The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is accepting public comments on proposed options for migratory game bird hunting seasons and bag limits for the 2026 – 2027 hunting season, which opens on Sept. 1, 2026. The comment period was open through March 29, 2026.

The proposed options for the next migratory game bird seasons are designed to work within the annual U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory bird hunting regulations (known as Federal Frameworks). The federal regulations are based on current bird population levels and establish basic season parameters such as season lengths, total bag limits and date ranges within which seasons can be held.

Criteria for selecting seasons based on surveys of Delaware hunters and feedback received:

• Options must be within Established Federal Guidelines for splits and season dates
• Run season dates as late as possible
• Maximize Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
• Overlap duck and Canada goose seasons
• Have the migratory Canada goose season open during Thanksgiving, Christmas and the end of the season
• Minimize conflicts with November General Firearm deer season and other firearms deer seasons

Public Comments

The comment period closed at midnight on March 29, 2026, but public comments will also be accepted at the April 2, 2026, meeting of the Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish.

After considering the public comments, DNREC will present the options and public feedback to the Advisory Council, which will vote on their preferred season selections. DNREC will craft a final recommendation to be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval.

Related Topics:  fish and wildlife, forms, game birds, hunting, migratory, outdoor recreation, permitting and regulation, seasons