Delaware Hunting Seasons 2023-2024: New Guidelines & Dates

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Delaware hunting seasons 2023-2024 are covered in detail here, including opening and closing dates, allowed game species, and applicable laws. If you want to go hunting in Delaware, look no further! Read on to find out where you can go hunting in Delaware and how to organize your next hunting trip.

Delaware’s hunting seasons allow outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to connect with nature and engage in a time-honored tradition. Below you’ll find information about Delaware Hunting Seasons 2023, with complete details including bag limits and regulations, for the various game species you may be interested in taking down.

Delaware Hunting Season
Delaware Hunting Season

Delaware Hunting Season 2023-2024

State wildlife lands controlled by DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife provide several hunting opportunities. Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, ensures public safety, promotes outdoor recreation, and educates the public about environmental concerns.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife makes public property accessible for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and boating. Please read on to learn more about the next seasons, hunting areas, and rules and restrictions.

Deer Season

Delaware is a great place to hunt white-tailed deer. From September through February, Delaware allows bow, muzzleloader, and shotgun deer hunting. Deer may be hunted with bows at any time of the year. Deer without antlers may be hunted throughout the months of December and January. You may read our exclusive article on Delaware deer hunting season for more details.

DE Deer Season CategoryZonesStart DateSeason End Dates
Archery*Statewide1-Sep-2331-Jan-23
Crossbow*Statewide1-Sep-2331-Jan-23
MuzzleloaderStatewide6-Oct-2315-Oct-23
MuzzleloaderStatewide22-Jan-2328-Jan-23
General Firearm (Shotgun Seasons)Statewide10-Nov-2319-Nov-23
General Firearm (Shotgun Seasons)Statewide13-Jan-2321-Jan-23
Special Antlerless*Statewide1-Oct-2323-Oct-23
Special Antlerless*Statewide16-Oct-2330-Oct-23
Special Antlerless*Statewide20-Oct-2317-Dec-23
Special Antlerless*Statewide27-Oct-2317-Dec-23
Special Antlerless*Statewide30-Oct-2317-Dec-23
Handgun and Straight- walled Pistol-caliber RifleSeason closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B6-Jan-2312-Jan-23
Handgun and Straight- walled Pistol-caliber RifleStatewide8-Jan-2312-Jan-23
Youth and Non-ambulatory HuntStatewide4-Nov-235-Nov-23

Elk Season

There is no elk season in Delaware in 2023-2024. Delaware had its elk population restored in 2015, however it is still quite tiny. Elk hunting season has not yet been set by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

Bear Season

Delaware has no black bear season in 2023-2024. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) may consider a bear hunting season in future due to recent black bear sightings. If granted, the season will be limited to a few licenses and specified places. Hunters would need a Delaware hunting license and a bear permit, available online or at DNREC licensing agents. Conserving and managing Delaware’s black bear population would be the priority.

Coyote Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Coyote Season (Hunting)1-Sep1-FebNo LimitNo Limit

Delaware Small Game Hunting Season 2023-2024

Squirrel Season

SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Gray SquirrelSep-23Feb-23612
Gray SquirrelClosed during Nov General Firearm
Deer Season
NANA

Rabbit Season

Rabbit SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Cottontail Rabbit21-Nov1-Feb48

Groundhogs Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Groundhogs Season1-Jul30-JunNo Limit8

Quail Season

Quail SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Bobwhite Quail21-Nov6-Jan612

Pheasant Season

Pheasant SeasonSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Ring-necked Pheasant (Male Only)21-Nov3-Feb24

Delaware Migratory Birds Season 2023-2024

Duck Season

DE Duck SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Ducks (Regular Season)27-Oct4-Nov618
Ducks (Regular Season)20-Nov25-Nov618
Ducks (Regular Season)9-Dec31-Jan618
Snow Ducks27-Oct4-Nov618
Snow Ducks20-Nov25-Nov618
Snow Ducks9-Dec31-Jan618
Duck Bag Limits
SpeciesDaily Bag Limit (Excluding Mergansers and Coots)Possession Limit
Mallards4 (Max 2 hens)3 times the daily bag limit
Black Ducks23 times the daily bag limit
Pintail13 times the daily bag limit
Canvasback23 times the daily bag limit
Wood Ducks33 times the daily bag limit
Redheads23 times the daily bag limit
Scaup13 times the daily bag limit
Teal63 times the daily bag limit
Shovelers63 times the daily bag limit
Gadwall63 times the daily bag limit
Wigeon63 times the daily bag limit
Goldeneye63 times the daily bag limit
Ring-necked Ducks63 times the daily bag limit
Bufflehead63 times the daily bag limit
Ruddy Ducks63 times the daily bag limit
Mottled Duck13 times the daily bag limit
Fulvous Whistling-Duck13 times the daily bag limit
4 (No more than 3 scoters; 3 eiders (1 hen); 3 long-tailed ducks)3 times the daily bag limit
Harlequin Ducks (Season closed)--

