DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife
Enforcement Blotter Sept. 28-Oct. 5

DOVER (Oct. 6, 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 33 citations and a number of warnings for violations of recreational boating, hunting and fishing regulations between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5.

·         Agents on routine patrol on Sept. 28 near Fowlers Beach cited James H. Jones, age 64, of Delaware City, and James H. Jones III, age 38, of Milton, both on six counts each of possession of undersized blue crabs, one count each of tending crab pots belonging to another person and one count each of tending over the limit on recreational crab pots. 

·         In response to public complaints regarding trash dumping and littering at the Scotton Landing boat ramp near Magnolia, agents on Sept. 25 issued a citation to Todd E. Harthan, age 45, of Dover, for dumping on state wildlife lands.

The number of citations issued between Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 by violation type included the following:

Fisheries Conservation: Over limit recreational crab pots (2), over limit possession recreational blue crabs (2), tampering with recreational crab pots (2), possession of undersized crabs (13), no fishing license (2), net use in prohibited area (1), undersized game fish (1), undersized summer flounder (1), miscellaneous tidal species size limit (1).

Wildlife Conservation: Operating a vehicle off an established roadway (2), damaging state property (2).

Public Safety: Possession of drug paraphernalia (1), clamming in polluted area (1).

Other: Unregistered motor vehicle (1), no insurance (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 motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs and motorcycles, are prohibited from off-road operation on state-owned wildlife lands.

“State wildlife areas are maintained primarily for wildlife and habitat conservation. Driving motor vehicles off-road, especially ATVs, can do serious damage to sensitive habitat areas,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement. “We encourage the public to enjoy our wildlife areas by using them for more compatible activities, such as hiking, wildlife-watching, photography and hunting – and to be aware of hunting seasons.”

Also, the public is encouraged to contact state or municipal police for complaints about ATV operation or other off-road activity on private lands without permission of the landowner, as Fish and Wildlife Enforcement does not have jurisdiction over off-roading on private lands. Before entering private lands, operators should obtain permission from the landowner, or risk facing trespassing charges.

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. 386