Pages Tagged With: "hunting"
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.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
Delaware 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. All donated deer are processed into ground venison, free of charge. The meat is distributed to participating charitable groups. The program onlyYouth Waterfowl Hunting Day
Two separate, one-day, special youth waterfowl hunting days are open on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, and Saturday Feb. 3, 2024, for hunters ages 10 through 15. Normal daily waterfowl bag limits and hunting regulations apply, including a limit of 25 snow geese, 2 Canada geese, and 1 brant.Good Eats from Nature’s Bounty
Looking for something different on your plate? We asked DNREC folks to share their most wildly delicious recipes for harvested game.Delaware Hunters Against Hunger – A Season for Giving
The Delaware Sportsmen Against Hunger program is once again providing venison to people in need, an annual tradition during the holidays.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. 21, 2023) Hunting Seasons [button type=”primary”Snow Goose Conservation Order
The Snow Goose Conservation Order is a separate season only for snow geese that occurs when Delaware’s regular waterfowl hunting seasons are closed. Liberal harvest methods are allowed during the Conservation Order to help reduce the large snow goose population that is damaging its Arctic nesting grounds, as well as wetlands and agricultural lands onAnnual Turkey Harvest Data
The table below shows the numbers of wild turkeys harvested each year during annual Delaware wild turkey hunting seasons, from 1991 to the present. Year Adult Juvenile Unk. Total 1991Turkey Hunting Check Stations
All turkeys harvested during Delaware’s wild turkey hunting season must be checked at an authorized turkey check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day the bird is harvested. The list of check stations is subject to change without notice. Please check back before the season begins for any changes. Check station hours may vary.Wild Turkey Hunting
The 2024 spring wild turkey hunting season will run from April 13 through May 11, 2024. A special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters is set for April 6, 2024. Wild Turkeys in Delaware [button type=”primary” block=”true”Turkey Harvest Distribution — Public Lands
The table below shows the distribution of wild turkeys harvested among public lands hunting areas for the 2014 through 2023 wild turkey hunting seasons. State Wildlife Areas are administered by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. State Forest lands are administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. [columnWild Turkeys in Delaware
The wild turkey population in Delaware is one of the greatest conservation success stories in the region. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has reintroduced wild turkeys, once lost to Delaware. It now manages an ongoing conservation program and annual turkey hunting season. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactSportsmen Against Hunger – The Season for Giving
Few things are better for avid hunters than a successful day in the field. Add the satisfaction of providing for families, creating opportunities for others, and supporting local charities, and you have an even better recipe. Our Sportsmen Against Hunger program represents what the holiday season is all about.From Phragmites Part-Timer to a Wildlife Management Career, Thanks Delaware!
Former Division of Fish and Wildlife Regional Manager Bill Jones reflects on 34 years in state service and his progress from a part-time job to a career in wildlife management.Wildlife Enthusiasts – Check Out Improved Access to the Bayshore!
Enjoy birding, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, taking photographs or just watching wildlife in their natural habitats when you visit the Delaware Bayshore. It doesn’t take much effort to find your favorite spot to enjoy some time outdoors.Delaware Hunting Seasons
Delaware hunting seasons generally begin in September and run through early February of the following year. Specific seasons, based on species and method of take, begin and end on different dates throughout the year.Sunday Deer Hunting
State law allows Sunday deer hunting during established deer hunting seasons on private lands, with landowner permission, and on designated publicly-owned lands. Delaware’s deer seasons fall between the start of September and the end of the following January. Hunting on Sundays is allowed using those methods legal for the hunting seasons in effect onOmmelanden Hunter Education Training Center
The Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center is one of two state shooting ranges managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. It offers trap and skeet shooting, rifle and pistol shooting, archery, and more. The Ommelanden Hunter Education Training Center will be closed on Friday, Dec. 1.
Delaware’s White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are one of the most important wildlife species managed in Delaware. Wildlife-watchers, photographers, and hunters flock to the state in pursuit of deer. They contribute millions of dollars each year to the state’s economy.Contact Us
Straight-Wall, Pistol-Caliber Rifles Allowed
Rifles chambered for straight-wall ammunition may be used to hunt deer in Delaware. Only straight-wall cartridges usable in handguns may be used that are of .357 to 38 caliber with a case length no less than 1.25 inches and a maximum case length of 1.82 inches, or .41 caliber to maximum of .50 caliber and a maximum caseManaged Hunts
Managed or controlled hunting is a highly organized effort to reduce the local deer population in urban areas. Hunters must apply and are selected for these hunts. Information on participating in managed hunts is available on the Master Hunter Program page. During the hunt, hunters have specified treestand locations and shooting directions and are notChronic Wasting Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a disease of the brain and nervous system in members of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, or moose). It has not been found in Delaware, but has in 26 other states and four Canadian provinces. State wildlife officials are taking steps to avoid its spread into Delaware. [column md=”5″Deer Damage Assistance
Many farmers report significant damage to their crops caused by deer. By combining non-lethal techniques with targeted harvest, farmers can reduce crop damage.Contact Us
Sam Millman Deer Biologist 302-735-3600
Waterfowl Surveys
Since 1974, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has conducted annual waterfowl surveys to measure long-term trends in duck and goose populations. The survey results help increase biologists’ knowledge about the state’s waterfowl populations and habitat and help the state make informed decisions about habitat management and hunting.Coyotes in Delaware
