Delaware hunting seasons generally begin in September and run through early February of the following year. Specific seasons, based on species and method of take, begin and end on different dates throughout the year.

Full and detailed information on hunting seasons is found in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide.

Sunday deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2022, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons.

Wildlife area maps and rules are available online and for download.

Hunting Seasons Opening in February

A wide variety of hunting opportunities are available in February, including the opening of the Snow Goose Conservation Order Tuesday, Feb. 1, and the second special youth waterfowl hunting day on Saturday, Feb. 5.

The one-day, special youth waterfowl hunting day is open for hunters ages 10 through 15. Normal daily waterfowl bag limits and hunting regulations apply during the special youth waterfowl hunting day, including a limit of 25 snow geese and one Canada goose.

The Snow Goose Conservation Order is open Tuesday, Feb. 1 through Friday, Feb. 4, closing on Saturday, Feb. 5 for the youth waterfowl hunting day and the one-day reopening of the regular snow goose season. The Snow Goose Conservation Order reopens Monday, Feb. 7 and runs through Friday, April 8.

Continuing Hunting Seasons

Gray squirrel: Through Feb. 5, 2022 (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset)

Ring-necked pheasant (male only): Through Feb. 5, 2022

Cottontail rabbit: Through Feb. 28, 2022

Coyote (hunt): Through Feb. 28, 2022

Red fox (hunt): Through Feb. 28, 2022

Raccoon and opossum (hunt): Through Feb. 28, 2022

Crows: through March 26, 2022, June 23 through 25, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)

Groundhog: through June 30, 2022

Continuing Trapping Seasons

Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum, nutria:

• New Castle County: Through Mar. 10, 2022 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
• Kent and Sussex counties: Through Mar. 15, 2022

Red fox and coyote: Through Mar. 10, 2022

Beaver: Through Mar. 20, 2022, on private land only

Licensing and Other Requirements

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt. Most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a federal migratory bird (duck) stamp.

All migratory game bird hunters except crow hunters, including duck and goose hunters, also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system or by calling toll free 1-855-335-4868.

Hunters using the ePermitting system should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

Anyone born after January 1, 1967, must satisfactorily complete a basic hunter education course before obtaining a Delaware Hunting license.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass.

Related Topics:  archery, crossbow, deer, dfw, fish and wildlife, hunting, outdoors and recreation, wildlife