The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing (Docket #2026-R-F-0008) on proposed amendments to Delaware’s wildlife regulations related to Chronic Wasting Disease. Public comment period open through Jan. 6, 2027.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife proposes to amend the state’s Wildlife regulation (7 DE Admin. Code 3900) as part of the state’s response to finding Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some deer in Delaware.

The proposed amendments include:

• Defining harvest check stations, urine-based lure, Chronic Wasting Disease and CWD Management Zones (CMZ)
• Creating a procedure and criteria for designating CMZs
• Restricting baiting in CMZs
• Restricting the use of natural urine-based lure statewide
• Requiring mandatory check-in within CMZs when health check stations are open
• Defining how deer may be moved out of CMZs and how taxidermists and processors must dispose of deer
• Restricting wildlife rehabilitation of deer from Sussex County

All of these changes are in response to the recent detection of Chronic Wasting Disease in Delaware’s deer, to understand prevalence and reduce further spread.

Find more information in the November edition 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. 6, 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 #2026-05 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 #2026-05 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.