The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2026-R-F-0010) on proposed amendments to the state Wildlife regulations. Public comment period open through Jan. 7, 2027.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife proposes to amend the state’s Wildlife regulation (7 DE Admin. Code 3900) to add opportunity pursuant to statute changes and increase safety and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

Specifically, the proposed changes will:

• Define and authorize projectile weapons in addition to firearms, where appropriate per changes to Title 11
• Specify seasons for skunk and weasel, remove text restricting Sunday hunting, and revise muzzleloader definitions in response to HB278
• Update the definition and implementation of Direct Supervision and for youth hunting days
• Update regulations regarding sea duck seasons
• Specify that handguns may only be used to harvest wildlife where specified
• Increase the breadth of the special waterfowl shotgun season to include Veterans and Active Military Personnel
• Clarify that non-hunters driving deer must wear orange
• Remove the restriction to buy, sell, or transport deer parts other than venison
• Clarify the possession of archery equipment and projectile weapons during the special antlerless season
• Remove the restriction to buy, sell transport deer parts other than venison to align with HS1 for HB 412
• Modify wildlife area map regulations to remove the requirement that maps are written and remove date restrictions for geocaching
• Improve enforcement of public intoxication on lands and waters administered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and restrict public intoxication and controlled substance possession and consumption on Division of Fish and Wildlife lands
• Improve protections of reptiles and amphibians defined as species of greatest conservation need by prohibiting possession
• Change the naming convention of reptiles, amphibians and endangered species

Find more information in the November edition of the Delaware Register of Regulations. For any questions or to view the proposed amendments in person, by appointment-only, contact Sam Robinson at Sam.Robinson@delaware.gov or 302-735-3616.

The Department will accept public comment through Jan. 7, 2027. Comments will be accepted in written form via email to DNRECHearingComments@delaware.gov, using the online form at de.gov/dnreccomments, or by U.S. mail to the address on this page.

Public Hearing Officer: Theresa Smith
DNREC Office of the Secretary
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Proposed DNREC Exhibits

Exhibit 1: A copy of approved Start Action Notice #2026-07 pertaining to the proposed amendments.

Exhibit 2: A copy of the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis/Regulatory Impact Statement corresponding to the proposed action as published in the Nov. 1, 2026 Register of Regulations.

Exhibit 3: A copy of Register Notice SAN #2026-07 and the proposed amendment to 7 DE Admin. Code 3900 Wildlife as published in the Nov. 1, 2026 Register of Regulations.

Exhibit 4: Notice of the public hearing as it appeared on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar on Nov. 5, 2026.