Pages Categorized With: "Fish and Wildlife"
Cost Share Program Questions and Answers
A list of frequently asked questions, and answers, about the phragmites control cost-share program offered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.Contact Us
James Joachimowski Impoundment/Habitat Biologist 302-725-3638
Operation Terrapin Rescue at Port Mahon
Operation Terrapin Rescue is a volunteer program to help Diamondback terrapins move safely between the Delaware Bay and their nesting sites near Port Mahon. It also collects accurate and valuable data on the terrapins’ movements.Contact Us
Environmental Reviews
The Species Conservation and Research Program (SCRP) continuously updates information on rare plant and animal species and vegetation communities in Delaware. The SCRP is the state’s most comprehensive, centralized source of information on rare plants, animals, and vegetation communities.Contact Us
Delaware’s Endangered Species
Native wildlife species that are in danger of becoming extinct in Delaware may be listed as Endangered by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. To help prevent species from becoming endangered, Delaware currently has a Wildlife Action Plan in place for restoring and maintaining important habitats and dwindling populations of the state’sFacts About Phragmites
Phragmites has been present in Delaware’s marshes for a long time. In fact, research shows that Phragmites (Phragmites australis) has been a part of the wetland ecosystem of North America for over 11,000 years. However, in the 1950s, Phragmites was identified as problematic in North American wetlands as a non-native European hybrid began to wreakDo Something Wild
Volunteer with the Division of Fish and Wildlife! The Division offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, part of a larger, Department-wide network of volunteer opportunities. Aquatic Resources Education CenterConservation Programs
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting and wildlife opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species. The Division implements important wildlife and habitat conservation and education initiatives, like the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and theDelaware’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 Sam Millman Deer Biologist 302-735-3600 [buttonManaged 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 locationsChronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affects the brain and nervous system in members of the family Cervidae, such as deer, sika, elk or moose. Delaware has now confirmed its first case of CWD in a wild white-tailed deer. State wildlife officials are responding under Delaware’s Chronic Wasting Disease Response Plan and takingDeer 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. For summer 2026, entry requirements have been relaxed for damage assessments and deer management plans. See below for more information. Harvest of antlerless deer,Waterfowl Surveys
Since 1974, the DNREC 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. [column md=”5″ xclass=”col-xs-12Coyotes in Delaware
While Delaware’s coyote population remains relatively low, coyotes have been documented in each of the state’s three counties. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been expanding across the continental United States since the mid-1900s and are now found in 49 of the 50 states, with only Hawaii not having a coyote population. Delaware is recognized as theSportsmen Against Hunger
Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger has become Delaware Hunters Against Hunger and has a new home on the DNREC website. Please update yourHunting in Delaware
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages 19 public wildlife areas; approximately 68,000 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 numberHunters with Disabilities
Delaware offers a variety of opportunities for hunters with disabilities. State wildlife areas offer specialized blinds/stands and hunting locations for hunters with varying degrees of physical disability. Facilities are provided for hunters with disabilities that confine them to a wheelchair as well as for hunters whose disabilities doHunting and Fishing Guides, Seasons and Maps
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 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 numerousWildlife
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages 19 public wildlife areas — approximately 68,000 acres of land. In addition to providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, these lands provide hunting and other outdoor recreational opportunities. The Wildlife Section oversees hunting, hunting seasons and other game-related programs, as well as keyWildlife Area Maps and Regulations
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species. Digital Wildlife Area Maps HuntingThe Delaware Bat Program
Bats are one of the most mysterious and least understood groups of mammals. Discover the bats of Delaware; the species we have, how to attract or safely evict them, get information about White-Nose Syndrome, find out what the state is doing for bats, and how you can help. [column md=”6″ xclass=”col-xs-12 col-lg-5Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact
This page has been updated and republished at https://dnrec.delaware.gov/nrp/fish-wildlife-unit/iwvc/. Please update yourFreshwater Trout Fishing
DNREC’s freshwater trout program is a self-supporting put-and-take fishery. Rainbow, brown and/or brook trout are stocked in selected streams in New Castle County and in selected ponds in Kent and Sussex counties. Update: The tentative 2026 Trout Stocking Schedule has been updated with new information.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. Snakehead(Image by Susan Trammel-USGS) Snakeheads wereArtificial 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. Development of the state’s reef system began in 1995. It is part of a comprehensive management effort thatInvasive 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. An invasive species is a non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmentalResources 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
Fisheries Office 302-735-8650
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. Black Crappie Gamefish Species Include: Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Black Crappie White Crappie Rock Bass White Bass Walleye
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. Get a Tournament Permit Bass Tournament ReportingAquatic Plants and Herbicides
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife gets many questions 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 warmwater gamefish such as largemouth bass,Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
DNREC’s 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. 2026 Becoming and Outdoors-Woman Event https://youtu.be/uDhUxwmVBQE?si=U3I3TLZGGWm0H6X7
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
Office of Hunter Education 3018 Bayside Drive Dover, DE 19901 302-735-3600 x 1 HunterEducation@delaware.gov
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
Robert Brennan Hunter Education Coordinator 302-735-3600
