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 2023-2024
Content Highlights
State wildlife lands controlled by DNREC’s Division of Fishand 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 Category
Zones
Start Date
Season End Dates
Archery*
Statewide
1-Sep-23
31-Jan-23
Crossbow*
Statewide
1-Sep-23
31-Jan-23
Muzzleloader
Statewide
6-Oct-23
15-Oct-23
Muzzleloader
Statewide
22-Jan-23
28-Jan-23
General Firearm (Shotgun Seasons)
Statewide
10-Nov-23
19-Nov-23
General Firearm (Shotgun Seasons)
Statewide
13-Jan-23
21-Jan-23
Special Antlerless*
Statewide
1-Oct-23
23-Oct-23
Special Antlerless*
Statewide
16-Oct-23
30-Oct-23
Special Antlerless*
Statewide
20-Oct-23
17-Dec-23
Special Antlerless*
Statewide
27-Oct-23
17-Dec-23
Special Antlerless*
Statewide
30-Oct-23
17-Dec-23
Handgun and Straight- walled Pistol-caliber Rifle
Season closed in Wildlife Management Zones 1A and 1B
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
Season
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Coyote Season (Hunting)
1-Sep
1-Feb
No Limit
No Limit
Delaware Small Game Hunting Season 2023-2024
Squirrel Season
Season
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Gray Squirrel
Sep-23
Feb-23
6
12
Gray Squirrel
Closed during Nov General Firearm
Deer Season
NA
NA
Rabbit Season
Rabbit Season
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Cottontail Rabbit
21-Nov
1-Feb
4
8
Groundhogs Season
Species
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Groundhogs Season
1-Jul
30-Jun
No Limit
8
Quail Season
Quail Season
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Bobwhite Quail
21-Nov
6-Jan
6
12
Pheasant Season
Pheasant Season
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Ring-necked Pheasant (Male Only)
21-Nov
3-Feb
2
4
Delaware Migratory Birds Season 2023-2024
Duck Season
DE Duck Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Ducks (Regular Season)
27-Oct
4-Nov
6
18
Ducks (Regular Season)
20-Nov
25-Nov
6
18
Ducks (Regular Season)
9-Dec
31-Jan
6
18
Snow Ducks
27-Oct
4-Nov
6
18
Snow Ducks
20-Nov
25-Nov
6
18
Snow Ducks
9-Dec
31-Jan
6
18
Duck Bag Limits
Species
Daily Bag Limit (Excluding Mergansers and Coots)
Possession Limit
Mallards
4 (Max 2 hens)
3 times the daily bag limit
Black Ducks
2
3 times the daily bag limit
Pintail
1
3 times the daily bag limit
Canvasback
2
3 times the daily bag limit
Wood Ducks
3
3 times the daily bag limit
Redheads
2
3 times the daily bag limit
Scaup
1
3 times the daily bag limit
Teal
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Shovelers
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Gadwall
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Wigeon
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Goldeneye
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Ring-necked Ducks
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Bufflehead
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Ruddy Ducks
6
3 times the daily bag limit
Mottled Duck
1
3 times the daily bag limit
Fulvous Whistling-Duck
1
3 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
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Coots
27-Oct
4-Nov
15
45
Coots
20-Nov
25-Nov
15
45
Coots
9-Dec
31-Jan
15
45
Mergansers Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Mergansers Season
27-Oct
4-Nov
5
15
Mergansers Season
20-Nov
25-Nov
5
15
Mergansers Season
9-Dec
31-Jan
5
15
Teal Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
September Teal
13-Sep
30-Sep
6
18
Goose Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Canada Goose (Resident)
1-Sep
25-Sep
15
45
Canada Goose (Migratory)
20-Nov
25-Nov
2
6
16-Dec
30-Jan
2
6
Snow Goose
2-Oct
31-Jan
25
No limit
3-Feb
-
25
No limit
Snow Goose Conservation Order
1-Feb
2-Feb
No bag limit
No possession limit
5-Feb
12-Apr
No bag limit
No possession limit
Brant Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Brant
23-Dec
Jan 9 (season closed on Jan 10)
1
3
Brant
11-Jan
27-Jan
1
3
Youth Waterfowl Season
Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Youth Waterfowl Hunt (Youth must be age 10-15.)
