Pages Tagged With: "outdoors and recreation"
Delaware Whitetail Deer Records
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains records of the top hunter-taken whitetail deer in Delaware, using the Boone and Crockett scoring system. The records include whitetails taken in any year. State Deer Rankings All-Time Typical Whitetail Deer Non-TypicalSharks in Delaware Waters
If you’re swimming in Delaware waters, particularly in the ocean, you’re probably swimming near sharks. But they actually have more to fear from us than the other way around.Deer Stands, Ground Blinds and Trail Cameras on State Wildlife Areas
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife requires hunters to register temporary deer stands, ground blinds or trail cameras they place on state wildlife areas.Contact Us
DNREC Wildlife Section 302-739-9912
At One With Nature: Delaware’s Nature Preserves
Looking for special summer getaways off the beaten path in Delaware? We highlighted three beautiful state Nature Preserves – one in each county.Inland Bays Swimming Advisory Caution
The DNREC Shellfish and Recreational Water Program has issued a permanent swimming advisory caution for Delaware’s Inland Bays — Rehoboth Bay, Indian River and Bay, Little Assawoman Bay, and the portion of Assawoman Bay located in Delaware. For More InformationBlue-Green Algae in Delaware
Blue-green algae blooms occur each year on Delaware ponds, lakes and some tidal freshwater areas. Because they can have harmful effects on people and animals, the state has posted warning signs at water bodies which historically have had blooms.Contact Us
Delaware Hunters Against Hunger
Delaware’s deer hunters share part of their harvest each year with Delawareans in need. They provide thousands of pounds of venison through the Delaware Hunters Against Hunger program. All donated deer are processed into ground venison, free of charge. The meat is distributed to participating charitable groups. The program onlyYouth Fishing Tournament Registration
The Delaware Youth Fishing Tournament is free and open to all anglers aged 4 to 15, but registration is required. Registration for this event is now closed. The 2022 Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 4. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Awards will be presented at 1:30 p.m.Earth Day Video Contest
The DNREC Earth Day Video Contest is back! The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control invited students to share their views on the importance of environmental protection and inspire others to be part of the solution to address climate change. https://youtu.be/nC38nnsm0A4
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day
A one-day, special youth waterfowl hunting day on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, is open for hunters ages 10 through 15. Normal daily waterfowl bag limits and hunting regulations apply, including a limit of 25 snow geese and one Canada goose. [button type=”info”Operation Game Theft Report Form
Use this form to report wildlife crime through DNREC’s Operation Game Theft. Information supplied in this form is strictly confidential and will not be released to the public. Use this form to report a crime that is not in progress. If you need to report a wildlife crime in progress,Hunters: What You Need to Know
Hunting season gets underway in Delaware on September 1. Get all the information you need to go afield.Migratory Bird Hunting
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife provides opportunities for migratory bird hunting on state wildlife areas. The following is a summary of those opportunities and the procedures and rules that apply. (Updated Aug. 17, 2022) Hunting SeasonsHow to Stay Safe on the Water
Delaware’s waterways are packed with boat traffic this summer. Here are some tips and requirements you need to know to stay safe and enjoy your nautical adventures in the First State.Report Atlantic Sturgeon
You can help DNREC research and manage the local population of Atlantic sturgeon, a rare and endangered fish. Simply use our reporting form to let us know of any interactions you have with this fish. Submit a ReportSnow Goose Conservation Order
The Snow Goose Conservation Order is a separate season only for snow geese that occurs when Delaware’s regular waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. Liberal harvest methods are allowed during the Conservation Order to help reduce the large snow goose population that is damaging its Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands onAnnual Turkey Harvest Data
The table below shows the numbers of wild turkeys harvested each year during annual Delaware wild turkey hunting seasons, from 1991 to the present. Year Adult Juvenile Unk. Total 1991Wild Turkey Surveys
Since 2010, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has used an annual, volunteer-based survey to record observations of wild turkeys across the state during the months of July and August.Contact Us
Turkey Hunting Check Stations
All turkeys harvested during Delaware’s wild turkey hunting season must be checked at an authorized turkey check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird is harvested. The list of check stations is subject to change without notice. Please check back before the season begins for any changes. Check station hours may vary.Wild Turkey Hunting
The 2023 spring wild turkey hunting season will run from April 8 through May 6, 2023. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters is set for April 1, 2023. Wild Turkeys in Delaware [button type=”info” block=”true”Turkey Harvest Distribution — Public Lands
The table below shows the distribution of wild turkeys harvested among public lands hunting areas for the 2014 through 2022 wild turkey hunting seasons. State Wildlife Areas are administered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. State Forest lands are administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. [columnWild Turkeys in Delaware
The wild turkey population in Delaware is one of the greatest conservation success stories in the region. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has reintroduced wild turkeys, once lost to Delaware. It now manages an ongoing conservation program and annual turkey hunting season. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactOutdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program
The DNREC Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails Program (ORPT), formerly known as the Delaware Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund (DTF), is a matching grant program assisting with public park land acquisition and outdoor recreation facility development in Delaware.White Clay Creek State Park Master Plan
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has adopted the White Clay Creek Master Plan. The plan presents a vision and framework for White Clay Creek State Park for the next 10 years.Tri-Valley Trail at White Clay Creek State Park
The White Clay Creek State Park Trail Plan, adopted in 2011 after extensive public outreach, addressed a future segment of the Tri-Valley Trail. Combined with other trails, the proposed Tri-Valley Trail is part of an 18-mile Greater Newark regional trail network. The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to fill the trail system gapKillens Pond State Park Trail Concept Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of developing a plan to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system of Killens Pond State Park.Contact Us
Fork Branch Preserve
The Division of Parks and Recreation proposes to build a small trailhead and 2.75 miles of trail to create public access to the Fork Branch Nature Preserve, in Dover.Contact Us
Cape Henlopen State Park Trail Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Trail Plan for Cape Henlopen State Park. The purpose of the Trail Plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system in the park. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactBrandywine Zoo Master Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation held an open house in June of 2018 to present future plans for the Brandywine Zoo, in Wilmington.Contact Us
Division of Parks and Recreation 302-739-9210
Brandywine Creek Trail Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Brandywine Creek State Park Trail Plan. The purpose of the trail plan is to provide a vision and a framework for the future trail system of Brandywine Creek State Park. In summary, the plan outlines 1.6 milesAuburn Valley Master Plan
DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation is in the process of updating the Auburn Valley Master Plan, which guides development of Auburn Valley State Park. About the Park Nestled along the Red Clay Creek and home to the world’s largest operating collection of Stanley Steamer cars, AuburnAssawoman Canal Trail Concept Plan
A group of local community leaders and area residents interested in expanding bicycle and pedestrian opportunities developed the Assawoman Canal Trail Concept Plan. This work led to the 2015 opening of a 1.1-mile trail segment between Route 26 and Elliott Avenue along the west bank of the canal in Ocean View.Planning, Preservation and Development
The Planning, Preservation and Development Section administers land acquisition and protection programs, including the Open Space Program, the Office of Nature Preserves and the Cultural Resource Unit.Contact Us
Matthew Ritter Section Administrator 302-739-9235