Coots Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Coots27-Oct4-Nov1545
Coots20-Nov25-Nov1545
Coots9-Dec31-Jan1545

Mergansers Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Mergansers Season27-Oct4-Nov515
Mergansers Season20-Nov25-Nov515
Mergansers Season9-Dec31-Jan515

Teal Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
September Teal13-Sep30-Sep618

Goose Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Canada Goose (Resident)1-Sep25-Sep1545
Canada Goose (Migratory)20-Nov25-Nov26
16-Dec30-Jan26
Snow Goose2-Oct31-Jan25No limit
3-Feb-25No limit
Snow Goose Conservation Order1-Feb2-FebNo bag limitNo possession limit
5-Feb12-AprNo bag limitNo possession limit

Brant Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Brant23-DecJan 9 (season closed on Jan 10)13
Brant11-Jan27-Jan13

Youth Waterfowl Season

SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Youth must be age 10-15.)21-Oct3-Feb618

Swan Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Tundra SwanNov. 11Jan. 311 per season1 per season
Mute SwanLegal to take during any open waterfowl seasonNo limitNo limit
(Closed during the Snow Goose Conservation Order)
Trumpeter SwanClosed Season0 - Closed Season0 - Closed Season0 - Closed Season

Dove Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Mourning Dove1-Sep21-Oct1545
20-Nov31-Jan1-

Rails Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
King and Clapper Rails2-Sep22-Nov2 (Singly or in combination of the two species)102
Sora and Virginia Rails2-Sep22-Nov3 (Singly or in combination of the two species)253

Woodcock Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Woodcock20-Nov25-Nov39
16-Dec30-Jan39

Snipe Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Common Snipe29-Sep31-Jan824

Gallinules Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Moorhens and Gallinules2-Sep22-Nov1545

Crow Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Crow1-Jul-2330-Mar-24No LimitNo Limit
28-Jun-2429-Jun-24No LimitNo Limit

Furbearer Hunting Season

Raccoon Season

Raccoon SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)1-Sep29-OctNo LimitNo Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)1-Mar30-MarNo LimitNo Limit
Hunting season1-NovFeb-29No LimitNo Limit

Opossum Season

Opossum SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
No harvest allowed during Oct muzzleloader and Oct antlerless deer seasons1-Sep29-OctNo LimitNo Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)1-Mar30-MarNo LimitNo Limit
Hunting season1-NovFeb-29No LimitNo Limit

Fox Season

Fox SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)1-Oct30-AprNo LimitNo Limit
Hunting Season1-NovFeb-29No LimitNo Limit
Closed Season30* With the exception of the antlerless, muzzleloader, and shotgun deer seasons in October through December.

Beaver Season

SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Beaver Season1-Dec20-MarNo LimitNo Limit

Muskrat Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Muskrat1-Dec10-MarNo LimitNo Limit

Mink Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Mink1-Dec10-MarNo LimitNo Limit

Otter Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Otter1-Dec10-MarNo LimitNo Limit

Furbearer Trapping Season

SpeciesSeason Start DateSeason End DateBag LimitPossession Limit
Muskrat, Mink, Otter1-Dec10-MarNo LimitNo Limit
Raccoon*, Opossum, Nutria1-Dec10-MarNo LimitNo Limit
Beaver1-DecMar 20***No LimitNo more than 8 per season
Red Fox, Coyote1-Jul30-JunNo LimitNo Limit
GroundhogNo specific trapping seasonNo specific trapping seasonNo LimitNo Limit

Bullfrog Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Bullfrog Season1-MaySept. 302448

Snapping Turtle Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Snapping Turtle Season15-Jun15-MayNo LimitNo Limit

Diamondback Terrapin Season

SpeciesSeason Start DatesSeason End DatesBag LimitPossession Limit
Diamondback Terrapin Season1-Sep15-Nov4No Limit

Turkey Seasons

Turkey SeasonSeason Start DateSeason End DateNotes
Wild Turkey13-Apr-2411-May-24Delaware's spring wild turkey hunting season.
Youth & Non-ambulatory Turkey Hunt6-Apr-246-Apr-24Special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters.
Public Land Permit Segment (A)13-Apr-2419-Apr-24Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Public Land Permit Segment (B)20-Apr-2426-Apr-24Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Public Land Permit Segment (C)27-Apr-243-May-24Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Public Land Permit Segment (D)4-May-2411-May-24Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Application Deadline5-Jan-24-Deadline for submitting applications for the lottery drawing.
No Sunday Hunting--Hunting not allowed on Sundays during the season.