21-Oct
3-Feb
6
18
Swan Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Tundra Swan
Nov. 11
Jan. 31
1 per season
1 per season
Mute Swan
Legal to take during any open waterfowl season
No limit
No limit
(Closed during the Snow Goose Conservation Order)
Trumpeter Swan
Closed Season
0 - Closed Season
0 - Closed Season
0 - Closed Season
Dove Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Mourning Dove
1-Sep
21-Oct
15
45
20-Nov
31-Jan
1
-
Rails Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
King and Clapper Rails
2-Sep
22-Nov
2 (Singly or in combination of the two species)
102
Sora and Virginia Rails
2-Sep
22-Nov
3 (Singly or in combination of the two species)
253
Woodcock Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Woodcock
20-Nov
25-Nov
3
9
16-Dec
30-Jan
3
9
Snipe Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Common Snipe
29-Sep
31-Jan
8
24
Gallinules Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Moorhens and Gallinules
2-Sep
22-Nov
15
45
Crow Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Crow
1-Jul-23
30-Mar-24
No Limit
No Limit
28-Jun-24
29-Jun-24
No Limit
No Limit
Furbearer Hunting Season
Raccoon Season
Raccoon Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)
1-Sep
29-Oct
No Limit
No Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)
1-Mar
30-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Hunting season
1-Nov
Feb-29
No Limit
No Limit
Opossum Season
Opossum Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
No harvest allowed during Oct muzzleloader and Oct antlerless deer seasons
1-Sep
29-Oct
No Limit
No Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)
1-Mar
30-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Hunting season
1-Nov
Feb-29
No Limit
No Limit
Fox Season
Fox Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Chase only season (no harvest allowed)
1-Oct
30-Apr
No Limit
No Limit
Hunting Season
1-Nov
Feb-29
No Limit
No Limit
Closed Season
30* With the exception of the antlerless, muzzleloader, and shotgun deer seasons in October through December.
Beaver Season
Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Beaver Season
1-Dec
20-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Muskrat Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Muskrat
1-Dec
10-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Mink Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Mink
1-Dec
10-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Otter Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Otter
1-Dec
10-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Furbearer Trapping Season
Species
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Muskrat, Mink, Otter
1-Dec
10-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Raccoon*, Opossum, Nutria
1-Dec
10-Mar
No Limit
No Limit
Beaver
1-Dec
Mar 20***
No Limit
No more than 8 per season
Red Fox, Coyote
1-Jul
30-Jun
No Limit
No Limit
Groundhog
No specific trapping season
No specific trapping season
No Limit
No Limit
Bullfrog Season
Species
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Bullfrog Season
1-May
Sept. 30
24
48
Snapping Turtle Season
Species
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Snapping Turtle Season
15-Jun
15-May
No Limit
No Limit
Diamondback Terrapin Season
Species
Season Start Dates
Season End Dates
Bag Limit
Possession Limit
Diamondback Terrapin Season
1-Sep
15-Nov
4
No Limit
Turkey Seasons
Turkey Season
Season Start Date
Season End Date
Notes
Wild Turkey
13-Apr-24
11-May-24
Delaware's spring wild turkey hunting season.
Youth & Non-ambulatory Turkey Hunt
6-Apr-24
6-Apr-24
Special one-day hunt for youth and non-ambulatory hunters.
Public Land Permit Segment (A)
13-Apr-24
19-Apr-24
Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Public Land Permit Segment (B)
20-Apr-24
26-Apr-24
Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Public Land Permit Segment (C)
27-Apr-24
3-May-24
Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Public Land Permit Segment (D)
4-May-24
11-May-24
Dates for using permits on designated public land.
Application Deadline
5-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
Category
Price
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
Category
Price
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
Delaware 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.
The 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.
All 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.
A 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.
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 Offenses
Reward Amount
Description
Class 1
Up to $1,000.00
• Commercialization of Wildlife
• Killing of endangered/threatened species
Class 2
Up 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 3
Up 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, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
1 thought on “Delaware Hunting Seasons 2023-2024: New Guidelines & Dates”
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.
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.