Pages Tagged With: "fish and wildlife"
Delaware Wildlife Action Plan
After over eight years of implementing the 2015 Delaware Wildlife Action Plan, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife is nearing the end of a multi-year comprehensive review and revision of the plan to ensure the next iteration of the document remains up to date with the best available science and continues to serve theSecond 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, startLeast 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 withBeach-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 LeastAvailability 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 inNotice 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 andPublic 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 CountyPublic 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. You can download the Delaware Reef Guide 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 includeAvailability 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-TypicalDeer Stands or Ground Blinds on State Wildlife Areas
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife requires hunters to register temporary deer stands or ground blinds they place on state wildlife areas.Contact Us
DNREC Wildlife Section 302-739-9912
2021 AREC Photo Contest Gallery
This page contains photographs submitted for the 2021 Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) nature photography contest, including the winning submissions. The contest was open to photographers of all ages. Prizes were awarded in three categories (birds, nature, and people enjoying nature) and in three age groups (children, teens and adults). All photos wereDelaware Hunters Against Hunger
Delaware’s deer hunters share part of their harvest each year with Delawareans in need. They provide thousands of pounds of venison through the Delaware Hunters Against Hunger program. Delivering boxes of venison to a food distribution hub. All donated deer are processed into ground venison, free of charge. TheWildlife Mortality Survey
If you see sick wildlife, or dead wildlife where it looks like the cause of death is an illness, please report it to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. If you see five or more sick or dead wild animals at the same location, please also call division staff at 302-735-3600Reporting Sick or Dead Wildlife
Wildlife disease surveillance, prevention, and control are crucial factors for safeguarding Delaware’s citizens, wildlife, pets, and livestock. Citizen reports help state biologists monitor wildlife populations in Delaware. IfReporting Tick Interactions
Knowing what species of tick has attached to you, a family member, or a pet will help determine whether you may be at risk for a tick-borne disease. Note: The state of Delaware does not provide tick pathogen testing services.
Reporting Fish Kills
A fish kill is a sudden, unexpected die-off of fish in a specific location. It is important to report fish kills right away. Evidence dissipates quickly; delays can make it harder to determine the cause. Signs of a Fish Kill: DeadVolunteer With the Piping Plover Program
To ensure continued breeding success, the DNREC Piping Plover Program depends on volunteers to help inform the public about the breeding progress of the plovers and the importance of staying out of closed areas.Contact Us
Kat Christie Coastal Waterbird Biologist deshorebirds@delaware.gov 302-255-1965
Volunteer With the Delaware Kestrel Partnership
The kestrel monitoring program relies on community scientist volunteers who dedicate time from March through July each year to help monitor kestrel boxes across the state. This page provides information on the volunteer program and a form to register to join the effort. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactAmerican Kestrel Monitoring and Management
American kestrel populations in Delaware have declined. Once commonly seen perched along telephone wires and fence posts, this falcon is now a rare sight across our state. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife works to study and manage the state’s population of American kestrels. [panelCOVID Relief Funding for Saltwater Fishery-Related Businesses
Delaware has received nearly $3 million in relief funding from the federal government to distribute to eligible saltwater fishery-related businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Applications for relief funds were accepted through March 17, 2022.Contact Us
Youth, Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Day
Two separate, one-day, special waterfowl hunting days for youth, veterans, and active military are open on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, and Saturday Feb. 7, 2026, for hunters ages 10 through 15 as well as veterans and active military personnel.Shorebird Volunteer Form
This page is a volunteer registration form for those interested in volunteering to help with the spring field season of the Delaware Shorebird Project. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer with the Shorebird Project. Commitment Volunteers should plan on committing toDelaware’s Endangered Species: DNREC Keeps Today’s Wildlife from Becoming Tomorrow’s Memory
There are 86 animals on Delaware’s endangered species list, including the American kestrel, the northern long-eared bat and the barking tree frog.Delaware’s Endangered Species: What DNREC’s Doing to Help
The red knot, monarch butterfly and Delmarva fox squirrel are among the nearly 100 animals on Delaware’s endangered species list. Learn more about what DNREC is doing to ensure thriving wildlife diversity in Delaware.Hunters: What You Need to Know
Hunting season gets underway in Delaware on September 1. Get all the information you need to go afield.Migratory Bird Hunting
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife provides opportunities for migratory bird hunting on state wildlife areas. The following is a summary of those opportunities and the procedures and rules that apply. Updated Aug. 26, 2024 Hunting Seasons [button type=”primary”Ticks and Domestic Animals and Wildlife
It’s not just humans who can be affected by ticks. Tick-caused diseases and related problems also affect many wildlife species and domestic animals. Dogs Dogs are susceptible to both Lyme disease andPublic Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Tidal Finfish Regulations (Tilefish)
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to 7 DE Admin. Code 3542 “Tilefish.”Public Hearing: Proposed Revisions to the Tidal Finfish Regulations (Cobia)
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife will conduct a public hearing to consider comments from the public on proposed revisions to 7 DE Admin. Code 3550 “Cobia.”Report Atlantic Sturgeon
You can help DNREC research and manage the local population of Atlantic sturgeon, a rare and endangered fish. Simply use our reporting form to let us know of any interactions you have with this fish.Protecting Yourself from Ticks
Ticks live in several different habitat types and can be found throughout Delaware in forests, meadows and wetlands. They are also found in yards and residential areas. Ticks are active year-round if temperatures are above freezing.Tick Management
There are a few simple measures you can take to help keep you safe from ticks around the home. In the Yard Remove leaf litter and invasive plants. This helps to eliminateTicks of Delaware
There are five species of tick commonly found in Delaware. Identifying which tick has bitten you can help you take steps to protect yourself. There are also a handful of arthropods that are sometimes mistaken for ticks.Tick Program
DNREC’s tick program conducts year-round, statewide active and passive surveillance for ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Knowing when and where different tick species occur in the state, and whether or not they’re infected with pathogens such as the agent of Lyme disease, helps protect public health. [panel type=”success”Tick-Associated Diseases in Delaware
While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne infection in Delaware, there are other tick-associated diseases to be aware of in case you suffer a tick bite. Note: The state of Delaware does not provide tick pathogen testing services.
