DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Blotter Sept. 7-14

DOVER (Sept. 15, 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 19 citations and a number of warnings for violations of recreational boating, hunting and fishing regulations between Sept. 7 and 14.

On Sept. 9, agents cited and fined seafood dealer Ja H. Pae, age 52, of Philadelphia, for two counts of commercial possession of undersized blue crabs at the New Castle Farmers Market. A total of 78 undersized crabs were documented as evidence and released into the environment.

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

Boating Safety: not carrying enough life jackets for all passengers (1), towing water skier without competent observer (1).

Fisheries Conservation: commercial possession of undersized crabs (2), recreational possession of undersized blue crabs (3), no fishing license (5).

Wildlife Conservation: Possession of unlawfully taken game (1), hunting with unplugged gun (1).

Public Safety: Possession of marijuana (1), possession of drug paraphernalia (1).

Other: Littering from motor vehicle (1), no ramp certificate (2).

Are you AWARE?
With fall and winter deer hunting seasons coming up – the first hunting day for antlerless deer is Saturday, Oct. 1 – for this week’s Are You Aware reminder, the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section would like to remind hunters about the importance of wearing hunter orange.

During firearm deer season dates, Delaware law requires that any person hunting any wildlife except migratory game birds must wear no less than 400 square inches of hunter orange material on his or her head, back and chest. Hunters completely concealed in a blind during these times are required to place the hunter orange material within 10 feet outside the blind.

“Wearing hunter orange is a safety precaution to protect hunters during firearm deer hunting season dates. Hunters taking aim can and should check for any glimpse of hunter orange as an alert to hold their fire. If you don’t wear hunter orange, you’re risking much more than a citation,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.hUNTE

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. 356