Sept. 28, 2009
Vol. 39 No. 387

For more information contact Ken Reynolds, Wildlife Program manager, 302-735-3600, or Joanna C. Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Waterfowl and deer hunting changes announced
for the C&D Canal Wildlife Area

The Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that waterfowl hunting in Scott’s Run along the C&D Canal will only be available this year through mentored youth hunts coordinated by the Delaware 4-H Shooting Sports Program. In the past, Scott’s Run has been open to the public for waterfowl hunting on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Participation in hunting is declining in many areas of the country,” noted Division Director Patrick Emory. “Part of the reason for this decline is that there is no one available to take a young person hunting. This program at Scott’s Run will provide experienced hunter/mentors who will give young people a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. This may get a young person interested in hunting more in the future.”

The 4-H Shooting Sports Program includes courses for ages 8-18 and is offered free of charge. The mentored youth hunts are open to ages 12-18. To sign up, or for more information, call Jim Kimble at 302-376-1945.

Another small change at the Canal involves deer hunting. A sliver of land along the south side of the Canal lying west of Scott’s Run will be closed to hunting.

“The exact boundary line between U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ property and private property is unclear,” said Ken Reynolds, Wildlife program manager with the Division. “We don’t want to put the public in a situation where they may be cited for trespassing. There is also a safety issue since the narrow parcel runs along a public road.”

This closure will result in the loss of hunting on approximately 70 of the 5,178 acres available for hunting on the C&D Canal Wildlife Area. Refuge signs will be posted along the road to alert hunters of the closure.

For more information about hunting on the C&D Canal Wildlife Area, please call the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Section, at 302-739-9912.