Four men charged with waterfowl violations near Millsboro

MILLSBORO (Jan. 20, 2011) – DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents on Jan. 18 arrested four men for hunting violations in the Indian River area near Millsboro.

Edward J. Steen, age 57, of Dagsboro, was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm in a vessel, hunting over bait and possession of unlawfully taken game. Theodore W. Doukas, age 65, of Berlin, Md., was arrested and charged with hunting over bait and possession of unlawfully taken game. Both men were also charged under federal rules adopted by the State of Delaware with rallying ducks – in this case, by operating a boat to cause ducks to fly for the purpose of shooting at them.

Steen and Doukas pled guilty to all charges at Justice of the Peace Court No. 3 in Georgetown and were fined a combined total of $1,023, not including court costs. Both also lost their hunting licenses for one year.

Agents also arrested William C. Gunter Sr., age 68, and William C. Gunter Jr., age 34, both of Tallahassee, Fla., on charges of hunting over bait. Both were fined and released.

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

 Vol. 41, No. 19