Hunting License

Licensing & Permits

It is illegal to go hunting in Delaware without a valid hunting license or junior hunting license if you are above the age of 13. Those younger than 13 may still go hunting as long as they are accompanied by an adult (18+) who has a valid hunting license. In certain places, residents over the age of 65 may get by without a license, but they still need to prove their residence.

In addition, you’ll need to finish a hunter education course before you can get a license and permit. Turkey hunters are obliged to take a specialized education course. Sessions may be held either in-person with a teacher or remotely with a facilitator and in-person field trips (s). There is also the option of enrolling in a “Master Hunter” course in Delaware, which is designed for experienced hunters.

DE Resident Licenses, Permits, and Tags
CategoryPrice
Resident Adult Hunting License (16-64)$39.50
Resident Junior Hunting License (13-15)$5.00
Resident Guide Hunting License (18+)$159.50
Resident Trapping License (13-64)$10.00
Resident Fur Dealer License$50.00
Resident Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp (16+)$15.00
State Wildlife Area Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand Permit$20.00
Resident Hunter’s Choice and Quality Buck Tag combination$20.00
Each additional Antlerless Deer Tag$20.00
DE Non-Resident Licenses, Permits, and Tags
CategoryPrice
Non-Resident Adult Hunting License (16+)$199.50
Non-Resident Junior Hunting License (13-15)$50.00
Non-Resident Guide Hunting License (18+)$475.00
State Wildlife Area Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand Permit$20.00
Non-Resident Trapping License (13+)$75.00
Non-Resident Fur Dealer License$475.00
Non-Resident Waterfowl (Duck) Stamp (16+)$15.00
Non-Resident 3-Day Hunting License (16+)$75.00
Non-Resident Antlered Deer Tag$50.00
Non-Resident Quality Buck Tag$50.00
Each additional Antlerless Deer Tag$20.00
DE License Exempt Residents and Non-Residents
CategoryPrice
Certain Residents and Non-ResidentsFREE
Must Obtain a New LEN Each Year

DNREC Hunting License Important Links

DNREC Hunting LicenseImportant LinksDescription
Hunting LicensesDigital DNREC, License AgentsDelaware hunting permits may be acquired online via Digital DNREC or in person at approved license agents or the Richardson and Robbins Building licensing desk in Dover.
Trapping LicensesDigital DNREC, Trapping License ApplicationFish and Wildlife Trapping License Applications or Digital DNREC may be used to buy trapping licenses.
Waterfowl StampsDelaware Waterfowl StampDelaware waterfowl hunters need a stamp. Non-residents 16 and older pay $15, while residents 16 to 64 pay $15. Delawareans 65 and older are excluded.
Manage Your AccountDigital DNREC ePermitting, License Exempt Number, HIP NumberThe Digital DNREC ePermitting system helps Delaware hunters and trappers satisfy legal requirements. Users may receive a License Exempt Number, record killed deer, get a HIP number for hunting migratory birds, or join the Snow Goose Conservation Order.
Education RequirementsHunter Education Course, HSN, Trapping Education CourseAll Delaware Hunting License applicants born after January 1, 1967, must complete an authorized Hunter Education Course. A Hunter Safety Number (HSN) is needed from license applicants. Courses from other states are acceptable. Applicants seeking trapping licenses born after January 1, 1978, must complete an authorized Trapping Education Course and obtain a Trapping Education Card.
License Funds at WorkFederal Aid in Wildlife Restoration ActA separate account matches federal aid to Delaware under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act with hunting license funds. Wildlife restoration, conservation, management, and enhancement for public benefit are funded through these monies.

Other Requirements

  • Hunters of migratory game birds other than crows need HIP numbers. You may get these numbers through DNREC ePermitting or by contacting 1-(855)-335-4868.
  • Create a profile or use “Quick Hunting Registration” to use ePermitting.
  • Any Delaware resident born after 1/1/1967 must complete a hunter education course.
  • Entrance to any Division of Fish and Wildlife wildlife area requires a Conservation Access Pass.

