Delaware Hunting Seasons

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 that period. Wildlife Area Maps

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Have You Seen Me?

We are mapping sightings of Delmarva fox squirrels and you can help. Use this form to report sightings and share information about this rare species. The Delmarva fox squirrel is no longer classified as an endangered or threatened species at the federal level. But it is still rare in Delaware. We are mapping the

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Sunday Deer Hunting

State law allows Sunday deer hunting during established deer hunting seasons on private lands, with landowner permission, and on designated publicly-owned lands. Delaware’s 2020/2021 deer seasons fall between Sept. 1, 2020 and Jan. 31, 2021. Hunting on Sundays is allowed using those methods legal for the hunting seasons in effect on each Sunday. Deer

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Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center

The Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center is one of two state shooting ranges managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. It offers trap and skeet shooting, rifle and pistol shooting, archery, and more. The Ommelanden Training Center is open by

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Delmarva Fox Squirrel Conservation

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is implementing a conservation plan for the Delmarva fox squirrel. This sub-species of the fox squirrel, found only on the Delmarva Peninsula, is rare in Delaware. As part of the conservation plan, DNREC has begun a project to move squirrels from Maryland into southern Delaware. [column md=”6″

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Delaware’s White-Tailed Deer

White-tailed deer are one of the most important wildlife species managed in Delaware. Wildlife-watchers, photographers, and hunters flock to the state in pursuit of deer. They contribute millions of dollars each year to the state’s economy. Eric Ness Deer

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Turkey Hunting

The 2021 spring wild turkey hunting season will run from April 10 through May 9, 2021. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters is set for April 3, 2021. Turkey Hunting Rules

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Managed Hunts

Managed or controlled hunting is a highly organized effort to reduce the local deer population in urban areas. Hunters must apply and are selected for these hunts. Information on participating in managed hunts is available on the Master Hunter Program page. During the hunt, hunters have specified treestand locations and shooting directions and are not

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Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a disease of the brain and nervous system in members of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, or moose). It has not been found in Delaware, but has in 26 other states and four Canadian provinces. State wildlife officials are taking steps to avoid its spread into Delaware.

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Deer Damage Assistance

Many farmers report significant damage to their crops caused by deer. By combining non-lethal techniques with targeted harvest, farmers can reduce crop damage.

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Waterfowl Surveys

Since 1974, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has conducted annual waterfowl surveys to measure long-term trends in duck and goose populations. The survey results help increase biologists’ knowledge about the state’s waterfowl populations and habitat and help the state make informed decisions about habitat management and hunting.

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Wild Turkeys

From 1984 and through the early 2000s, the Division of Fish and Wildlife released Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) into the state in an effort to reestablish a turkey population in Delaware. With support from the National Wild Turkey Federation, state biologists released 34 wild-trapped turkeys into Kent and Sussex Counties in 1984. The birds

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Coyotes in Delaware

Documented coyote sightings are not new in any of Delaware’s three counties Coyotes (Canis latrans) now makes its habitat in all 50 states but Hawaii, and they have been spotted in Delaware both north and south of the C&D Canal.

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Sportsmen Against Hunger

During Delaware’s deer season, the Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger program encourages hunters to share their harvest by donating venison to Delawareans in need. All donated deer are processed into ground venison free of charge to the hunter. The meat is distributed to participating charitable groups. Please note, only deer harvested and registered in Delaware

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Hunting in Delaware

The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages 19 public wildlife areas; over 62,000 acres of land. In addition to providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, these lands provide hunting and other outdoor recreational opportunities.  Much of this land, and many acres of private land, provide hunting during a number of seasons.  More information is found in

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Hunters with Disabilities

Delaware offers a variety of opportunities for hunters with disabilities. State wildlife areas offer specialized blinds/stands and hunting locations Area

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Hunting and Fishing Guides, Seasons and Maps

