to learn before you go!

Also, for those planning to take a motorized vessel out on the water, consider taking a boater safety course. These courses provide great safety tips and an overview of navigational aids, boating, and safety laws, as well as weather considerations that will come in handy with colder weather approaching. Reminder: if you were born on or after January 1, 1978, by Delaware law you are required to take a boater safety course before legally operating a motorized vessel.

For more information on boating safety classes, please visit http://de.gov/boatsafety or call Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Office of Boating Safety & Education at 302-739-9915.

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


Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Aug. 20-26

Reminder for the week: Have a safe Labor Day 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, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Aug. 20-26 made 3,034 contacts with anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 41 citations. Officers responded to 83 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 Aug. 25, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers discussed the role of Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers, answered hunting, fishing, and boating questions, and displayed the Operation Game Theft trailer during a National Wildlife Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited Family Picnic near Odessa.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

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

Fisheries Conservation: Recreational: Unlicensed fishing (6), possession of undersized blue crabs (9), possession of undersized tautog (1), possession of undersized black seabass (1), possession of undersized flounder (1), possession of flounder parts (1), possession of undersize white perch (1), and no F.I.N. (1).

Boating and Boating Safety: No throwable life preserver aboard as required for vessels 16 feet or longer (2), careless operation of a motor vessel (1), no flares on board (1), operating an unregistered vessel (2), no life jacket on a child age 12 or younger as required by law (1), operating a vessel with insufficient number of life jackets (2), allowing use of a non-compliant vessel (1), and no boater safety certificate (1).

Public Safety: Public intoxication (1)*, failure to use turn signal (1)*, and possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other: Operating a motor vehicle off an established roadway on a state wildlife area (1)*, trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (3)*, and littering on a state wildlife area (2).

*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?
For the Labor Day weekend, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind boaters that drinking and boating don’t mix and that boat operators found to have blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher will face charges for operating a vessel under the influence for putting themselves, their passengers, and other boaters at risk.

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 in 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 violations or accidents please call the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police 24hour 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 arrest Pennsylvania pair for multiple fishing violations

DELAWARE CITY – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police arrested a Philadelphia man and woman May 9 for numerous fishing violations near Delaware City.

Miek Pek, 73, and Saroeun Pek, 74, both of Philadelphia, were each charged with 72 counts of possession of undersized white perch, 24 counts each of possession of undersized striped bass and possession of unlawfully taken striped bass, 22 counts of altering the length of striped bass, and one count each of possession of over-the-limit striped bass and conspiracy 3rd degree.

Both defendants were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 in New Castle, where they were released on $7,500 unsecured bond each, pending a future court date. In addition to the unsecured bond, both defendants were ordered to have no contact with the C&D Canal waterway or C&D Canal Conservation Area ad had their fishing licenses suspended until the case is resolved.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Facebook, www.facebook.com/pages/Delaware-Fish-Wildlife-Natural-Resources-Police.

Follow Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DE_FW_NRPolice.

Contact: Sgt. Brooke Africa, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police, 302-382-7167, or Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 112