Pages Tagged With: "outdoors and recreation"
A Guide for Shoreline Residents
Residents living along Delaware’s public fishing ponds and lakes play an important role in the stewardship of the public fishing ponds and lakes managed by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife. Waterside living offers peace, natural beauty, wildlife viewing and excellent angling opportunities. While enjoying these amenities, residents should keep in mind that theseThe Fisheries Section
The DNREC Fisheries Section works to enhance and protect Delaware’s fish and aquatic resources in support of recreational and commercial fishing. It provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. And it conducts fisheries research, resource monitoring and collection of biological information on marine fisheries.Horseshoe Crab Viewing
The Delaware Bay hosts the world’s largest concentration of spawning horseshoe crabs. People come from all over the world to view the spawning crabs and the associated migratory shorebirds. Horseshoe crabs can be viewed on several Delaware Bay beaches and from DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center. When Spawning OccursRecreational Fishing
The DNREC Division of Fish and wildlife provides first-class fishing and boating access to Delaware’s many waterways. Information for Recreational Anglers The Delaware Fishing Report offers information on when to fish, where to fish, which species are biting and how to catch them. ItLicensing and Regulations
Recreational fishing in Delaware requires licenses for most anglers and is governed by both state regulations promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and regional and national regulations. Fisheries Section MenuHorseshoe Crab Monitoring
The horseshoe crab plays a prominent role in the ecology and fisheries of Delaware Bay. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors Delaware’s horseshoe crab population using multiple methods. The crabs are huge feeders on marine worms and bivalves. Their eggs serve as a primary food sourceResearch and Monitoring
Biologists from the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife keep track of the state’s fish populations. They work on Delaware’s rivers, ponds, estuaries, on the Delaware Bay and in coastal waters and study how different species are faring. Fisheries Section MenuCommercial Fishing
Commercial fishing in the state of Delaware requires proper licensure and, in some cases, permits. Some fisheries have established quotas. And there are reporting requirements that must be met. Fisheries Section MenuThe American Eel in Delaware
Although many Delawareans may find them unappealing, American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) support a major fishery in Delaware. American Eel (Photo: Duane Raver, Jr.) American Eels are mostly sold live for bait and exported as a food fish. Historically, Delaware landed over 100,000 pounds of eels annually. The eels wereFish Consumption Advisories
DNREC monitors the presence of chemical contaminants in the edible flesh of finfish and shellfish in Delaware waters. In coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), they issue periodic fish consumption advisories to guide anglers on the amount of fish they can safely consume from specific water bodies to increase risk awareness.Operation Game Theft Report Form
Use this form to report wildlife crime through DNREC’s Operation Game Theft. Information supplied in this form is strictly confidential and will not be released to the public. Use this form to report a crime that is not in progress. If you need to report a wildlife crimeWilmington 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
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 302-255-1960
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 thatDelaware’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Delaware’s Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, known as the SCORP, tracks the state’s recreation inventory, identifies needs for infrastructure and programs and guides public and private planning and investment to meet those needs. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation has released the 2025 – 2030 SCORP, Expanding Outdoor Recreation for All,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 11 to May 10 in 2026. These permits allow a hunter to harvest a wildAvian 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-12Public Meetings and Events
DNREC posts notices of all public meetings on the state’s Public Meeting Calendar on a number of division- and office-specific calendars.DNREC Calendar: Outdoor Recreation
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers outdoor recreation classes and opportunities for children and adventurous adults at its several nature centers, outdoor education centers, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve and via several educational programs. This calendar is presented as a list of upcoming events (below) and asMonthly Calendar: Outdoor Recreation
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) offers outdoor recreation classes and opportunities for children and adventurous adults at its several nature centers, outdoor education centers, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve and via several educational programs. This calendar is presented as a month-to-month calendar grid (below) and as a list ofWild 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 surveyDelaware 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: 302-739-1317Swimming Advisory Caution
The DNREC Recreational Water Program monitors bacterial water quality at established sampling sites throughout the state from May through September. If bacterial sampling results exceed state standards, DNREC issues swimming advisories for Atlantic Ocean beaches, as well as for Delaware Bay beaches south of and including Lewes Beach and for Lake Como in Smyrna.Division of Fish and Wildlife
The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on approximately 68,000 acres of public land. The division oversees wildlife resource conservation and control of mosquito populations and offers hunter, boating and aquatic education programs. It provides licensesDivision of Parks and Recreation
The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 20,000 acres in 17 state parks, manages state nature preserves, and monitors conservation easements protecting more than 4,000 acres of land. The division preserves cultural and historic resources, from a Civil War-era fort to elegant estates. And it provides a wide variety of recreational andTo Accessibility and Beyond
Part of our mission is providing quality outdoor recreation for all Delawareans. Learn about our commitment to accessibility and recent improvements.Parks and Recreation Council
The Parks and Recreation Council advises the director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation on matters related to the planning, acquisition, development, management, conservation and programming of lands and services under the jurisdiction of the division. The council is established in State Law at 29 Del. C. § 8009.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 includeTop Spots for Your Valentine’s Engagement
It’s estimated that more than 6 million couples will get engaged on Valentine’s Day. The prep work is a big deal – picking the ring, choosing the words, and finding the perfect spot. We can help with some great location ideas.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-TypicalSharks in Delaware Waters
If you’re swimming in Delaware waters, particularly in the ocean, you’re probably swimming near sharks. But they actually have more to fear from us than the other way around.Deer 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