The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages over 62,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species. The state features a wide variety of fishing opportunities for every angler, from the Delaware River and Bay, to the ocean, to numerous ponds,

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Photo Contest Information and Entry Form

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife holds annual fishing and hunting photography contests to help celebrate Delaware’s traditions of fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation. Contest Themes and Deadlines Fishing: Hooked on Fishing Contest open May 1 through September 30 Hunting: It’s

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Freshwater Trout Fishing

Delaware’s freshwater trout program is a self-supporting put-and-take fishery in selected streams in northern New Castle County that are stocked with rainbow, brown and/or brook trout. Basic Requirements No minimum size. Four fish per day in fly-fishing streams.

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Boating and Fishing Access Locations

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Angler Alert: Snakeheads

The Northern Snakehead (Channa argus), a fish native to China and Russia, has become a problem invasive species in several states, including Delaware. Anyone who catches a snakehead in Delaware is encouraged to kill it and notify the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Northern

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Artificial Reef Program

Delaware has 14 permitted artificial reef sites in Delaware Bay and along the Atlantic Coast. Cleaned and stable construction materials, boats, and subway cars create new habitat. They support expanded recreational fishing and diving. Delaware Reef Guide [button

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Invasive Aquatic Species

Delaware, along with other states in the Mid-Atlantic Region, has been invaded by non-native aquatic species that pose a threat to native species, to ecological processes, and to the economy. More Information Delaware Native Species Commission Delaware

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Research and Monitoring

Biologists from the Division of Fish and Wildlife keep track of the state’s fish populations. They work on Delaware’s rivers, ponds, estuaries, the Delaware Bay, and coastal waters and study how different species are faring. What Fisheries Biologists Do Fisheries Biologist John Clark captured and tagged this

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Resources for Delaware Pond Owners

Many small “farm” ponds in Delaware provide important recreational opportunities. Children may catch their first bluegill from such a pond. Ponds provide aesthetic beauty, irrigation, fire safety in rural areas, and wildlife habitat. Fisheries Office 302-735-8650

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Gamefish and Freshwater Fishing Restrictions

Gamefish are found in either tidal or non-tidal freshwater in Delaware. Gamefish taken from Delaware waters cannot legally be sold, traded or bartered unless authorized by permit. The following restrictions apply to fishing for gamefish and in general for fishing in all non-tidal waters. For more information, or to report a violation, call 1-800-523-3336

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Largemouth Bass Tournaments

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Aquatic Plants and Herbicides

The Division of Fish and Wildlife gets many questions about about aquatic plant problems in small ponds. White-waterlily (Nymphaea odorata) Aquatic plants provide habitat for fish and small pond creatures. According to biologists, plant cover between 20 and 40 percent is ideal for

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Public Hearing: Including Cobia in the Tidal Finfish Regulations

The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Tidal Finfish regulations to include a new section on Cobia (Rachycentron canadum).

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Public Hearing: Striped Bass Spawning Season and Area Restrictions

The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2019-R-F-0026) on on February 26, 2020, on proposed revisions to the regulations governing Striped Bass Spawning Seasons and Area Restrictions.

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Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is an educational program offering hands-on workshops to encourage and enhance participation in outdoor activities like hunting and shooting sports, fishing and boating, and non-harvest activities. To ensure the health and safety of our participants, instructors and committee members during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the

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Hunter Education Training Centers and Ranges

There are hunter education training centers in all three Delaware counties, and shooting ranges in Kent and New Castle Counties. Office of Hunter Education 6180 Hay Point Landing Road Smyrna, DE 19977 302-735-3600 x 1 HunterEducation@delaware.gov

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Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor Program

The Delaware Hunter Education Program needs you to help prepare the next generation and other newcomers to hunting or trapping for a safe and enjoyable hunting future. Robert Brennan Hunter Education Coordinator 302-735-3600

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Hunter Education Courses

The Hunter Education Program offers a variety of classes, both basic and advanced. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most hunter education classes are only available online. Office of Hunter Education 6180 Hay Point Landing Road Smyrna, DE 19977

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Hunter Education Course Calendar

The Hunter Education Program offers a variety of classes, both basic and advanced. Basic hunter education classes are available in person or online. Live classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Use the Digital DNREC Hunter Education system to register for hunter education courses, print hunter education cards, and manage your profile.