Offences Covered by O.G.T. Program

Class of OffensesReward AmountDescription
Class 1Up to $1,000.00• Commercialization of Wildlife
• Killing of endangered/threatened species
Class 2Up to $500.00• Exceeding the limit of certain waterfowl
• Poisoning wildlife
• Illegal hunting/trapping on a state game refuge
Hunting/trapping out of season
Class 3Up to $100.00• Hunting with an illegal weapon
• Hunting from a motor vehicle

DE Hunting Regulations

  • Out-of-Season Hunting and License Requirement: Hunting outside of the season and needing a hunting license is prohibited.
  • Hunting Near Occupied Structures: Hunters must be permitted to hunt within 100 yards of an inhabited building unless the owner or tenant grants permission. When using a rifle to hunt in certain regions, the distance is 200 yards.
  • Firearm Discharge Near Roads: Releasing a weapon within 15 yards of a public road is forbidden, as is firing over a public road or right-of-way.
  • Trespassing: Hunting on private property without the landowner’s consent is forbidden, whether the area is posted or not.
  • Nest, Den, or Lair Protection: It is prohibited to harm any nest, den, or lair of game animals or birds.
  • Use of Artificial Light: It is prohibited to use artificial light from a moving vehicle to illuminate animals for hunting or observation.
  • Night Vision and Infrared Devices: Night vision or infrared equipment while hunting is prohibited.
  • Trap and Snare Restrictions: Some types of trapping are permitted for some species, while others are not.
  • Wildlife Trading and Possession: It is against the law to sell, trade, or barter any game or its components, unless expressly approved by law. Additionally forbidden is the possession of live protected game animals.
  • Bait Use and Swine Release: Hunting using bait is prohibited, except for deer on private property. After releasing them into the wild, it’s against the law to kill swine without a license.
  • Antler Traps and Shed Antlers: Antler traps and collecting shed antlers from deer are prohibited.
  • Hunting Methods for Specific Game:  There are particular legal hunting techniques for each species, such as bow hunting, shotgun usage, and muzzleloader limitations.
  • Reporting of Wildlife Law Violations: Call the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Operation Game Theft Hotline at 1-800-292-3030 to file a suspected wildlife law violation complaint.
  • Sunday Hunting Restrictions: Hunting is prohibited in Delaware on Sundays, except for certain activities, including fox hunting, hunting in commercial shooting ranges, and hunting deer on authorized privately and publicly held properties. For any possible extra limitations, check local ordinances.

When do the Delaware hunting seasons for 2023-2024 begin and end?

Various species have Delaware hunting seasons in 2023-2024. Deer hunting seasons include archery and crossbow from September to January, muzzleloader in October and January, and shotgun in November and January. January is a handgun and straight-walled pistol-caliber rifle season. Turkey season is from April–November. You may hunt rabbits, squirrels, quail, and doves from October through February. Upland game birds like grouse and pheasant are hunted from December to January, while waterfowl are pursued from October to February.

What are the legal methods of take for hunting in Delaware?

Delaware allows archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, shotgun, rifle, trapping, and fishing for specific species. Archers must use 40-pound bows and 7/8-inch broadheads. Crossbow hunters must use broadhead-tipped bolts and 125-pound draw weights. Muzzleloader hunters must use black powder or a replacement with round, smooth bullets no more significant than.50 caliber. Waterfowl hunters must use non-toxic shot and shotguns with 18-inch barrels. Rifle hunters may utilize 24″ barrels and.30-06 ammunition. Traps must be DNREC-approved. Artificial bait is essential for trout, whether baitcasting, spinning, fly fishing, or trolling. Before hunting, hunters should verify the rules.

Are there any prohibited methods of taking during hunting seasons?

Yes, it is illegal to hunt in Delaware using specific techniques, including night vision or infrared equipment, fully automatic loading weapons, arrows with poison or explosive tips, and firing firearms from or within 15 yards of a public road.

Can non-residents hunt in Delaware?

Non-residents are allowed to hunt in Delaware but need the correct tags, permits, and licenses for the species they want to hunt. There are separate costs for residents and non-residents.

Can I hunt on Sundays in Delaware?

Except for a few specific exceptions, such as hunting deer on private property and certain publicly-owned areas, hunting red fox during the appropriate season, and hunting on commercial shooting preserves, Delaware does not usually permit hunting on Sundays.

Conclusion

Depending on the species, hunters in Delaware may choose from a number of different seasons. Delaware requires all hunters to have a valid hunting license, be certified via the Harvest Information Program, and follow all of the rules and guidelines established by the Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Department (DNREC). In addition, hunters must always be mindful of their surroundings, follow established hunting ethics, and respect the rights of landowners. Observing these rules will increase the likelihood of having a pleasant and productive hunting trip in Delaware.

John Lewis

1 thought on “Delaware Hunting Seasons 2023-2024: New Guidelines & Dates”

  1. I have been complaining about a neighbor that is connected with my land to the Game Warden for several years. Nothing is being done. The neighbor (and his friends or paying customers) are shooting deer all hours of the night. There is a development connected with his property and my land. Is it legal to bring in hunters on his property that is so close? He also hangs deer in a special designed shed were he bleeds them out and butchers them. The shooting all night long wakes me up all the time. Sometimes I cannot get to sleep again. And NO I will not move. Purchased this land in 1975 when my Husband was alive.

    Reply

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