fish and wildlife Archives

Pages Tagged With: "fish and wildlife"

Public Comment on an Environmental Assessment of a Proposal to Construct a New Wildlife Observation Tower, Boardwalk, and Parking at the Assawoman Wildlife Area

The Division of Fish and Wildlife proposes to replace the existing observation tower at Assawoman Wildlife Area.

Inside DNREC’s Efforts to Save America’s Tiniest Turtle

In northern New Castle County, a tiny population of North America’s smallest turtle is receiving a lift thanks to efforts from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. While once home to populations at several different sites, today Delaware has only about 20 adult bog turtles across two habitats. However, DNREC is working to help the species thrive once more.

Wildlife Action Plan Comment Form

Please use the form below to share your comments with the DNREC team working on the latest revision of the Delaware Wildlife Action Plan. Please review the lists of Species of Greatest Conservation Need and Associated Threats and Actions and let us know which you want your comment to apply to. If you want to comment

Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch Volunteers

The Wilmington Falcon Fledge Watch relies on community scientist volunteers who dedicate time each year to monitor young Peregrine falcons leaving their nest site – a nest box on the 19th floor of the Brandywine Building in Wilmington.

Contact Us

Jordan Brown

Peregrine Falcon Monitoring and Management

The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife works with volunteers and other partners to monitor and study Peregrine falcons.

Contact Us

Jordan Brown Raptor, Grassland and Forest Bird Biologist 302-735-8658

Peregrine falcons are slowly recovering

When Wildlife Cause Problems

Delaware is home to diverse and vibrant communities of fish and wildlife. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Delaware for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and photography. As Delaware expands its urban and suburban centers, and the population grows, there is an increase in human-wildlife contact and, sometimes, conflict. The idea of “nuisance wildlife” has become

Private Lands Assistance

Delaware is a biologically diverse state with hardwood forests, swamps and coastal marshes that support over 400 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Despite significant strides in conservation, much of the wildlife habitat in Delaware remains isolated, degraded and unprotected as more land is converted to urban, commercial and industrial uses.

Boating and Fishing Access Locations

Fishing access locations in the State of Delaware include locations on the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Estuary, and several rivers and ponds. The access areas shown on the map on this page include both state-owned and municipal-owned areas. Please be aware of any boat ramp fees or permits that

Notice of Public Hearing: Shellfish Aquaculture Regulations

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the state’s Shellfish Aquaculture regulations.

What Fish Die-Offs Mean for Delaware and How DNREC Handles Them

As part of its duties overseeing Delaware’s environment and wildlife, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control regularly responds to fish kills. These die-offs can occur in bodies of water as disparate as an ocean or a neighborhood stormwater basin and can consist of just a few fish or literal millions.

Proposed Migratory Game Bird Seasons

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 2025 – 2026 hunting season, which opens on Sept. 1, 2025. The comment period is open through March 25, 2025.

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Second Notice: Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for LeasingSecond Notice:

DNREC is informing interested parties that shellfish grounds are available for lease, located in the Delaware Bay.

Spring Turkey Season Hunting Permit Lottery

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conducts an annual lottery to issue permits to allow hunters to hunt turkeys on state wildlife areas during the spring wild turkey hunting season, which runs from April 12 to May 10 in 2025. These permits allow a hunter to harvest a wild

Avian Influenza and Wildlife

Avian influenza, also known as “bird flu,” is a term for a group of influenza strains that occur naturally in wild aquatic birds and that may spread to other bird and animal species, including domestic poultry. It is a serious disease concern for poultry producers and animal health officials. [column md=”5″ xclass=”col-xs-12

Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing

DNREC is informing interested parties that shellfish grounds are available for lease, located in the Delaware Bay.

Detailing Delaware’s Marshland Battle Against Invasive Phragmites

Delaware marshes are chock-full of phragmites, a mostly invasive plant species that threatens to disrupt ecosystems throughout the state. First identified in Delaware in the 1840s, it is ubiquitous near waterways in our state today. That’s why the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has for decades worked to control the population and manage habitats, in the process preserving a delicate balance.

Unseen Intruders: Delaware’s Battle Against Invasive Species Threatening Native Wildlife

Invasive species threaten to outcompete native species, could carry disease and generally risk disrupting the fragile ecosystem. In this piece from Outdoor Delaware, experts offer an overview of what qualifies as an invasive species, how these plants and animals can harm the environment and what Delawareans should know about them.

How Delaware is Preparing for the Return of Black Bears

Prior to 2016, black bears had not been spotted in Delaware in more than a century. Over the past eight years, however, four different juvenile male bears have ventured into Delaware, capturing the public imagination. Is this a trend residents can expect to continue?

The Perils of Wild Pets: DNREC Warns Against Keeping Non-Domesticated Animals

Around two-thirds of American households have pets, mostly dogs or cats, and many consider them just as much a part of the family as human members. But for a few people, even some of the more unique animals sometimes owned as pets like snakes, parakeets and hamsters aren’t enough — they want to keep wildlife. Find out why animal experts say it’s generally bad to take in wild animals in this offering from Outdoor Delaware.

Fly Fishing Lessons

Anglers aged 16 and older can learn about, and gain skills in, the increasingly popular sport of fly-fishing by attending free fly-fishing lessons for adults at the DNREC Aquatic Resources Education Center in Smyrna.