While Delaware’s coyote population remains relatively low, coyotes have been documented in each of the state’s three counties. Coyotes (Canis latrans) have been expanding across the continental United States since the mid-1900s and are now found in 49 of the 50 states, with only Hawaii not having a coyote population. Delaware is recognized as theHunting in Delaware
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages 19 public wildlife areas; approximately 68,000 acres of land. In addition to providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, these lands provide hunting and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Much of this land, and many acres of private land, provide hunting during a number of seasons. More informationHunters with Disabilities
Delaware offers a variety of opportunities for hunters with disabilities. State wildlife areas offer specialized blinds/stands and hunting locations for hunters with varying degrees of physical disability. Facilities are provided for hunters with disabilities that confine them to a wheelchair as well as for hunters whose disabilities doHunting and Fishing Guides, Seasons and Maps
The Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species. The state features a wide variety of fishing opportunities for every angler, from the Delaware River and Bay, to the ocean, to numerous ponds,Wildlife Area Maps and Regulations
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife manages approximately 68,000 acres of Delaware land at 19 public wildlife areas that provide hunting opportunities as well as habitat for a variety of species. Digital Wildlife Area Maps [button type=”info” block=”true”Photo Contest Information and Entry Form
This page includes the Official Rules and an online Entry and Release Form for the annual DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife fishing and hunting photography contests that help celebrate Delaware’s traditions of fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation. Official Rules Deadlines for EntryBecoming an Outdoors-Woman
DNREC’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) is an educational program offering hands-on workshops to encourage and enhance participation in outdoor activities like hunting and shooting sports, fishing and boating, and non-harvest activities. We regret to announce that, because of forecast inclement weather, the 2023 edition of Becoming and Outdoors Woman hasHunter Education Training Centers and Ranges
There are hunter education training centers in all three Delaware counties, and shooting ranges in Kent and New Castle Counties.Contact Us
Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor Program
The Delaware Hunter Education Program needs you to help prepare the next generation and other newcomers to hunting or trapping for a safe and enjoyable hunting future.Contact Us
Hunter Education Courses
The Hunter Education Program offers a variety of classes, both basic and advanced. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most hunter education classes are only available online.Contact Us
Hunter Education Course Calendar
The Hunter Education Program offers a variety of classes, both basic and advanced. Basic hunter education classes are available in person or online. Live classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Use the Digital DNREC Hunter Education system to register for hunter education courses, print hunter education cards, and manage your profile.Delaware Master Hunter Program
The Delaware Master Hunter Program is not for beginners. Your hunting license was only the beginning. And you aren’t a beginner any more. In fact, you’ve been at this outdoors pursuit called hunting for a long time and have a wealth of experience to show for it.Hunter Education
The Delaware Hunter Education Program is committed to putting safe, ethical and educated hunters in the field. Since 1970, it has continued Delaware’s tradition of fair chase hunting by educating and developing responsible, involved, safe and knowledgeable hunters for the future of The First State. [panel type=”success” heading=”ContactAbout the Division of Fish and Wildlife
We Bring You Delaware’s Great Outdoors through Science and Service What We Do Manage the state’s fish and wildlife resources. Enforce laws and regulations designed to protect and conserve these resources. Provide hunter and boater safety education programs. Provide environmental educationFish and Wildlife Advisory Councils
Delaware state law establishes several councils to advise the Director of Fish and Wildlife on matters relating to fisheries, recreational fishing, wildlife and hunting, and shell fisheries. Advisory Council on Wildlife and Freshwater Fish CouncilContact Information
Patrick J. Emory, Director 89 Kings HighwayDover, DE 19901302-739-9910patrick.emory@delaware.gov Frequently-Called Phone Numbers Boat Registration: 302-739-9916 Recreational Licenses, Permits, Passes, and Stamps: 302-739-9918 Boater Education: 302-739-9086 or 302-739-9102 Hunter Education: 302-735-3600 (Ext. 1) Nuisance Animals: 302-739-9912 Report Fishing Violations: 1-800-523-3336 Operation Game Theft: 1-800-292-3030
Fish and Wildlife License Agents
Hunting and fishing licenses, and conservation access passes (CAP), can be purchased at the following authorized licensing agents. Some agents only sell fishing licenses while others sell only hunting licenses and conservation access passes. Licenses also can be purchased online or at the licensing desk inside DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, at 89 Kings HighwayLow Number License Lottery
DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife will not hold a low-number hunting license lottery for the 2020/21 hunting season. Please check back for lottery information about the 2021/22 licensing season. For more information, Delaware residents can contact Danielle Davis, Division of Fish and Wildlife License Program Coordinator, at 302-739-9918, between theFish and Wildlife License Fees
Information on fees for licenses, registrations, permits, and passes from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. Delaware Resident Non-Resident Agent FeeExemptions and Exceptions
Delaware state law and Delaware’s fishing and hunting regulations provide several exemptions and exceptions to the state’s fishing and hunting licensing requirements. The following are exempt from fishing license requirements: Surf Fishing Permits [column md=”6″ xclass=”col-xs-12Recreational Licensing
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers licenses, permits, stamps, and passes for recreational fishing and hunting, and for the use of Delaware Wildlife Areas.Contact Us
Trisha Virdin Licensing Coordinator 302-739-9918
Winning Waterfowl Stamp Contest Entries
The winning entries for the 2024/2025 edition of the Delaware State Waterfowl Stamp Contest were chosen by a panel of five judges who independently evaluated and scored the contest entries in person. A painting of a redhead duck in open water by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Greene, Indiana, will grace the 2024/2025 DelawarePage: 12 of 2 total pages