Delaware Hunting Seasons 2023-2024: New Guidelines & Dates

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 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 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	6-Jan-23	12-Jan-23
Handgun and Straight- walled Pistol-caliber Rifle	Statewide	8-Jan-23	12-Jan-23
Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunt	Statewide	4-Nov-23	5-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

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	$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
Category	Price
Certain Residents and Non-Residents	FREE
Must Obtain a New LEN Each Year

DNREC Hunting License Important Links

DNREC Hunting License	Important Links	Description
Hunting Licenses	Digital DNREC, License Agents	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.
Trapping Licenses	Digital DNREC, Trapping License Application	Fish and Wildlife Trapping License Applications or Digital DNREC may be used to buy trapping licenses.
Waterfowl Stamps	Delaware Waterfowl Stamp	Delaware 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 Account	Digital DNREC ePermitting, License Exempt Number, HIP Number	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.
Education Requirements	Hunter Education Course, HSN, Trapping Education Course	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.
License Funds at Work	Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act	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.

Other Requirements

• Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number required (LEN). Most waterfowl hunters require both the Delaware and federal duck stamps.

• 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.