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Delaware Master Hunter Program

The Delaware Master Hunter Program is not for beginners. Your hunting license was only the beginning. And you aren’t a beginner any more. In fact, you’ve been at this outdoors pursuit called hunting for a long time and have a wealth of experience to show for it.

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Hunter Education

The Delaware Hunter Education Program is committed to putting safe, ethical and educated hunters in the field. Since 1970, it has continued Delaware’s tradition of fair chase hunting by educating and developing responsible, involved, safe and knowledgeable hunters for the future of The First State. [panel type=”success” heading=”Contact

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Shellfish Aquaculture

The Division of Fish and Wildlife makes acreage in the Inland Bays available for leases for shellfish aquaculture. Regulations [button type=”info” block=”true”

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Delaware Fishing Records

This page lists each current Delaware record fish as well as the anglers who hooked, fought and landed them. Seventeen freshwater species and thirty saltwater species of trophy fish have been recognized as state records in Delaware. These fish are the largest specimens documented to have been caught by rod and reel. If you

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Council on Recreational Fishing Funding

The Council on Recreational Fishing Funding was created in 2007 and serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of Fish and Wildlife. It considers matters relating to funding fishery-related projects as well as fishery-related construction priorities for the expenditure of funds generated from the sale of recreational fishing licenses. [column md=”4″ xclass=”col-xs=-12 col-md-4

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Advisory Council on Shell Fisheries

The Advisory Council on Shell Fisheries was created in 1953 and serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of Fish and Wildlife. It considers matters relating to the control and direction of the shellfish industry and the protection, conservation and propagation of shellfish of this State, and such matters as may be referred to

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Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish

The Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish was created in 1953 as the Council on Game and Fish. It serves in an advisory capacity to the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Danielle Patone Recording Secretary

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Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries

The Advisory Council on Tidal Finfisheries was created in 1984 to advise the Division of Fish and Wildlife and represent both the commercial and recreational interests in the state’s regulation of finfish. Rebecca Hoover Recording Secretary 302-739-9914

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Fish and Wildlife Advisory Councils

Delaware state law establishes several councils to advise the Director of Fish and Wildlife on matters relating to fisheries, recreational fishing, wildlife and hunting, and shell fisheries. Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish Council

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Contact Information

Frequently-Called Phone Numbers

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Licenses and Permits

The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages licenses, permits, registrations, stamps and conservation access passes related to fishing, hunting, boating, and the use of state wildlife areas. There are hunter safety and boating safety education requirements that must be met. Manage Your Recreational Licenses on Digital DNREC

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Fish and Wildlife License Agents

Hunting and fishing licenses, and conservation access passes (CAP), can be purchased at the following authorized licensing agents. Some agents only sell fishing licenses while others sell only hunting licenses and conservation access passes. Licenses also can be purchased online or at the licensing desk inside DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, at 89 Kings Highway

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Questions and Answers: Delaware Fishing Licenses

The following are many of the questions that have come in about fishing licenses in Delaware. If you have a question, and don’t find the answer here, please send us an email at DFWRecLic@delaware.gov.

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Low Number License Lottery

DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will not hold a low-number hunting license lottery for the 2020/21 hunting season. Please check back for lottery information about the 2021/22 licensing season. For more information, Delaware residents can contact Danielle Davis, Division of Fish and Wildlife License Program Coordinator, at 302-739-9918, between the

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Fish and Wildlife License Fees

Information on fees for licenses, registrations, permits, and passes from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Delaware Resident Non-Resident Agent Fee

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