Pages Tagged With: "outdoors and recreation"
Virtual Public Hearing: Striped Bass Size Limits and Possession Limits
The Division of Fish & Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2020-R-F-0015) on proposed revisions to the regulations governing recreational fishing for Striped Bass.Read More
Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center
The Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center is one of two state shooting ranges managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife. It offers trap and skeet shooting, rifle and pistol shooting, archery, and more. The Ommelanden Training Center is open byRead More
What is a Red Tide?
“Red Tide” is the common term for a particular type of harmful algal bloom made up of large concentrations of toxic red dinoflagellates called Karenia brevis (K. Brevis). These are tiny red-colored, naturally-occurring aquatic microorganisms which, in sufficient concentrations, can cause a reddish tint to the water. At very high concentrations, they can cause toxicRead More
Recreational Water Monitoring
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control monitors recreational waters to ensure their quality for swimming and other recreational uses. The Department tests for Enterococcus bacteria, which indicate the presence of other potentially harmful bacteria and viruses. The results of these tests are available online and though an email alert system.Read More
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.Contact Us
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Straight-Wall, Pistol-Caliber Rifles Allowed
Rifles chambered for straight-wall ammunition may be used to hunt deer in Delaware. Only manually-operated rifles may be used, consisting of lever action, bolt action, pump action, single shot and revolver rifles. Only straight-wall cartridges usable in commercially-produced handguns may be used that are of .357 to 38 caliber with a case length no less than 1.25 inchesRead More
Turkey Hunting
The 2020 spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 11 through May 9, 2020. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory disabled hunters is set for April 4, 2020. There isRead More
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 notRead More
Waterfowl Surveys
Since 1974, the Division of Fish & 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.Read More
Wild Turkeys
From 1984 and through the early 2000s, the Division of Fish & 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 birdsRead More
Hunting in Delaware
The Division of Fish & 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 the DelawareRead More
Hunters with Disabilities
Delaware offers a variety of opportunities for hunters with disabilities. State wildlife areas offer specialized blinds/stands and hunting locations Area Deer Stands Deer Hunting Locations Waterfowl Blinds Cedar Swamp 2Read More
Hunting and Fishing Guides, Seasons and Maps
The Division of Fish & 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,Read More
Wildlife Area Maps and Regulations
The Division of Fish & 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. Attention Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts: People entering Delaware from out of state must immediatelyRead More
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. Winning photos are featured in the Delaware Hunting and Trapping Guide and the Delaware Fishing Guide. They may appear as cover photos. EntriesRead More
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.Read More
Boating and Fishing Access Locations
Attention Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts: People entering Delaware from out of state must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days before engaging in fishing, hunting, or golf, and before visiting state parks and wildlife areas or using boat ramps. The self-quarantine must begin at the time of entryRead More
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 & Wildlife. NorthernRead More
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 [buttonRead More
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 & Monitoring
Biologists from the Division of Fish & 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 thisRead More
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.Contact Us
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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 1-800-523-3336Read More
Largemouth Bass Tournaments
Largemouth Bass fishing tournaments are popular in Delaware’s public ponds and tidal rivers. Most events are held between April and November. Data collected during the tournaments is useful to biologists that manage bass populations.
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Aquatic Plants and Herbicides
The Division of Fish & 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 forRead More
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, theRead More
Hunter Education Training Centers & Ranges
There are hunter education training centers in all three Delaware counties, and shooting ranges in Kent ad New Castle Counties.Contact Us
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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.Contact Us
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Hunter Education Courses
The Hunter Education Program offers a variety of classes, both basic and advanced. Some hunter education classes are available in person and online.Contact Us
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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 Hunter Education Online Access system to register for hunter education courses, print hunter education cards, and manage your profile.Read More
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.Read More
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. Attention Hunters,Read More
Shellfish Aquaculture
The Division of Fish & Wildlife makes acreage in the Inland Bays available for leases for shellfish aquaculture.Contact Us
Zina Hense Environmental Scientist 302.739.4782
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About the Division of Fish & Wildlife
We Bring You Delaware’s Great Outdoors through Science and Service What We Do Manage the state’s fish and wildlife resources. Enforce laws and regulations designed to protect and conserve these resources. Provide hunter and boater safety education programs. Provide environmental educationRead More
History of the Sport Fishing Tournament
Sport Fishing Tournament MenuRead More
Tournament Sizes
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Collectible Lapel Pins
Sport Fishing Tournament MenuRead More
Tournament Youth Division
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Live Release Entry Form
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Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament
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Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament Rules
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Delaware Elite Anglers
Delaware’s Elite Anglers are the select few who have received Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament citations for five different species within one calendar year. A once-in-a lifetime award, the Delaware Elite Angler is the most esteemed level of angling accomplishment that the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes. Any combination of saltwater and freshwaterRead More
Tournament Weigh Stations
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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 youRead More
Contact Information
David Saveikis, Director 89 Kings Highway Dover, DE 19901 302-739-9910 david.saveikis@delaware.gov
Delaware Bayshore Initiative
Anthony Gonzon, Coordinator 302-735-8673 anthony.gonzon@delaware.gov
Frequently-Called Phone Numbers
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Fish Consumption Advisories
DNREC and the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) work together to monitor the presence of chemical toxins in the flesh of finfish and shellfish in Delaware waters. They issue periodic fish consumption advisories to guide anglers on the amount of fish they can safely consume. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactRead More
2018 Fish Consumption Advisory Information
Delaware fish consumption advisories issued February 20, 2018, by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Public Health (DHSS/DPH) show that the concentration of chemical contaminants found in fish caught from Delaware waterways continues to decline, indicating water quality is improving across theRead More
The Fisheries Section
The Fisheries Section works to enhance and protect Delaware’s fish and aquatic resources in support of recreational and commercial fishing. It provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. And it conducts fisheries research, resource monitoring, and collection of biological information on marine fisheries. Attention Commercial StripedRead More
Operation Game Theft
The Operation Game Theft Fund was established by the Delaware General Assembly to assist in the apprehension and conviction of game law violators. Rewards of up to $1,000 are available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of violators. The Operation Game Theft Fund consists of all game law violation fines paid inRead More
Natural Resources Police
Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers protect wildlife and fisheries resources, promote boating education and safety, promote hunting and fishing, respond to boating emergencies and are a partner in Delaware’s Homeland Security maritime mission. Attention Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoor Enthusiasts: People entering Delaware from out ofRead More
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