Pages Categorized With: "Hunting"
Wild 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. The survey generates an index of annual turkey productivity and recruitment (the ratio of young birds to adult females). The surveyTrapping and Furbearers
Technically, furbearers include all mammals that “bear fur.” However, furbearers have traditionally been classified as mammals that are trapped or hunted primarily for their economic value – their fur. Like many other species, furbearers must be managed in a sustainable and ecologically sound manner to ensure healthy populations throughout Delaware. [column md=”5″Bands and Special Markers on Migratory Gamebirds
Delaware hunters may find GPS transmitters, bands or other human-created additions on migratory gamebirds they encounter during hunting seasons. Harvesting such gamebirds is legal, but hunters should report what they find to state and federal biologists. Migratory gamebird hunters should be aware of specially marked ducks, geese andHunter Harvest Survey
This page holds the annual Hunter Harvest Survey from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. The survey helps state biologists track hunter harvest and activity for game species in Delaware.Contact Us
DNREC Hunter Surveys 302-735-3600
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-TypicalDeer Stands or Ground Blinds on State Wildlife Areas
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife requires hunters to register temporary deer stands or ground blinds they place on state wildlife areas.Contact Us
DNREC Wildlife Section 302-739-9912
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. Delivering boxes of venison to a food distribution hub. All donated deer are processed into ground venison, free of charge. TheYouth Waterfowl Hunting Day
Two separate, one-day, special youth waterfowl hunting days are open on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, and Saturday Feb. 1, 2025, for hunters ages 10 through 15.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. 21, 2023) Hunting Seasons [button type=”primary”Snow 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 1991Turkey 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 hoursWild Turkey Hunting
The 2024 spring wild turkey hunting season will run from April 13 through May 11, 2024. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters is set for April 6, 2024. Wild Turkeys in Delaware [button type=”primary” 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 2023 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 DNREC 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”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 the year.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 deer seasons fall between the start of September and the end of the following January. Hunting on Sundays is allowed using those methods legal for the hunting seasons in effect onOmmelanden Hunter Education Training Center
The Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center is one of two state shooting ranges managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. It offers trap and skeet shooting, rifle and pistol shooting, archery, and more. Starting Friday, Aug. 9, the Friday hours of the Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center willDelaware’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
Straight-Wall, Pistol-Caliber Rifles Allowed
Rifles chambered for straight-wall ammunition may be used to hunt deer in Delaware. Only straight-wall cartridges usable in handguns may be used that are of .357 to 38 caliber with a case length no less than 1.25 inches and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or .41 caliber to maximum of .50 caliber and a maximum caseManaged 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 notChronic 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.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.Contact Us
Sam Millman Deer Biologist 302-735-3600