Contact Us

Taylor Border Aquatic Education Programs Manager 2520 Lighthouse Road

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 survey

Aquatic Resources Education Center

The Aquatic Resources Education Center, operated by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, focuses on wetlands, fishing and other aquatic education themes.

Contact Us

Taylor Border Aquatic Education Programs Manager 2520 Lighthouse Road Smyrna, DE 19977 302-735-8689

Youth Fishing Programs

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers free fishing lessons, aquatic adventures and explorations of the Delaware Bay for children and young teens. Once they are hooked on fishing, they can try one of Delaware’s kid-friendly fishing ponds for a great day at the water’s edge. Kids

Bald Eagles Soar in Delaware as Survey Reveals Population Growth

The bald eagle population plummeted greatly in the middle of the 20th century but has since rebounded. In 2023, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control conducted a count of eagles’ nests in the First State.

Trapping 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″

Delaware Boat Registration Agents

There are authorized boat registration sales outlets throughout Delaware. Most offer both boat registration and boat ramp certificates. A few only offer boat ramp certificates. Kent County DNREC Boat Registration Office(Boat registration and ramp certificates)89 Kings Hwy SWDover, DE 19901Phone: 302-739-9916Fax: 302-739-1317

Meet the Animal Moms of the First State

This Mother’s Day, Outdoor Delaware is highlighting some of the state’s most fascinating animal parents, from the pouch-packing Virginia opossum to the solo-singing spring peeper.

Hidden Treasures: Learn About Rare Plants in Delaware

Delaware is home to more than 1,600 native plant species. Of those, upward of 650 are considered rare here, including 47 thought to be completely extinct in the state.

Delaware Wildlife Action Plan

After over eight years of implementing the 2015 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has begun a comprehensive review and revision of the Plan to ensure the document remains up to date with the best available science and continues to serve the needs of Delaware’s wildlife. [column

Second Notice: Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing

Shellfish grounds are available for lease in parts of the Delaware Bay. DNREC is accepting applications for leases through March 15.

Winter Survival Strategies: A Closer Look at Hibernation in Delaware’s Animal Kingdom

Delaware doesn’t have many “true” hibernators, but it does have its share of critters that use long naps as a winter survival strategy.

American Oystercatchers

American oystercatchers are black and white shorebirds with bright orange beaks that feed and nest on the beach. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the population and productivity of American oystercatchers in Delaware. An American oystercatcher incubating a nest. (Photo: Henrietta Bellman) These birds begin arriving in Delaware in March, start

Least Terns

Least terns are the smallest species of tern in North America, with an orange-yellow beak and mask-like black markings on the head. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the population and productivity of least terns in Delaware. A male and female least tern conducting a courtship ritual. The male presents the female with

Beach-Nesting Birds

Dwindling shorebird populations have landed several species on Delaware’s Endangered Species List. The DNREC Beach-Nesting Bird Program monitors the endangered breeding shorebirds, provides habitat protection, and provides information to the public about beach-nesting species. The Beach-Nesting Bird Program primarily focuses on three species — Piping Plovers, American Oystercatchers and Least

Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing

Shellfish grounds are available for lease in parts of the Delaware Bay. DNREC is accepting applications for leases through March 15.

Public Hearing: Striped Bass Commercial Fishing Regulations

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the regulations governing the striped bass commercial fishing seasons, quotas, tagging and reporting requirements.

Educational Programs for Grades K Through 12

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife operates two educational centers that provide free programs and resources to schools and other educational groups. The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) and DuPont Nature Center (DNC) offer a variety of programming focused on aquatic species and other environmental education topics, from microorganisms found in

Notice of Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Delaware Lobster Regulations

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a virtual public hearing on December 21, 2023, to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to the state’s Lobsters regulations.

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 and

Public Hearing: Proposed Wildlife Regulations Revisions

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to state’s Wildlife Regulations.

Mosquito Control

DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section provides mosquito control services throughout Delaware to maintain quality of life and protect public health by reducing the possibility of mosquito-borne illnesses.

For help with nuisance mosquitoes where you live, call one of our field offices: The Northern Delaware Office, 302-836-2555, serving New Castle County

Public Hearing: Shellfish Aquaculture Regulations

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold a public hearing on Sept. 27 on proposed amendments to the Shellfish Aquaculture regulations.

Public Comment on an Environmental Assessment of a Proposal to Replace Land in One Wildlife Area with Land in Another for Purposes of Federal Grant Management

The Div. of Fish and Wildlife proposes to replace land in the Little Creek Wildlife Area with land in the Eagles Nest Wildlife Area to meet the purposes of a federal grant used to purchase the land.

Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Horseshoe Crab Regulations

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Delaware Horseshoe Crab Regulations.

Artificial Reef Guide Requests

DNREC publishes the Delaware Reef Guide to provide information about the state’s artificial reef sites. The Guide is available for download in PDF format. A limited number of printed copies are available as well. Use the request form below to request a copy by mail. Please include your

Availability of Delaware Bay Shellfish Grounds for Leasing

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is accepting applications for leases of shellfish grounds within the defined boundaries of the shellfish growing area of the Delaware Bay that are not already under lease.

Public Hearing: Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing on proposed revisions to the Non-Tidal Finfish Regulations to increase trout fishing opportunities in Delaware.

Wildlife Viewing in Delaware’s State Wildlife Areas

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands, including elevated wildlife-viewing structures on several state wildlife areas managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Wildlife Area Maps [button type=”primary” block=”true”

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-Typical