Nov. 26, 2008      
Vol. 38, No. 538

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-542-6102 or 302-739-9913, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Fish and Wildlife Agents Target Hunting Violations, Illegal ATV Use in State Forests

            Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents recently conducted special operations on state forest lands in order to increase compliance with hunting regulations during shotgun deer season and to deter illegal operation of off highway vehicles in state forests.

Six arrests were made during the Nov. 23 special operation at Blackbird State Forest in southern New Castle County. Three men were cited for trespassing with an off highway vehicle (OHV): Joshua A. Volk, age 21, of 16 North Chapel Street, Newark; Robert M. Sebastian, age 21, of 3985 Limestone Road, Wilmington; and Adam Temple, age 30, of 310 Gumbush Road, Townsend, who was charged with a second offense. Three juveniles also were cited for trespassing with an OHV; two of the three were also charged with failing to stop on command.  

All six face possible fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $1,000 for a second offense on the OHV violations.

            “On state forest lands, the law is the same as property managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife as state wildlife areas - vehicles must stay on designated and established roadways. That means it is unlawful to take four wheel drive and other off highway vehicles, including ATVs, off road in these areas. Violators can face arrest, fines and in some cases, tow bills,” said Sgt. Gregory Rhodes of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement.

On private property, a person wishing to drive a vehicle off-road must obtain the landowner’s permission, Sgt. Rhodes added. 

Another arrest was made during a special operation at Redden State Forest on Nov. 15. Christopher Barry, age 21, of 11 Duke Drive, Bear, was charged with hunting without displaying hunter orange as required by law, and was fined. 

Additional operations targeting hunting violations and illegal operation of ATVs on state forest lands will be scheduled in the near future.