DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Blotter Sept. 22-28

DOVER (Sept. 29, 2011) – 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 Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents issued 34 citations and a number of warnings for violations of recreational boating, hunting and fishing regulations between Sept. 22 and 29.

On Sept. 27, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents participated in a Homeland Security Operation in the Port of Wilmington, along with other state, federal and municipal agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Air Marshalls, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Safety Authority, Delaware State Police and the Wilmington and New Castle County police departments. No threats to Homeland Security were detected.

The number of citations issued by violation type included the following:

Boating Safety: Not carrying enough life jackets for all passengers (2), no boating safety certificate (1), allow use of non-compliant vessel (1), no wake zone violations (2).

Fisheries Conservation: Over limit recreational crab pots (2), recreational crab pot marking violations (4), possession of undersized crabs (1), no fishing license (4), net use in prohibited area (1), undersized black sea bass (1), undersized summer flounder (1), miscellaneous tidal species size limit (2).

Wildlife Conservation: Trespass after hours (10).

Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other: Dumping on state lands (1).

Are you AWARE?
For this week’s Are You Aware reminder, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section would like to remind the public that state-owned wildlife lands are closed from sunset to sunrise unless you are actively engaged in hunting or fishing activities.

“State wildlife areas are maintained primarily for wildlife and habitat conservation, with most public use occurring during daylight hours, except for some early or late hunting and fishing,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. “The nighttime closure regulation is intended to curb dumping, off-roading and other illegal activities that run contrary to the purpose of these areas.”

Also, with muzzleloader deer season opening Oct. 7, hunters are reminded that it is illegal to place bait for deer on state lands. Bait also is not allowed with waterfowl hunting on state lands. Prior to hunting, hunters are encouraged to check their area for illegally placed bait.

For more information on hunting, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw and click on the 2011-2012 Delaware Hunting and Fishing Guide.

Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section at 302-739-4580.

Vol. 41, No. 374