Pages Tagged With: "outdoors and recreation"
“Not My Trash – But I Picked It Up.”
Coastal Cleanup 2020
For 32 years, volunteers cleared tons of trash from Delaware beaches in single-day events. In 2020, to make the Coastal Cleanup accessible and safe for everyone, the effort transitioned to a month-long campaign.Read More
Outdoor Delaware: Fun and Education
Get smarter about our environment and enjoy the journey. Learn what makes our natural world tick and how we can help conserve and protect it.Read More
Outdoor Delaware: Boating, Fishing and Hunting
Want to go cruisin’, drop a line or test your aim? Here’s where you’ll find out about seasons, safety, licenses and much more.Read More
Outdoor Delaware: Adventure
Outdoors or indoors, there are plenty of exciting activities to experience and places to see in Delaware. Discover what’s out there!Read More
Our Own Toliara
Toliara is a radiated tortoise who lives at the Brandywine Zoo. Radiated tortoises are reptiles and considered among the most beautiful in the world. His ancestors emerged on land shortly after dinosaurs became extinct some 65 million years ago.Read More
From Phragmites Part-Timer to a Wildlife Management Career, Thanks Delaware!
Former Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Bill Jones reflects on 34 years in state service and his progress from a part-time job to a career in wildlife management.Read More
Hunters: What You Need to Know
Find out all you need to know about hunting and trapping seasons, bag limits, licenses and permits, and much more.Read More
Time Travelers Dig the John Bell House
The Delaware State Parks Time Traveler program offers a hands-on experience for volunteers to get involved in cultural heritage work at our state parks. And you can literally get your hands dirty.Read More
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 MapsRead More
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. DeerRead More
Natural Areas and Nature Preserves
The Delaware Natural Areas Preservation System was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 1978 (7 Del. Code, Chapter 73) to ensure that Delawareans of today and the future understand and appreciate natural communities and benefit from the natural, scientific, educational, aesthetic, recreational and cultural values they possess.Read More
Visiting Nature Preserves
Delaware is home to 34 state-dedicated Nature Preserves, totaling approximately 7,000 acres of land. From the steep slopes of the White Clay Creek Valley Nature Preserve to the sandy shoreline of Beach Plum Island, there are exceptional natural features and unique areas to enjoy. When You Visit Not all nature preservesRead More
Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council
The Delaware Natural Areas Advisory Council advises the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on the administration of nature preserves and the preservation of natural areas. They work to ensure that areas of unusual natural significance are preserved for the benefit of present and future generations of Delawareans.Read More
2019 Coastal Cleanup Results
The 2019 Delaware Coastal Cleanup, held Sept.14, drew 1,931 volunteers, who collected 3.6 tons of trash and recyclables from 46 sites along more than 125 miles of Delaware’s waterways andRead More
The Delaware Bayshore Initiative
Extending from Pea Patch Island in New Castle County to the City of Lewes in Sussex County, the Delaware Bay shoreline is widely recognized as an area of global ecological significance. Its expansive coastal marshes, shoreline, agricultural lands and forests provide diverse habitat to many species, includingRead More
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 and 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 lessRead More
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. 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 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.Read More
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 birdsRead More
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 inRead More
Hunters with Disabilities
Delaware offers a variety of opportunities for hunters with disabilities. State wildlife areas offer specialized blinds/stands and hunting locations AreaRead More
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,Read More
Wildlife Area Maps and Regulations
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. Hunting in State Parks [button type=”info” block=”true”Read 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. Contest Themes and Deadlines Fishing: Hooked on Fishing Contest open May 1 through September 30 Hunting: It’sRead 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
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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. 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 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 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 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 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 and Ranges
There are hunter education training centers in all three Delaware counties, and shooting ranges in Kent and 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. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most hunter education classes are only available 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 Digital DNREC Hunter Education 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. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactRead More
Shellfish Aquaculture
The Division of Fish and 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 and 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
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