DNREC arrest three downstate men for multiple deer hunting violations

DOVER – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police concluded an investigation Nov. 28 resulting in the arrest of three Delaware men on multiple deer hunting violations that occurred Nov. 22 in Kent County.

Riley C. Slater, 20, of Harrington, Bradley A. Andrews, 18, and Patrick Blades, 20, both of Greenwood, were charged with one count each of the following: harvesting an antlered deer without first purchasing an antlered deer tag, failure to tag antlered deer, failure to retain tag on antlered deer, failure to check antlered deer within 24 hours, removing antlered deer parts prior to checking, hunting antlered deer during archery season with a weapon other than a bow and arrow, unlicensed hunting, and illegal method of take. Slater was also charged with failure to complete mandatory hunter education.

As part of the investigation, two .22 caliber rifles, a .308 caliber rifle, and an antlered deer were seized. Rifles, including the .22 caliber and the .308 caliber confiscated in this case, are illegal to use for hunting deer in Delaware.

All three men were arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover. Andrews and Blades were released on $3,600 unsecured bond, pending a future court appearance. Slater was released on a $3,800 unsecured bond, pending a future court appearance.