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Wildlife Area Maps and Regulations



The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species.

There are general rules and regulations that apply at all land and waters administered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. There are also rules specific to individual wildlife areas.

Below are tract maps of each wildlife area, available as online maps and as printable PDF files. Each includes access information and rules specific to that wildlife area.

The maps and regulations are available free of charge online. Printed copies are available for a nominal charge.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains elevated wildlife viewing platforms in several state wildlife areas.

 

State Wildlife Area Maps


General Rules and Regulations

Persons may use state wildlife areas only as directed by the following rules, which have been established by the Wildlife Regulations (7 DE Admin. Code 3900) of the Division of Fish and Wildlife, pursuant to 7 Delaware Code, § 103. Please refer to the area-specific hunting maps for additional access and allowable use information.

General

1.

A Conservation Access Pass is required for any registered motor vehicle used to access designated Delaware State Wildlife Areas for any allowable activities, including hunting, birdwatching, hiking and photography.

2.

Entry permitted between sunrise and sunset unless lawfully hunting, fishing or boating.

3.

All lands administered by the Division are Carry-In / Carry-Out. Littering or dumping trash including yard waste is prohibited.

4.

The following activities are prohibited on state wildlife areas:

  • Damaging or defacing buildings, equipment, structures, signs or land features
  • Operating radio controlled devices, including drones, or the launching of model rockets
  • Allowing dogs to run off leash. See #17 below for dog training and hunting information
  • Camping or lighting open fires of any type
  • Swimming
  • Posting signs, banners or notices of any type
  • Vending or soliciting of any type
  • Placing caches or letterboxes
  • Cutting, injuring or removing trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, mosses, other plants or firewood
  • Collecting and/or removing any wildlife species unless lawfully hunting, trapping or fishing
  • Operating unlicensed vehicles (including bicycles and electric bicycles) or any other motorized vehicle off designated trails or roadways or driving in excess of 20 MPH on wildlife area roads
  • Parking in a manner that blocks access to a road, trail, or boat ramp. Violators will be towed at owner’s expense
  • Leaving a vehicle or trailer unattended over 24 hours

5.

Licensed fishing permitted according to area specific rules established on current area maps.

6.

Horses and bicycles (including electric bicycles) may only be ridden on maintained roads or trails that have been designated by the Division on current area maps.

Hunting/Trapping

7.

Hunting is permitted in accordance with state laws, regulations, and rules as specified on current wildlife area maps.

8.

Placement of temporary deer stands, blinds or trail cameras that involve placing nails or screws into trees is prohibited. Stands, blinds and cameras are prohibited within all refuges and safety zones. See respective area maps for when and where temporary stands, blinds and cameras may be used.

9.

*NEW* All hunters that install temporary deer stands, blinds or trail cameras on State Wildlife Areas are required to obtain a free registration number by visiting the Division’s website at https://de.gov/fw or by calling the Wildlife Section at (302) 739-9912. This registration number must be legibly displayed on all stands, blinds and cameras.

10.

Non-residents are prohibited from participating in deer drives. No more than six (6) resident hunters may participate in driving deer at any one time.

11.

Hunting is prohibited on all Division dikes and walking on dikes is prohibited during all waterfowl seasons.

12.

Entering tidal and/or impounded waters managed by the Division is prohibited during the waterfowl season unless lawfully hunting or trapping.

13.

Persons who possess, consume, or are under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages are prohibited from hunting or possessing firearms.

14.

Firearms are allowed except for designated prohibited areas; the Division may authorize firearm possession in designated prohibited areas.

15.

The discharge of any firearm including paintball guns, air rifles, bows, and crossbows is prohibited unless lawfully hunting. Target shooting is prohibited at any time.

16.

Trapping is prohibited except by valid contract or permit holders.

17.

Dog training is prohibited except within established dog training areas, during the open hunting season for the game that the dog is being trained to hunt, or in accordance with rules established on current area maps.




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